(La Porte, IN) - She’s been involved with animals for much of her life.  A La Porte County woman is now taking a step back.  Jane Bernard is retiring as Director of the La Porte County Small Animal Shelter.

After 31-years as director of the shelter, Bernard says it’s simply time to smell the roses.  “It’s time to take some time off and relax.  The shelter will always be in my heart and I'm sure if whoever is the next director wants some help and wants me to come back I would love to maybe do some volunteer work.  Something along those lines.  We'll see how it plays out,” she said.

Bernard worked at a local animal clinic prior to becoming director.  "The commissioners were looking for somebody to come in and make some changes.  I viewed it as kind of a challenge not realizing what I was getting myself into.  It's been an amazing 31-years and I feel really blessed to have been the director," she said.

Her last day on the job will be February 25.  A new director has not been chosen yet.