Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora is making a plea to save the lifeblood of the city's only animal shelter, Trenton Animals Rock

Mayor Gusciora wrote a letter to Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver asking for state assistance to keep the shelter open.

The city council voted against renewing the shelter's vendor contract last week, leaving them short staffed and animal control officers to fill open positions.

But the mayor says things like veterinarian care and training must fall in the hands of professionals.