The Cookeville-Putnam County Animal Shelter received a sizeable bequest – in excess of $1 million – from the estate of Tennessee Tech professor Mary Ayers.

At its meeting this past Thursday, the Cookeville City Council gave City Manager Mike Dawson the go-ahead to implement an agreement with Ayers’ estate for the bequest. The next step is to evaluate the shelter’s needs and determine how best to address those needs.

The Putnam County Commission approved the agreement during its meeting last month.

The next step is for city and county officials to determine the best use for the funds – and a suitable way to recognize their benefactor, Mrs. Ayers.

City Councilman Dwight Henry said the city is proud of the shelter’s modern facility. “This very generous estate grant is going to bring it to a whole new level,” he said.