It started a couple years ago when a gentleman came into the Chippewa County Animal Shelter and gave a generous donation in memory of his wife.
It was then that Holly Henderson, shelter director, knew what she had to do.
"We have been carefully saving our donations in order to make much-needed updates but with the generosity of his donation and our savings, we will be able to fund the majority of the project," she said.
Other donations from various organizations have also come in to help with the $1.2 million expansion project which is needed for the area.
"It's extremely important. Our annual intake (approximately 800 animals) is much too high for such a small space. This isn’t to take in more animals but to better care for those animals we receive. This building was originally built off donations and it's pretty amazing that the addition is following suit. I think it shows how important the shelter is to our community and how strongly people support our mission," she continued.
The expansion is much more than just doubling the physical size of the current building.
It's what's going to happen on the inside.
"A heated drop-off area for after-hour strays. A surgical suite to perform spays and neuters. Instead of one adoptable cat room, there will be three, which is very important for the cats who are frightened by all the hustle and bustle. Two separate rooms to visit with a cat or a dog you are interested in. A larger dog kennel area which includes a puppy room that can house a mom and her puppies. A separate kitten suite for lactating moms. A larger entryway to accommodate the traffic better. Other small things are a separate laundry area (right now we share it with the cat intake area), and room for storage of course. Also, a new mechanical area which will house more appropriate air-handling systems to tackle the odors. A lot of upper respiratory issues, with cats especially, are related to stress so our goal is to create a quieter space for our four-legged friends," she explained.
Henderson cannot thank the community, the volunteers and her staff for how they have helped over the years.
She believes this expansion will ease some of the stress and pressure of those working at the shelter, but also for the animals.
"We have such an incredible staff right now and an extremely strong support system of volunteers that have worked tirelessly over the years to care for the animals but we all recognize that the building was never designed to care for the amount of animals we receive yearly. I think if you just step into the building it's pretty apparent that the building is in need of updates," she explained.
Henderson will never forget that day when the gentleman came in with that generous donation to get the ball rolling.
"There have been so many important people to our organization over the years who have helped us become who we are today and that support system just continues to grow and grow. And while the person who donated does not wish to be named, I have to recognize that this would never have been possible without his help. When he came in that day, it was almost like a guardian angel was sent down to us. I don’t even know if he realizes how important his gift was and how it will truly change the lives of the animals in our care. I, for one, will never forget his kindness. But I think it’s also important to recognize the support from the people, in and outside of our community, who have continued to donate over the years because they believed in us," she said.
Arbic Construction is heading the project.
For more information on the Chippewa County Animal Shelter and how to donate, please click here.
