The new animal shelter, organized by the DeKalb Animal Coalition, opens for business in DeKalb County after many hours of a labor of love for those involved.
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The new animal shelter, organized by the DeKalb Animal Coalition, opens for business in DeKalb County after many hours of a labor of love for those involved.
Although there won't be an official ribbon-cutting ceremony as stated earlier they will be taking animals beginning Nov. 6 but persons must call 615-597-1363
Located on a four-acre site near the solid waste transfer station, behind Tenneco off of Highway 70 East, the facility’s director is Megan Moore who will have one paid assistant and local volunteers as staff.
“Volunteers are key,” said Renee Ferguson, board director. “We get help from groups like the Girl Scouts, other civic organizations and the local schools.”
The shelter will serve as a permanent and safe location for neglected, abandoned and abused animals; and to provide an alternative low-kill policy so these animals receive medical attention, reduce overpopulation, and be cared for until they can be placed in permanent homes.
Moore is looking forward to the facility’s opening.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity,” Moore said. “It’s going to mean real change for the county and I’m looking forward to it.”
The City of Smithville and DeKalb County each appropriated $75,000 for the erection of the facility. The animal coalition has paid for the rest of the costs through fundraisers, grants, etc. The new shelter will take the place of a smaller one which has been in existence for years on county property but operated by the city behind the DeKalb County Highway Department Headquarters off Smith Road.
Other benefactors to the cause have been Architectural Custom Cabinets; Dwayne and Cindy Ward, who donated the cabinetry in the shelter; Kevin Burnette in McMinnville who donated the granite tops throughout; and Carter Cove Graphics in Sparta who donated the sign.
“Without all the help we’ve received, especially Dwayne and Cindy Ward, we wouldn’t have been this far along, they’ve saved us so much money,” Ferguson said.
Using all the latest technology, the DeKalb facility will even be online through a service called Pet Finder. Animals up for adoption in DeKalb County can be found on the website, and anyone from Ohio to McMinnville can adopt one. Of course, the shelter is hoping for loving homes right here in DeKalb County.
