by Denise Massie
With funds still being raised, the construction on a new building for the Cass County Animal Shelter won’t begin until next year.
Animal shelter director Kim Kesler said $250,000 still needs to be raised before the plans for a new shelter can go forward.
“We haven’t set a date, but as soon as we raise the funds we will start,” said Kesler, who is also president of the Cass County Humane Society board. “I would really like to start late spring or early summer, if we get the rest of the funds.”
Construction costs for the building are approximately $650,000.
Since the humane society started raising funds for the shelter, Kesler said community support has been outstanding.
“I believe the public wants to see this as much as we do,” she said. “I think they also know it needs to be done.”
The organization will need additional money for operational costs and supplies for the building, including computer systems, desks and other office equipment.
Plans for the new facility include 30 indoor/outdoor dog runs, two cat rooms, an educational room for training, a director’s office, a front lobby and reception area, quarantine rooms for bite cases and a fenced area for walking dogs.
The facility will include 6,020 square feet — more than twice the size of the current facility.
According to Kesler, there is a definite need for the extra space.
“We’ve been in this facility for seven and a half years,” she said. “The capacity is way too small. More animals are coming in since I’ve been here. We’ve had a 100 percent increase and it’s worse with the economy.”
Kesler is hoping to raise additional money this month.
On Saturday, the humane society hosted a bingo night at Izaak Walton League.
Kesler also wanted to do something for the entire month and came up with the idea to have a “tag month.” She asked several area businesses to participate by selling paper tags with the Cass County Animal Shelter logo on them for $1. The person can sign their name and the tag will be displayed in the window of the business.
Kesler said the tags are available at all Cass County veterinarians offices, Maxx Tan, McCords Do It Best Center, several local taverns, Jerry’s Pizzeria, Bruno’s Pizza, Judy’s Goodlife Emporium, Rural King, Family Video, Hair Salon 303 and West Side Cut and Curl.
“It’s a great way to raise awareness,” Kesler said. “People walk into a business and see our logo. We want them to become familiar with our logo.”
Because of the holidays, fundraising activities will stop during December, but will resume in February and last through at least April.
“We’re probably going to have three busy months,” she said. “We’re planning on a large fundraiser with a silent auction and possibly a walk/run event.”
One major event conducted earlier this year was the Rescues and Runways fashion show, which was hosted by the humane society and Maurice’s. Kesler said the show was a success.
“We plan to continue it in years to come,” she said. “I think the public had a good time with that.”
In addition to a $10,000 grant from the Cass County Community Foundation in August, the rest of the money raised to date came from public donations.
Kesler hopes the public will continue to realize the need for the new facility and continue to help out. She is grateful to know people care.
“It’s such a wonderful feeling,” she said.
• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com
