New Animal Control and Care Shelter Stresses Educational Aspects
Public-Private Partnership Provides Progressive Small Animal Management
June 17, 2004
By: Dave Rogers
Jeanne Wolicki-Nichols fastens a new leaf on the "Tree of Hope" sprouting with the names of contributors to the campaign.
Visitor to new Bay County Animal Control and Care Center gets acquainted with a dog she is considering adopting.
Bay County Humane Society volunteers have raised nearly $125,000 for the new Bay County Animal Control and Care Center, announced Jeanne Wolicki-Nichols, chairperson of the campaign.
A check for $108,500 was presented to the county to pay for the furniture, fixtures, educational equipment and family involvement aspects of the $900,000 project, she said. Additional funds raised will be used for public education about humane treatment programs for animals, she said.
Mrs.Wolicki-Nichols showed off a "Tree of Hope" that recognizes contributors to the campaign. Outside, she pointed to a brick pathway with names of those who purchased bricks as part of the campaign. The on-going donation program will be managed by the Animal Control staff.
Programs like the Desirable Dog Workshops already have begun to use the educational room in the new shelter adjacent to the old shelter at the Bay County Fairgrounds, 800 Livingston Avenue
The shelter has family "visiting rooms" where those considering adoption of a dog or cat can get acquainted with the potential new household member.
Hundreds visited the new shelter last week during two days of open house that included a ribbon cutting ceremony and burial of a time capsule to be opened in 2054.
The shelter has about $75,000 worth of the most modern stainless steel animal cages, including a special cage for the occasional very large animal that might need to be housed at the shelter.
The idea of educating the public about the need to spay and neuter animals and to adopt strays is stressed. Besides the educational center, equipped with shelves full of books about care of and concern for animals, the new building is papered with artwork by students highlighting aspects of animal care.
The Humane Society has teamed admirably with Animal Control Director Karen Burns and her staff of nine to put together not only a new building but a progressive educational and community involvement program.
Programs include adoptions for companion animals, donations for vaccinations, medications and bedding, workshops for dogs to address behavior problems, animal care and protection services, school presentations, spay/neuter programs, volunteers, visits to nursing homes, dog shows, and providing housing for pets of abused spouses.
More information is available at www.humanesocietyofbaycounty.org. ###