A long-time dream of local animal lovers took another real step with the move of The Kathleen Anne Tenny Animal Shelter to a facility twice as large as its original home. The shelter, located at 62 Gorton Avenue, Hilton, is accessible via Old Hojack Road. The new facility greatly reduces overhead costs, will allow for additional space for the facility's feline clientele and offers the ability to add dogs in the fall. Beth Garlock, shelter director, said the new space will give some much needed breathing room. "We're still growing, so it is great to have a larger place," Garlock said. The shelter is housing about 30 felines and is actively looking for families to adopt older cats. To show off the new facility, the animal shelter will have an open house Saturday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festivities will include hot dogs, soda, balloons and raffles. Donna LaForce, president of the Shelter's Board, said the organization has much to celebrate. In addition to the move, and the possibility of housing dogs, the shelter has also been able to add weekend hours. In addition to being open Tuesday through Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m., the shelter is now open to the public Friday from 3 to 5:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5:30 p.m. The board is now looking into the ability to add foster care, a membership program and for ways to increase the number of student volunteers. LaForce said all of this process has been possible because of the tremendous volunteer support. She points to Garlock as a good example of the effort that has gone into this project. "Beth has devoted so much time," LaForce said. "Her love of animals and desire for us to grow is fantastic." The shelter will have a presence at several upcoming community events including the Fly-In Breakfast, the Firemen's Kiddie Parade and Parma's Summerfest. Throughout the summer the shelter will sell paw prints, which are hand-sculpted, hand-painted concrete paw prints that can be used as garden stepping stones. All proceeds go to the shelter. To continue to expand service, the shelter is seeking more adult volunteers. For information call 392-0995. |
