Finney Co. Animal Shelter

[Lou]

DogLady, could you bring SWKTalk members up to date on the new animal shelter?  I'm not sure if it's close to being ready, or maybe is ready and open?

Any info is appreciated.

[ksdoglady]

Sure, be glad to tell you  what I know, and it isn't much!  The new shelter is absolutely fabulous.  When the State Inspector came out she said she would deny it if quoted, but it is the best shelter in the State.  We can be very proud of this new facility. 

It is in the possession of the City and I think they are in the process of installing phones, computers, etc.  The new equipment (desks, chairs, laundry equipment, etc) has been ordered and should arrive any day.  I know the City is planning to have an open house before the animals are moved into the facility, but I don't know how close we are to that.  I was told tentatively, the middle of the month....but I have been told lots of dates that didn't happen, so just waiting for notice from the PD.

In a perfect world we would have had all the stuff and been ready to move in the day Mr. Green handed the keys to the city....but as we know...it isn't a perfect world.  We were turning dogs away last week due to overcrowding at the old shelter....and that new building with lots of room is just standing there empty....but we will get there.

The facility is fabulous.  Kenny Green is an outstanding person and went above and beyond the call of duty (and his contract with the City) in finishing this building.  What many people do not appreciate, is that our shelter is a destination for people visiting our city...much like the zoo or Home Depot.  Even that smelly old building drew adopters from Colorado, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and many other towns in Kansas.  Those adopters no doubt bought a meal, gas for their cars, and added to our sales tax revenues.

More than anything, we can be proud of the fact that the dedicated employees who care for the animals, finally have a decent place to work.   I dare say no other City or County employees have had such poor working conditions.  This facility belongs to the citizens of this community and they can be justly proud of it.

[Lou]

Thanks, DogLady, that's terrific news!

I'm eager to take a tour of the facility, when that time comes.  It's good news that the structure will be capable of housing additional four legged friends awaiting adoption.  I know that folks come from far and wide to adopt; this will make the experience better for all involved and lead to additional adoptions, I'm sure.

It makes me proud to be a supporting member and I hope many other folks will decide to help in whatever way they can.  If you're considering a family pet, why not take a look at the options available at the shelter?

 

[november]

Thanks for the update, doglady! So glad to hear all of that. I keep meaning to come volunteer at the shelter, but I'm kind of strapped for free time with a newborn and all! That and the fact that I am such an animal lover I'm not sure if I could handle the emotional impact of helping care for doggies I know will never get adopted out. Thank God for people like you!

[ksdoglady]

I am glad you said that.....one point I want to clear up is that most of the dogs in our shelter do find new homes.  If they are not adopted here we send about 80% of them to Denver Dumb Friends League in Denver where they are adopted usually within a couple of days.  Many of those who can't go do DDFL for whatever reason (usually appearance - they cannot resemble a pitbull at all since they are banned in Denver and most suburbs) can go to other shelters in Colorado or Nebraska.   That is a lot of what I do, networking with other shelters to see what they can help us with.  I have found two wonderful no kill rescues in the Kansas City area who take a lot of our harder to place small dogs...usually fear issues....and they have no trouble placing them.

So, while it is true that we do euthanize some dogs, most are old, sick, or pitbull breed or mixes that we are not allowed to offer for adoption due to city ordinances.   

I know it is hard for some people emotionally to come to the shelter....and it was for me too....but I decided to suck it up and just do it, because if people who love animals won't help them.....who will?  And as a result of my efforts, many more are saved.

[Birdfan]

Good to hear about the shelter.

It was nice to see that so many in the community chipped in, as well. It truly was a community-wide effort, with volunteers donating time and money to make the shelter an even better facility than the city proposed.

Congratulations to everyone who gave money for kennels, etc.