It’s official! The construction of the Community Animal Shelter is to begin. The City of Larned is assisting with funds to break ground for the shelter. The total cost of the shelter is approximately $308,000. "We are under way in fulfilling a community need for an animal shelter. The shelter will be located on land donated by Al and Patty Campbell at the corner of 8th Street and Highway 264, just north of the Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility (LCMHF)," said Lois Eye, president of the Pawnee County Humane Society.
Phase One of the project will involve the pouring of the cement slab and the outside walls of the building using the funds secured so far. "To complete Phase Two and finish the interior of the Community Shelter, we will need to raise the remaining amount," said Eye.
The PCHS needs the help of the community to accomplish this goal. The Pawnee County Humane Society has launched a capital campaign, called Project P.A.W.S. (Providing Animals With a Shelter), with the goal of "Building a P.A.W.S.itive Place." This shelter will represent the community as a whole and exist as everyone’s Shelter.
"The Pawnee County Humane Society has been able to assist the animals in Larned and the surrounding area because of the support and dedication of this community. Our members and volunteers have assisted with events, contributed monetary donations and served as foster homes. We’ve come a very long way from our beginnings as a small group of concerned citizens. Now we’re asking you to help us take this next large step by supporting the construction of the Community Animal Shelter," Eye said.
This Community Animal Shelter will be operated and licensed by the Pawnee County Humane Society in collaboration with the work-release program at LCMHF. The shelter will serve as an integral part in the community as a refuge for lost and unwanted animals, a resource providing education about responsible pet ownership and much more. While this will be the home of the Pawnee County Humane Society, it will be YOUR community animal shelter.
"Our local contractors are already behind this project, as a large part of the project costs have been offset by their donations. If we delay the construction of this facility, we may lose those reduced costs. Your financial donations are needed to make this vision a reality," Eye said.
As you consider making a donation for this facility, please remember how a pet has enhanced your life and how responsible pet ownership can be a real joy.
To make your tax-deductible donation to the Pawnee County Humane Society, a 501(c)(3) organization, please contact a PCHS Board member by calling 620-282-2554 or 620-285-2992. Contributions can also be mailed to Pawnee County Humane Society, Inc., P.O. Box 224, Larned, KS 67550. Web site: www.pawneehumane.com.
