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 >New Shelter
JULY 1st, 2010 - History is Made- OUR NEW SHELTER OPENS!!!!
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A festive parade marked the important opening of our new animal shelter, Boundary County's first. The city pound dogs were escorted to their new home with style, and appeared to be enjoying every moment. Chief of Police Alonzo and Mayor Anderson were leading the parade in a police car, and our disabled dog Gracie rode with them. After twelve years of blood, sweat and tears, Second Chance is extremely proud of this accomplishment and grateful to all of you who have supported the animals in the past and present.
The new shelter is 1,450 square feet is handicap accessible. It has a bathroom, laundry room and grooming area. There are nine dog runs, and three police intake areas for strays found after hours. There are play, socialization and training yards on site.
Medical and temperament assessment of all dogs will be provided. There are three isolation kennels. The dogs will be exercised, trained, socialized and shown to potential adopters by staff.
The shelter will have staff to clean and assist in disease prevention and an assertive plan is in place to cut down possible noise. The dogs will be housed inside at night; extra insulation has been used in the structure to mitigate the noise.
For information on how you can help in our shelter please call (208) 267-7504
Shelter Hours are noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
For information or to report a lost dog within the city, call 267-7504
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March 18, 2010:
The kennels where the adoptable dogs will be housed are just about complete as far as the masonry is concerned... next we are finishing up the city drop-off kennels, and then the fencing around the top.
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Shelter Progress Timetable:
- November 9, 2009 - Phase I officially begins -Ground is Broken!
- November 21 -Groundbreaking Ceremony
- December 17 -The roof goes on, indoor framing begun!
- January 19, 2010 - The doggy bathtub is installed!
- January 21-Passed Plumbing & Electrical inspections; plumbing & electrical work to begin
- January 27 -Siding started
- February 3 -Siding done
- February 11 -Ceilings, insulation and drywall
- February 23-Drywall done, texture has been sprayed
- February 27 -Inside walls painted, a lovely subtle green!
- March 12 -The walls to the kennels are going up
- March 18 -The dog kennels are just about complete as far as the masonry is concerned... next we are finishing up the city drop-off kennels, and then the fencing around the top!
BOUNDARY COUNTY GETS
ITS FIRST SHELTER!
Thanks to the concentrated and passionate efforts of Second Chance Animal Adoption (SCAA) Boundary County will finally have a long-awaited animal shelter. For years many have been saying how desperately our county needs humane, safe housing for cats and dogs. Now, the dreams of many are becoming a reality. To the dog and cat lovers of our community who have faithfully supported Second Chance’s effort to provide a shelter for the lost, abandoned and unwanted animals, SCAA says thank you. Your time, effort, and contributions have made it possible for SCAA to begin construction on Boundary County’s first ever animal shelter.
The property located at 6647 Lincoln St. was purchased at the end of Sept. 2009 with the intention of maintaining the current thrift store and constructing a shelter on the same property. This will make it so convenient says Executive Director Rhonda Hamerslough. “The entire organization will be housed under one roof which will create a more cost effective operation.” There are several phases to this project. Phase I will be the construction of dog kennels; Phase II will involve the construction of administrative offices and cat housing that is fun and stimulating, which will include a
community cat room that can be viewed by the public; Phase III will include a large multi-purpose room with the intention of using it for dog training classes, meetings, educational classes, and a get acquainted room. The dog kennels will have the capacity to house 9 adoptable dogs, 3 kennels for isolation, and 3 kennels for quarantine. The cat area will have the capacity to house 20-25 adoptable cats, 5 condos for isolation and 5 condos for quarantine. Outside areas for the dogs will be available for exercise and play. According to Rhonda numerous hours have gone into planning the layout; discussing staffing and operational costs; speaking with individuals from other shelters; visiting other shelters; and consulting with experts. The one thing that became so apparent was that money had to be spent in the appropriate areas to create a safe, disease preventative, humane and enriching environment for the dogs and cats. “If you build too large you lose the ability to not only financially sustain the operations but just as important when there are too many dogs it is difficult to provide training, socialization, and a mentally stimulating environment, which is so important in helping to mold a dog into a loving and well mannered companion that is ready for a new home. We understand the reality of needing a large facility but at this point it is not financially possible. We would rather build smaller but build better. Considering the inevitable growth of the county our plans include the ability to expand when that time comes.” SCAA has a project manager who is already getting bids for the construction. Weather permitting they hope to pour concrete for Phase 1 before the end of the year.
SCAA believes that every animal deserves to be loved but too often the harsh reality is that many are left without homes. Sadly, during the current economy many pet owners have to make tough decisions about their animals and the cruel truth is that more pets will be dumped and abandoned on the street while others are left to suffer hunger, neglect, and abuse. Every dayin the United States, thousands upon thousands of puppies and kittens are born because of the uncontrolled breeding of pets. Add to that number the offspring of stray and abandoned companion animals, and the total becomes even more staggering. Every year, between six and eight million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters. Every cat or dog who dies as a result of pet overpopulation—whether humanely in a shelter or by injury, disease or neglect—is an animal who, more often than not, would have made a wonderful companion, if given the chance.
SCAA will be seeking businesses that are willing to donate supplies and materials for the construction project. “The more we can get donated the more we can focus on creating the appropriate housing” says Rhonda. “We are on a very limited budget which restricts some of what we want to do, however we will in no way compromise our number one core value…animals come first and maintain our mission statement in all that we do.”
In addition to the construction project SCAA is finalizing a strategic business plan, creating core values, and molding a strong board of directors which will assist the organization in maintaining focus. “SCAA has not had any type of formal plan in the past” says Rhonda. “The community entrusts us to run the organization in a fiscally responsible manner, and I want to make sure that is done. SCAA is stronger than ever and I am so excited that our dreams are now a reality for these animals.”
“For all they give to us…..now it is your turn to give to them” says Rhonda. “Now more than ever we need your support.” Please consider a monetary donation to the shelter. If you would like to view the floor plans for Phase I they are posted at the SCAA Thrift Store. For more information on how you can help please call (208) 267-7504 or e-mail : secondchanceanimaladoption@hotmail.com
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