Building for new animal shelter leased, grand opening set for Aug. 13

Plans for a new animal shelter in Red Oak are beginning to take shape.
Tracy Hill, representing the Heart of South West Iowa Animal Coalition, said they are in the process of renovating the building at 2047 Fernwood Ave. in Red Oak. Hill said the building is currently being leased, with the hope that it can later be purchased, and was needed due to an influx of animals needing a place to be boarded.
“We had up to six animals in our home, and because there were so many strays so we had to get a building as soon as possible. We are interested in buying the building we are in, so we are still doing a lot of fundraisers to raise the money to pay for the overhead, as we wait to see if the city or county will decide to contribute,” Hill explained.
In addition to monetary donations, Hill said they are also looking for donations of items, including
• Benadryl for dogs with allergies.
• Pepto-Bismol.
• An extra large fan.
• Dog toys and cat toys.
• Cat litter and cat food. • Canned dog food.
• Two more litter boxes.
• A four-drawer filing cabinet.
• Folders with pockets.
• Permanent markers.
• Flea and tick preventative.
• Heartworm preventative.
• Dog beds.
• Five gallons of white interior paint.
• Outside playground equipment for the dogs.
• Open and closed signs.
• Clocks.
• Puppy pee pads.
• Newspapers.
• Anyone’s old leashes and collars to donate to those that don’t have any.
• Paint rollers and brushes.
• Heavy duty garbage bags, 32 ounce or larger.
• Bleach.
• Cleaning supplies and solutions.
Hill added that they are also looking for anyone who is willing to volunteer their time to the shelter.
“We need volunteers to walk the dogs and clean cages, socialize with scared puppies, put laundry away etc. Right now we are spending endless hours painting the walls and touching up the cages as they cannot show any rust per state rules. We will also be needing shelving units to put everything up on,” said Hill.
After the state inspection, hours will be Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Plans currently call for the grand opening of the shelter to be Aug. 13.
For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067093089037, facebook.com/groups/590337819410655, or call 515-520-7748.

The Red Oak Express

2012 Commerce Drive
P.O. Box 377
Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: 712-623-2566 Fax: 712-623-2568

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