A longtime dream becoming true

A light snowfall mixed with rain on Tuesday, Nov. 30, didn’t dampen the spirits of those present for what Suzyn Barron, president of the Warwick Valley Humane Society, described as the second groundbreaking for a new animal shelter on its site at 48 Public Works Drive just off Kings Highway.

On Oct. 14, 1968. the Humane Society opened and began managing what was then a new animal shelter.

The original shelter, a small building, had been on a site just off Sanfordville Road. The new facility, at that time, consisted of just the lobby and the kennel. But over the past 53 years, the Humane Society has renovated, repaired and added on.

But as the Town of Warwick expanded in population, so had the number of animals needing the shelter as a safe haven. And overcrowding was an understatement.

Revenue and fund-raising

The goal of the society, aided by a $500,000 grant from the New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund Grant program and through a variety of upcoming fund raisers, was to rebuild its aging shelter at a cost of almost $2 million.

Barron reported that the “Rebuild the Shelter Fund” is still about $400,000 short but she was hopeful contributions will still be forthcoming. In fact someone had just offered a $25,000 matching contribution and smaller contributions are also very welcome. .

“Today, “said Barron, “we break ground for a new animal shelter facility. We started this project over two years ago and were so fortunate to end up with our dream team of our two architects, Chris Collins and Kevin Malone and mechanical engineer, Matthew Blake. Gentlemen, you stuck by us despite my many tweaks, and created a spacious facility with warmth, flow and little wow factor that I needed. Joining our dream team, we are ever so lucky to have contracted with Thom Woglom Construction. Our family is complete to see this project through.”

‘Positioned to provide even better service to our residents’

Barron praised the Town of Warwick and its board for its understanding and support of the society’s efforts on behalf of the community’s homeless pets. She also thanked her Board of Directors, staff and volunteers.

“The town is so grateful to have the Warwick Humane Society providing animal control and caring for the many lost, abandoned or injured animals in our community,” said Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton. “We are thrilled that they have begun the construction of their new facility so they are positioned to provide even better service to our residents. I want to thank Suzyn Barron, the staff, volunteers and the many generous donors who have made this all possible.”

Essentials

To contribute to the Rebuild the Shelter fund go to: https://wvhumane.org/rebuild-the-shelter/