AWL Board members were joined by volunteers, shelter workers and members of the construction team at the groundbreaking Friday afternoon.
It was an especially proud day for Darla McCammon, the former executive director of the organization, who spearheaded fundraising efforts for the shelter before and after her retirement.
“After many years of hard work, it is so satisfying to see this new facility that will benefit the people and the pets of our community come to fruition,” says McCammon. “I am overjoyed that we have a builder and donors and supporters and an architect that have pulled together to bring this about.”
Since McCammon retired in April, Katey Wilks Zemen has filled the executive director role.
She says the new shelter will allow the AWL more space as its has outgrown its current location.
AWL Board President Woody Zimmerman says they’re excited that construction is beginning.
“The new building will be a great asset to the community and will meet the needs of the staff and the animals being housed there until they find their forever homes,” he said.
The new shelter is slated open next summer. The construction goal is to have the basic framework of the facility installed by the latter part of December, followed by the roof in February.
