Animal Shelter Architects Celebrate with Two Communities – Hard Work Still Pays Off!

Finger Lakes animal shelter building design got its own cake!

Caught in the day to day struggle with animal shelter building plans, meeting budgets, zoning ordinance and building code requirements etc.; we tend to lose sight of the depth and breadth of effort needed by so many to realize a new shelter for their community. 

We at Shelterplanners participated in two gratifying events last week. 

The first was the “shelter project kick-off” held in Bath, New York at the Finger Lakes SPCA.  The gathering included members of the shelter Board of Directors, Staff and the Animal Shelter Architects and Construction Management team.  The Finger Lakes SPCA has been working toward this goal for some time, through successive turnovers of its Board and a very patient and determined Executive Director, Vicki Mosgrove who has guided the SPCA toward realizing its new shelter with steady a hand.

The Finger Lakes SPCA’s dedication and determination gives us pause to consider how truly difficult bringing a new shelter to fruition can be; and we are buoyed by their driving spirit of compassion and kindness toward the animals they serve.  We were thrilled to be chosen as the animal shelter architects for this project.  The animal shelter design plans even got a cake!

Our second event was held near Brevard, NC.  Transylvania County opened and dedicated its new shelter.  The event was attended by close to 200 supporters.  The designated speaker for the County government, Commission Chair Mike Hawkins recalled the 20 year effort on the part of the County and its citizens to bring the shelter to fruition and the consistent support of the County’s citizens throughout the process.  He cited the incredible efforts of the “Friends of the Shelter” who raised the final $350,000 needed to assure the animal shelter would be built.  He noted contributions from the City of Brevard and the Town of Rosman without which the project would not have achieved success.

Dr. Clyde Brooks, veterinarian and Board Chairman of the Friends of the Shelter followed.  Dr. Brooks recalled the endless volunteer hours that so many citizens had contributed to the fundraising effort and how gracious the County Manager, Staff and County Commissioners had been, encouraging and allowing the “Friends” both the time and opportunity to help get the project across the finish line. This was truly a community effort and, once again, for the benefit of the lost or stray companion animals.

We are so gratified to be part of both of these new shelters. 

So for all of you out there struggling with trying to bring a shelter to your community, take heart!  While it may involve way more time and effort than you imagined, these two examples clearly show; with enough perseverance, your efforts will be rewarded!