By Justin Lafeen

We’ve all seen those posters on light posts and stop signs with the tragic
declaration: “LOST DOG.” But what usually happens to our vanished pets?

According to Cache Humane Society advisory board member Don Barringer, wandering animals are taken to one of 17 city-contracted private facilities in Cache County and, if left unclaimed, they are put under in two to five days.

It is with this fact in mind that the Cache Humane Society has been raising funds for over 20 years and has finally begun construction of a new animal shelter that will treat and house dogs and cats from all over Cache Valley.

The new center, which is located at 2350 W. 200 North, will fulfill “the need for a single-central location for people to locate or adopt a pet,” said Paul Mueller, member of the non-profit group's board of directors.

Within the 1.37 acre project is an area for potential adoptive families to play with the animals before pronouncing them as the official family pet.

The center, which has to-date cost approximately $142,300, will greatly benefit the educational community as well. The facility will include an educational center for visiting school, church and family groups, complete with an information library and eventually several presentations about animal control issues.

“We really hope we can get the school kids involved so they can teach their parents about being responsible pet owners,” Barringer said. “There needs to be an awareness to the county of the danger [of animal overpopulation] proportionate to the growth of the human population."

The project has generated over 450 volunteer hours from various groups and individuals, as well as generous material and monetary donations, including a $10,000 gift.

“I’ve never been turned down,” said Barringer. “The community is really supportive."

Community support will continue once the center is completed. Service
opportunities will range from taking dogs on walks to possible pre-veterinary internships to assist in the care of special cases.

“The center will have a ‘no refusal’ policy,” said Mueller, adding that the
center is not yet completed. “Please don’t bring the animals yet!"

The group is in need of more donations to complete the project and open the center. Though the building will be completely enclosed within the next few weeks, funds for external completion and the interior are still needed, estimated at $180,000. In addition, the road known as Valley View Highway must be widened to include a turn lane into the facilities parking area, which could cost roughly $40,000.

Material and monetary donations are welcomed and can be made by emailing Cache Humane Society President Lee Austin at leeaus@upr.usu.edu.

MH
MH