Newsletter - Paw Prints
It's finally happening! We're building! The Humane Society of Wickenburg held it's official groundbreaking on May 28, 2008 to celebrate the beginning of construction of the animal shelter on its two acres in the Business Park. Sincere thanks goes out to each of you who has fallen into step by believing in us, being faithful to us, endorsing us, donating to us and becoming part of our journey towards the construction of our dream. Building the shelter is another step in creating even greater bonds among the Humane Society and the community at large.
In order to secure our future operational costs, our capital campaign goal is $2 million and, through your commitment, we are more than halfway there. We have hosted various fundraising events and received support from many members of the community as well as partial funding from The Wellik Foundation and other grantors to see this shelter built.
The Humane Society had humble beginnings in September 2004 when it incorporated as a non-profit - sometimes painfully so - 501(c)3, being housed in a horse barn on a local ranch and later condemned for the town bypass. The shelter will now be state-of-the-art in both form and function. The design will meet the animal sheltering challenges for decades to come. Though 6,707 total square feet with only 4,671 heated area, the plan devotes most of its square footage to animal care and the shelter can be easily expanded if necessary. Cutting-edge technology has been incorporated to enhance cost effectiveness, reduce energy consumption and facilitate cleaning. These design features help control operating expenses, as well as provide for the comfortable physical and mental well-being of animals waiting new homes.
Some of those features are the people-friendly and inviting adoption and get-acquainted areas, clinic, education and multimedia center; hygienic and sound-absorption materials on floors and walls for a healthy physical environment, efficient and high-quality ventilation and drainage for decreased transmission of disease with facing heat-controlled indoor/covered outdoor dog kennels across a landscaped courtyard to play, socialize and exercise for a healthy mental environment. That courtyard will be laid with compassion by donations for personalized bricks - one brick at a time. And our small dogs/pups and cats will enjoy romping around or watching birds in separate screened-in play areas.
We look forward to a new beginning for the animals and residents of the Town of Wickenburg. You can watch the shelter being built through pictures by clicking on New Construction. Though these new beginnings are truly a cause for celebration, we can never rest on our laurels.
It costs an average of $250 to shelter an animal. You can take this opportunity to buy into the project and own a piece of the shelter. Beyond the costs of construction and landscaping, the shelter will need office furniture, computers, cabinets, television and media equipment, clinic equipment, commerical washer and dryer, pet tub, refrigerator, microwave, cabinetry, cat condos, litter boxes, food and water bowls, dog and cat beds, toys, blankets, pet foods, detergents and many more wish list items.
To date, we have been blessed with physical, emotional and financial commitment but need your continuing support to save the lives of Wickenburg's lost, homeless and hopeless pets. The stray animal problem will not be solved because the shelter is being built. Until aggressive spay/neuter action reduces the numbers of strays, more and more space will be necessary to house and feed these animals. We receive no municipal, county, state or federal funding. If we could receive $10 from 30 donors in a month's time, it would equal $300. Invested at 5% yearly return, that account would have $20,402 after five years! If you or anyone you know wants an opportunity to be part of a feel-good, positive community project, then you should join us now. We have various levels of support such as Membership, Naming Rights and Pledges. You can also donate a bag of dog food through Pedigree Dog Food or donate a dog bed through Kuranda Dog Beds. (see links below) Help us keep up the good fight and give whatever you can. Please - do it now!
Link to Membership Application ...
Link to Naming Rights...
Link to Pledge Form ...
Link to Pedigree Dog food donation...
Link to Kuranda Dog Bed donation...