Wires dangling from the ceiling, exposed studs, fallen beams, a thick coating of dust and debris on the floor — typically these aren’t great signs for a building.
When the subject is the future animal shelter of the Auburn Valley Humane Society, however, that sort of mess is exactly what everybody involved with the project has been waiting to see.
Donavan Bros Construction began its remodeling of the building on A Street Southeast, 2 1/2 weeks ago. The construction window is expected to be about three months.
“It’s been a concept up until now, but now the concept is reality,” said Auburn City Councilman John Partridge. “I’m hearing people say that they’re excited to see activity. That’s given them that feeling of reality.”
Housed in the former Evergreen Community Center, the new shelter is expected to improve animal control, care, and life for shelter animals in the Auburn community.
Plans call for it to be not only a pound but also a community education center where pets and people come together. What’s more, it will host pet-related seminars with local veterinarians and staff covering topics from grooming to diabetes, plus weekend dog-walking events, kitty calming, visits, service dog information and other pet-related happenings.
The AVHS is raising money to furnish the building, in accordance with its agreement with the City of Auburn, for which the society will operate the shelter. Members are selling $1,000 charter memberships.
“Our goal is 200 charter memberships to furnish everything on the inside of the building, and we are at about 65,” said Dr. Emily Purvis, a local veterinarian and a board member of AVHS. “We are making good progress. Every little bit helps. Even if a charter membership is not possible for an individual or a group, $5 or $10 will be warmly received.”
At their booth last Saturday’s during Petpalooza at Game Farm Park, AVHS members and volunteers greeted people and answered questions about their mission.
“What actually surprised me is how many people still don’t know we’re out there, so we’re just here still trying to spread the word,” Purvis said. “Those that do know we’re out there are so positive. I get positive e-mails about it every day from people that want to help.
“I just heard from a dog trainer that wants to set up some group classes. Someone talked about a doggie daycare, an indoor dog-arena, and wants to donate the use of. We love all the donations and services too.”
Supported by fees
Partridge emphasized that 100 percent of animal licensing fees collected in the city limits go to support the shelter.
“I think we’re doing pretty well with the fundraising,” Purvis said. “It’s steady. It seems to level off, and we get a little concerned, and all of a sudden we have another little spike. Word of mouth is huge, because Auburn is a really tight community. If people can’t help out with money or donations in kind, then they can just spread the word about what we’re trying to accomplish.”
By the time construction is done, kennels will be ready for installation and set up. The City will then add finishing touches such as landscaping and parking.
“We’re hoping to have some sort of soft opening at least a month or two in advance of Jan. 1,” Purvis said, “so we can get our staff up and running, and the director can have things just running perfectly.”
The AVHS is a group of concerned community members and seven Auburn veterinarians who have teamed together to help solve a need. They put together a nonprofit group to establish a local animal shelter aimed at caring for Auburn’s lost, stray and abandoned pet population.
Auburn’s contract with AVHS is for seven years, with an option to renew. The AVHS’ contract officially takes effect Jan. 1, 2013, one day after the current contract expires with King County.
In addition to the City-owned building, the City is to provide an animal control officer. By having control of its own officer and whatever goes along with that, the City figures it can recoup its initial $1.1 million investment and startup costs within two to three years.
The agreement calls for AVHS to operate the shelter, which the City will lease to the nonprofit organization for $1. The City will provide up to $417,000 toward the completion of tenant improvements there. The shelter’s capacity will be 50 animals per day. If there are more, AVHS has agreed to work to reduce the population through adoption, foster care, other humane societies or other appropriate means.
Auburn Valley Humane Society’s next fundraiser is a 5K run Aug. 25 at Roegner Park.
