2023-11-03 04:12:55
Jackson County Commissioners, Jackson County Animal Shelter Animal Care Technicians, volunteers and other community members gathered for the ribbon cutting and open house of the new Jackson County Animal Shelter Thursday followingnoon. (Photo by Gretchen Dowler)
COTTAGEVILLE — A ribbon cutting and open house was held to celebrate the new Jackson County Animal Shelter Thursday followingnoon.
“We are so glad to have the new shelter,” said Jackson County Commissioner Dick Waybright. “We have so many individuals to thank for making this happen, including Eileen McNeeley and her husband Owen, for which we are naming the main building The McNeeley Building.”
The new Jackson County Animal Shelter has been in the works for several years, with the original grand opening projected for the summer of 2019. The animal shelter project was pushed back due to the county commission struggling for funding as well as a reduction in tax revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Luckily, grants came into play as well as generous donations from local community members and a familiar animal enthusiast, Owen and Eileen McNeeley, David and Linda Dickirson, as well as Jack Hanna.
Hanna is a retired American zookeeper and a former director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. According to a plaque found in the lobby, also called The David and Linda Dickirson Room, of the new animal shelter, in 2015, recognizing the long overdue need for an enlarged and modern animal shelter, The Dickirson Corporation funded the appearance of Hanna and a contingent of animals from the Columbus Zoo to kick off fundraising efforts for a new shelter. Hanna’s appearance, along with the support of the Jackson County Commission and the Jackson County Community Foundation, has led to the creation of the modern animal shelter facility.
“When I told Mr. Hanna of our idea, he said ‘you’ve got to be kidding me’ and said he thought it was wonderful,” David Dickirson said. “He was one of the only people who spoke up for this project. After his visit here, he sent a donation of $2,000 for the animal shelter.”
Some furry friends hang out in the Cool Cats Room at the new Jackson County Animal Shelter. (Photo by Gretchen Dowler)
Jackson County Humane Officer Teresa Hager also thanked individuals who either donated or helped out with the new animal shelter project.
“ARF, OFF, and the Humane Society partnered with us to make this happen,” said Hager. “I mightn’t do my job without the vets from Ripley Paws (Veterinary Clinic).”
The new Jackson County Animal Shelter offered treats and refreshments to those attending the ribbon cutting, as well as a tour of the new facility, which included a view of the Cool Cats Room, the Kittens Room, and the Dog Shelter.
For more information on the new Jackson County Animal Shelter and any questions regarding pet adoptions or volunteer information, call the shelter at 304-372-6064 or visit the Jackson County Animal Shelter Facebook Page.
Gretchen Dowler can be reached at gdowler@newsandsentinel.com
Attendees of the ribbon cutting and open house of the new Jackson County Animal Shelter cuddle and play with kittens up for adoption at the shelter. (Photo by Gretchen Dowler)
Attendees of the ribbon cutting and open house of the new Jackson County Animal Shelter take a look at the dog shelter as well as all the canines up for adoption. (Photo by Gretchen Dowler)
A Jack Hanna painting and dedication plaque hang in the lobby, also called the David and Linda Dickirson Room, of the new Jackson County Animal Shelter. (Photo by Gretchen Dowler)
Dogs up for adoption at the new Jackson County Animal Shelter gaze hopefully at attendees of the ribbon cutting and open house looking for a new home. (Photo by Gretchen Dowler)
Dogs up for adoption at the new Jackson County Animal Shelter gaze hopefully at attendees of the ribbon cutting and open house looking for a new home. (Photo by Gretchen Dowler)
A special thank you sign and fresh flowers are displayed on the front desk at the new Jackson County Animal Shelter. (Photo by Gretchen Dowler)
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