Humane Animal Treatment Society Back Building Renovation
The generous funding awarded through the Labelle Family Fund was used to help cover the cost of renovating one of the most crucial areas in an animal shelter: the canine quarantine area. Prior to renovation, the Isabella County Canine Quarantine outdoor kennels were outdated. In the past few months, the outdoor portion of the Canine Quarantine area has been updated, renovated and made safe again. Using the cement stalls that were in place, all fencing was torn out and the dividers between kennels were replaced with metal in order to fully separate quarantined (and sometimes dangerous) dogs. All kennel doors were replaced with brand new, high-quality, durable fence doors which include new latches. The former dog houses in each kennel were removed. Gutters were installed along the roof edges to help with water drainage. The grass was removed from the surrounding area and gravel was added in order to allow for more thorough sanitizing and to aid in the proper cleaning of all kennels.
Since this area of the Isabella County animal shelter is used to house medically contagious and aggressive, bite-risk quarantine dogs, it is vital that the kennels can be sanitized thoroughly and that they are secure. Thanks to generous grant and donation funding, HATS staff members and the canines they house and care for are safer now. Daily tasks are more efficient in the quarantine area and there are fewer concerns that dogs will escape their enclosures. Overall, the completion of the Canine Quarantine outdoor kennel renovation has increased the safety, efficiency, effectiveness, and cleanliness of the shelter in an area where it is crucial that equipment is functioning properly.
Recently, HATS provided safety and shelter to a giant Newfoundland who came from a neglectful situation that was believed to be a puppy mill. She was named Eeyore during her stay at HATS. Eeyore was filthy and had an incredibly awful smell that came with her matted fur and unkempt coat. Eeyore’s size, condition and odor made her a candidate to live in the back building quarantine during her stay. She was also shy and scared in her new environment, so the quarantine area was her best environment while she awaited her chance at a forever home. Thanks to the renovation of the quarantine area, dogs like Eeyore can be safe and have a comfortable space to lounge and get fresh air until they can be up for adoption. The space is now sturdy, in excellent condition and secure so that dogs are safe and healthy and staff members are not at risk or stressed.
