Construction of Foothills Humane Society’s new multi-purpose pavilion is under way. This much-needed facility will provide a covered and fenced area to train and exercise the dogs, run classes and adoption events and hold vaccination and microchip clinics for the public.

“All these activities have been canceled in inclement weather and holding them in unsecured areas has been a risk to animals who might accidentally escape,” said Foothills’ operations director Dot Moyer. “This facility will also provide a covered ‘meet-and-greet’ area for potential adopters and offer off-leash training opportunities.” The new parking area adjoining the pavilion will allow the shelter to safely accommodate these popular activities.

Foothills’ Training Coordinator Kayla Parish is excited about the new opportunities the Pavilion will offer.

“Foothills can offer training classes and other educational opportunities to the public, expand our very popular ‘100 Recyclable’ training program and allow us to follow up with adopters to continue the basic training we provide at the shelter,” said Parish. Basic training of dogs greatly improves their adoptability, Parish also noted.

Phase II of the pavilion project, to be completed as funds are raised, will enclose a section of the open air building to provide climate-controlled “meet and greet” training and clinic areas.

To date, major donors for the project are the Polk County Community Foundation and the Carol M. Wellman Trust. Funds to complete the pavilion are gratefully accepted and naming opportunities remain. The “Buy a Brick, Raise the Roof” fundraiser offers donors a permanent opportunity to be part of the Pavilion by purchasing an engraved paver brick for the entrance patio for $50.

Foothills Humane Society is a North Carolina not-for-profit organization started in 1957 to prevent animal abuse, to care and find homes for stray and abandoned animals, to promote responsible pet ownership and the prevention of overpopulation through spay/neuter in Polk County and northern Greenville and Spartanburg counties in South Carolina. Foothills is working for a community of No More Homeless Pets, and in 2010 achieved an overall live release rate of 98.7 percent of all animals. Foothills’ shelter is located at 989 Little Mountain Road in Columbus.

For more information, visit www.foothillshumanesociety.org or foothillshelter@windstream.net or call 828-863-4444.

– article submitted by Libbie Johnson