Humane society completes open-air pavilion
The open-air pavilion at the Foothills Humane Society (FHS), phase I of the organization’s latest building project, is complete.
The open-air pavilion has long been on the wish list for the humane society. Enclosed with fencing for security, the pavilion will allow for more activities with animals in a covered, secure setting.
According to FHS officials, the shelter property is some of the best utilized space in the area. The main building includes office and animal space. Additionally, there is a separate building for housing cats and indoor/outdoor kennels. The complex also features fenced outdoor play and training areas, but until now, did not have a good place for working with animals outdoors on hot or rainy days.
Major funding for the pavilion was provided by the Polk County Community Foundation and the Carol M. Wellman Trust.
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.
FHS president Ruth Grubbs, commenting on the new facility, said, “Our pavilion was put to good use immediately with our Independence Day Adopt-A-Thon and last week for a vaccination and microchip clinic.
“The pavilion allows us to hold events, exercise dogs, conduct volunteer training and so much more, regardless of the weather. One use we’re particularly excited about is that it allows adopters a secure space to meet and greet our dogs.”
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 to prevent overpopulation through spay/neuter programs in Polk County and northern Greenville and Spartanburg counties in South Carolina. FHS 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. The FHS shelter is located at 989 Little Mountain Road in Columbus.
For more information, visit www.foothillshumanesociety.org, email foothillshelter@windstream.net or call 828-863-4444.
– article submitted by Libbie Johnson