The Oneida County Humane Society has begun a major push toward an expansion of its facilities on Rhinelander's north side.
Earlier this week the group broke ground on the expanded facility.
Humane Society treasurer Sue Otis said there was a great deal of excitement as the project finally got underway after a delay due to weather...
"....we will have more than double the space we currently have. The new addition is going to be built towards Stevens St. so it won't be taking up any of our backyard play area for the animals. We will be adding some wellness centers for both cats and dogs. A larger lobby, a meet and greet area where folks can come in and spend some time with their potential new pets. Small animal animal, a new small dog area...."
The projected cost for the expansion came in just under $600,000. She says they have enough money to move the construction forward....
"....currently we have $425,000 in the bank and we do have the availability to get a loan from a private party so that we can complete the project. (Krall) 'but you're still taking donations?'(Otis) 'We are still taking donations, we're applying for grants and we're still are taking donations until the loans are paid off...."
Otis says the shelter will still be open to the public during construction. She says the hours have changed which is 3 p.m.-6 p.m. daily except Saturday which is noon to 3 p.m. She says they've put up a new pathway and signs for the public to be safe during construction.
Otis thanked everyone who donated. She says they wanted to get construction going so the donors could see progress toward an upgraded facility. More information is on their website and Facebook pages.
