Second Chance buys land for animal shelter

Second Chance Animal Adoption has purchased the thrift store it rents along with an acre to build what will be Boundary County’s first animal shelter.

“For years many have been saying how desperately our county needs humane, safe housing for cats and dogs; each year the skepticism of whether one would be built continues to amplify,” said Second Chance Executive Director Rhonda Hamerslough. “Now, the dreams of many are becoming a reality. To the dog and cat lovers of our community who have faithfully supported Second Chance’s effort to provide a shelter for the lost, abandoned and unwanted animals, SCAA says thank you.”

The property at 6647 Lincoln St. was purchased at the end of September. Second Chance will continue operating the thrift store and build a shelter on the same property.

“This will make it so convenient,” Hamerslough said. “The entire organization will be housed under one roof, which will create a more cost effective operation.”

Second Chance has a project manager, who is getting bids for the construction. Weather permitting, the non-profit group hopes to pour concrete for the first phase of the project before the end of the year.

Dog kennels will be built first followed by administrative offices and cat housing that will include a community cat room that can be viewed by the public. The third phase will include building a multi-purpose room for dog training and educational classes, meetings, and a get-acquainted room.

The dog kennels will house nine adoptable dogs, have three kennels for isolation and three for quarantine.

The cat area will have house 20 to 25 adoptable cats, five condos for isolation and five condos for quarantine.

Outside  areas for the dogs will be available for exercise and play.

Numerous hours have gone into planning the layout, discussing staffing and operational costs, speaking with individuals from other shelters, visiting other shelters and consulting with experts, Hamerslough said.

“The one thing that became so apparent was that money had to be spent in the appropriate areas to create a safe, disease preventative, humane and enriching environment for the dogs and cats,” she said. “If you build too large, you lose the ability to not only financially sustain the operations, but just as important, when there are too many dogs it is difficult to provide training, socialization, and a mentally stimulating environment, which is so important in helping to mold a dog into a loving and well mannered companion that is ready for a new home.”

“We understand the reality of needing a large facility but at this point it is not financially possible.  We would rather build smaller but build better,” Hamerslough continued. “Considering the inevitable growth of the county our plans include the ability to expand when that time comes.”

Second Chance will be seeking businesses that are willing to donate supplies and materials for the building.

“We are on a very limited budget, which restricts some of what we want to do, however we will in no way compromise our number one core value — animals come first and maintain our mission statement in all that we do,” Hamerslough said.

In addition to the construction project SCAA is finalizing a strategic, business plan, creating core values and molding a strong board of directors who will assist maintaining focus.

“SCAA has not had any type of formal plan in the past” Hamerslough said. “The community entrusts us to run the organization in a fiscally responsible manner, I want to make sure that is done. SCAA is stronger than ever and I am so excited that our dreams are now a reality for these animals.”

“For all they give to us…..now it is your turn to give to them” she continued. “Now more than ever we need your support.”

To make a monetary donation for the shelter or to view the floor plans for the first phase, stop at the Second Chance Thrift Store or reach Hamerslough at 946-9076 or by e-mail at scaabonnersferry@aol.com.