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Pocono News Section
Animal Shelter Grand Opening
Animal Shelter Grand Opening - Friday, November 13, 2009 at 4:07PM EST
Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Friday, Nov 13, 2009 @ 04:07pm EST
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - For the first time in nearly ten months stray animals will have a place to go in Monroe County.
The PSPCA abruptly closed the Stroudsburg shelter in January. It blamed a lack of community support. But the community organized a group to reopen the shelter. It's called the Animal Welfare Society of Monroe (AWSOM).
Marie Grimm is on the AWSOM Board of Directors. She said, "We're just so excited that this day has come and we're gonna be able to open, get the animals in here and get them off the streets and out of the cold."
Dee Raneri is president of the board. She said, "This time it's going to be different. We're opening the first no kill shelter that Monroe County has ever had so we're very proud to be able to do that."
All the joy at the grand opening celebration was tempered by a tough financial situation. The shelter only has enough money to stay open for three months. Grimm said, "Monroe County and the residents decide if we're gonna be here in three months and how many hours we have by the donations we receive."
The shelter needs donations to cover operational costs. It also needs volunteers to walk dogs and foster families to take care of pets until they find forever homes. Grimm said, "There's so much at stake. There's a lot to lose."
If shelter operators don't get community support, the place could face another shut down. But for now managers are focusing on the positive and looking forward to a bright future. Raneri smiled, "For us it's an Awsome day today!"
The shelter will start accepting animals by appointment only at eleven Saturday morning. If you would like to volunteer you should call 570-421-DOGS. | | |
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