Humane Society of Bay County Expansion Plans: From Igloo to Turtle
The Humane Society of Bay County (www.AdoptMe.org) provides a no kill shelter for cats and dogs. The goal is to find loving new homes for pets as quickly as possible. Also, to end the needless destruction of companion animals by working with local animal control to reduce the number of animals in their care. Other than the name and the common interest, HSBC is completely independent from the nationwide acting Humane Society (www.HumaneSociety.org). All funding and work for the Humane Society of Bay County is raised and contributed by their local members and by generous donors and sponsors.
Following the growing demand for space, the Humane Society’s board members announced their intention to return to their original home, the “Igloo” at 1600 Bay Avenue in Panama City.
The charismatic dome structure is over 30 years old and has been unused since 2009 when building maintenance costs had become unfeasible and operations had to be moved to the current facility on 15th Street. $ 200,000.00 in renovations are needed to get the building move in ready. Another $ 250,000 are estimated for phase II improvements and additions.
The Society has managed to obtain pre-approval on a new loan for the property to help kick off the new project. However, physical help from the local community to realize the first stage of their plan is needed.
The main focus in this first stage is to install new air conditioning and heating, replacement of rusted doors, applying bacteria resistant paint to the flooring and replacement of ceiling tiles as well as landscape work around the building. The aim is to make the building move-in ready by early 2014. Contributions in any form or fashion will be most helpful. Whether it is labor, expertise, materials or monetary support.
The emphasis for the Society remains the welfare of the animals. Realization of the project will increase the capacity from 50 to 125 animals which need shelter or have treatable conditions. It offers them the chance of adoption and a future without the threat of destruction.
The Igloo site will also house the Operation Spay Bay neuter and spay clinic. Operation Spay Bay is an initiative run by a collective of animal welfare groups in the region which looks to offer free or low cost options for spaying pets. OBS will lease one quarter of the building, once it is functional. The members of Operation Spay Bay are: The Humane Society, Animal Rescue Center, Castaway Cats Panama City Beach Paws and Claws.
In a second phase, and once the building has been transformed into a working facility, the HSBC plans to restyle the Igloo dome into an even more distinct feature, a turtle. “Animal adoption should be a positive experience for the people and families that adopt. The building needs to be inviting, it needs to be a destination, rather than depressing, it needs to be fun.” says Aaron Rich, Vice President of the HSBC.
The property around the Igloo could be ideal for a wide array of improved facilities and expansions. The pond in front of the building could provide refuge for ducks, there is room to build horse stables and a kid’s playground and walking trails are being considered for the second phase.
The ultimate goal is to provide a full animal sanctuary, a place where abused and unadoptable pets can live out their days and a broader range of animals could find refuge.
The new premises will give the Society a secure home to fulfill their ongoing aims to promote humane education amongst the young and the community at large. For the moment, the project perspective is focused on the first stage. The assistance of the local construction community is vital to making the dome functional again and ensuring the welfare of local animals. Aside from the construction materials and labor, the Society also needs pressure washing equipment, large dumpsters, furniture, furnishings, paint.
If you are a local contractor, construction firm or handyman and want to support the efforts, please contact: volunteer@adoptme.org
If you can help, the Society can be contacted via www.adoptme.org and at their current premises:
Contact HSBC Animal & Adoption Center, 2620 E. 15th Street, Tel. (850) 215-7120 for more information.
Support the HSBC, shop at their Thrift & Gift Store on 1408 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401, Tel. (850) 215-0352