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Shelter Progress
It all started in March 2005 when Jeff and Terri Fox announced publicly at our Annual Meeting that they would donate land for Carver-Scott Humane Society's future shelter building. Could this be real? Is it true that our prayers have been answered? Indeed, it was true and thus began a journey of exploration, desires, needs and cold hard facts. We quickly set up a site selection committee to research land possibilities and tour existing shelters. Key personnel met to discuss our wish list but never strayed far from the thought that we would have to start small and hopefully expand to meet the increasing needs of our growing communities over time.
Finding the right parcel of land was no easy task. We knew that location was paramount. It needed to be easily accessible, visible from major highways and offer enough acreage for future expansion. A four acre site was chosen which met our criteria and CSHS pursued it even though it wasn't for sale at the time. Thanks to our realtor, the owners were receptive and we began working with Scott County in earnest to make our dream a reality. Two years and many meetings later we are proud to say that we closed on this property January 22, 2009 during our 20th year of operation!
The land is located on the southeast corner of Emery Way and County Road 78 in Jackson Township, just south of the intersection of Highway 41 and 169 in Shakopee. Bordering both Carver and Scott Counties we feel it is perfectly situated for our needs. Still, there is much to do.
A Capital Campaign is necessary to build our shelter. As you can imagine, it is a daunting task. CSHS has both short and long term goals with regard to the building itself and its operation, so fundraising is now, and will remain, a major focus for years to come.
As recorded in May 2005, the board meeting minutes listed our thoughts on the subject.
Our minimum requirements for the building include:
Secure rooms/space for housing animals indoors and exercising animals outdoors
Lobby/office
Storage space for food and supplies
Intake rooms (one for cats and one for dogs)
Laundry closet/wet room
Other "wish list" items include: retail area, all purpose room for education classes, board of director meetings, committee gatherings, bereavement groups etc., indoor animal playroom, grooming/dog wash, rooms for birds and exotic animals, adoption room, exam/medical room for Vet services, more elaborate outdoor off-leash setting (possibly open to the public for an annual fee), freezer for animal remains in the case of unexpected death or necessary euthanasia, and a memorial garden or pet cemetery.
Also included in discussions were thoughts regarding the ventilation system and the elimination of unwanted odors, rooms with varying degrees of heat for heavy coated (outdoor) dogs who require cooler temperatures, noise control issues and finally, the necessary area(s) needed for consideration of impounding animals for contract by nearby cities as a way to earn money and defray operational expense.
To summarize, Carver-Scott Humane Society is, and always has been, dedicated to placing homeless animals into loving homes. Our dreams are big, our challenges are great, but our vision never wavers. Your support means everything to us as we enter into uncharted territory. YOU can help make our shelter happen by donating time, services or funds! For more information please call 952-368-3553 or visit us online at www.carverscotths.org.
AURORA WINES & SPIRITS at 210 Pioneer Trail in Chaska is helping to make our dreams of a shelter building a reality!
On Saturday, July 25, 2009, Aurora Wines & Spirits held their Summer Grand Wine Tasting. This year they did something special to help raise funds for our future shelter building. Aurora collected donations of $10 a glass for Carver-Scott Humane Society!
Aurora raised $1,015 for CSHS at this event!! A huge thank you to Michael Farnham and the staff at Aurora Wines & Spirits for making this event a fundraiser for the animals! Another huge thank you to the customers of Aurora who donated to CSHS!
Aurora Wines & Spirits has been a long-time supporter of CSHS. For the last six years, Aurora Wines & Spirits has provided the wine for the Carver-Scott Humane Society’s annual wine tasting. Aurora will again provide the wines – and beers too – for this year’s 7th Annual Wine Tasting “Oktoberfest” on October 22, 2009 from 7:00-9:00 PM at Bayview Event Center in Excelsior.
Stop by Aurora Wines & Spirits for all of your liquor needs and be sure to tell them a big “thank you” from the animals and supporters of CSHS! Their website is www.aurorawines.com.
Dogs for the Dogs Recap
It was Customer Appreciation & Family Fun Weekend on July 25th & 26th at Mark and Kay Halla's Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Center in Chaska. Beautiful summer weather brought out the crowds for shopping, balloon flowers, face painting, the dunk tank, farm animals, playground activities and more. Grilled hamburger and hot dog meals were available too, from Carver-Scott Humane Society, with proceeds designated to help build their future shelter building. CSHS would like to say a special thank you to Larry & Jenelle Donner of Minnesota Valley Organics, LLC for their donation of 25 pounds of organic hamburger and to Dorothy Halla-Poe for her 6 dozen fresh baked chocolate chip cookies to encourage donations. Everyone, staff and visitors alike, had a wonderful time! Thank you, Mark and Kay Halla, for the opportunity to be a part of your special weekend.
It really was FUN!!!
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