On the move

This week was a big week in the history of the Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter as we made the move from our over 40 year old building into a brand new building just a short distance away.   I began volunteering for the shelter in June, 2011 because I wanted to give back to the shelter that brought Jake into my life.  Little did I know then how much a part of my life this place would become. 

Lots of time spent in Ward 2

When I really started to think about all of the years and all of the time that I had spent in this building, I must admit that I became a little emotional.  I have spent hours in these halls, harnessing dogs and preparing for our weekly dog walks.  I have made so many friends here over the years.  Before I started volunteering at the shelter, I wouldn't have believed I would have met so many amazing people who would become so important to my life...friends that span the globe from Michigan to Washington and all the way to Australia and who understand exactly how I feel about helping animals and just how much I love my girls...people who are such an important part of my life, no matter where life takes us.

In addition, I've had the privilege of meeting and helping so many dogs over the years.  Although it's hard to believe, I've literally met thousands of dogs in this building.  From dogs that I've fostered to all of the dogs that I've walked or helped to harness for our dog walks, I've been so fortunate to play a small part in the lives of so many.  Rescue work is such a meaningful part of my life and I can't imagine how different my life would be if I hadn't stepped into this building all of those years ago.

  Most importantly, 15 years ago, this building brought me my handsome Jake-the best boy ever! 

So after 8 years of volunteering for ICACS, it was a little bittersweet leaving behind that old building and all of the memories I have there, but it was also exciting to move into our bigger and more updated facility. 

I have been involved with the shelter in so many ways over the years and was honored to be one of the volunteers lucky enough to help as we moved the dogs to their new home in our brand new building last Sunday. 

A small group of our dog walkers as well as ICACS staff joined together to walk the dogs the 1/4 mile between the shelters.  There was news coverage from the local TV station and it was exciting to be part of this historic move.

We are now slowly going to start settling into our new space as we get familiar with the layout...and the much large space! 

I've been honored to be affiliated with ICACS all of these years and look forward to many more years of volunteering here.  I'm excited to see what the future hold in this new building.  It is a beautiful facility that we as a community can be proud of and can be confident that it is a place where the animals in need in Ingham County will get the love and care that they need as they await their forever homes.

I can't wait until next weekend when we unveil this gem to our community of supporters at our Grand Opening and Adopt-a-Fest.