Animal Shelter Grateful for Recent Kennel Upgrades

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Animal Shelter Society recently installed glass gates to several of its dog kennel enclosures.

The J.W. and M.H. Straker Foundation donated money for the materials and Precision Roofing provided the labor for the project that helps to deaden the sound in the room, which provides a more humane experience for both the canines and humans. 

“We were happy to fund this project because we really believe in the mission that the Animal Shelter provides for our community,” J.W. and M.H. Straker President Susan Holdren said. “

“We brought our team in during the months that’s a little bit slower for us and then we put the doors together so that it made it safe for all the incoming people for the shelter,” Precision Roofing Co-Owner Tim Matheney said.

Animal Shelter Executive Director April Gibson explained how the organization applied for a grant from the Straker Foundation to cover the expenses and expressed gratitude to everyone who made the improvements possible.  

“It’s just not the monetary donations that make it happen, but folks would not donate to our shelter if they didn’t believe in our mission. That’s very important for me, my staff and my board of directors and the over 130 animals that we have in this building that we’re caring for,” Gibson said. “It was overwhelming that someone believed in us.” 

Gibson added that this project cost $91,000 dollars and that Precision donated around $25,000 dollars in labor. The Animal Shelter has been in operation since 1959 and at its current location since 1989.