by Barbara Fairbanks, HSNTx Vice President

I have resisted the temptation to write a column aimed at garnishing support for the new building we at the Humane Society of Northeast Texas are planning.  I did not want to dilute the original intent of my earlier columns to educate, promote responsible pet ownership, and provide information to help pet owners experience successful pet adoptions.  

It occurred to me recently, however, that by avoiding the subject of our upcoming capital campaign, I was leaving out an important piece of what I believe will help our community change the face of animal sheltering in Northeast Texas.

The HSNTX is no longer satisfied with the old ?pound? identity.   Our current facility was built with the best standards and intentions at the time (1983), but is much too small for the current animal intake and is just plain worn out.   We now want enough space to give animals more time to be chosen by their perfect family.  We envision a warm and inviting atmosphere where people can enjoy walking through the facility with plenty of visual access to our animals but with minimal opportunities to touch the animals and unknowingly spread disease from one kennel or cage to the next.  Visitation areas will allow potential adopters to interact directly with any pets they consider for adoption.

In working with our local architect, we plan to incorporate the latest air circulation design for minimizing the spread of disease.   In addition, we will ensure that the kennel and plumbing designs facilitate ease of cleaning.  This will benefit both the dogs and the visitors walking through the kennels.

Here are a few more important features we plan to incorporate:

• A surgical suite to house a full-time veterinarian for direct evaluation and care of all resident animals, and provision of neuter-spay for adopted animals as well as those we consider to be highly adoptable.
• A room dedicated to pampering the animals:  bathing, grooming, and pet photography.
• A meeting room to allow for staff and volunteer training as well as educational forums for the public.   
• A dog park to provide areas for dogs to get R & R.
• A cat room for healthy, sterilized cats to live comfortably until adoption.

I truly believe our community strongly supports the concept of a bright, modern, and inviting facility to care for and adopt out animals that have no choice as to their current circumstance.  If my belief is correct, then it is time to translate support into action as you see the capital campaign kick off.

We at the HSNTX cannot do this alone.   We need your help in order to come closer to meeting our vision:  to end euthanasia of adoptable animals...where one day, no healthy companion animal will be euthanized for lack of a home, for lack of space, or for lack of compassion.

Since May is national Adopt a Cat month and ruefully known as Kitten Season at animal shelters across the country, I want to encourage Northeast Texans to open their hearts to the many cats and kittens needing homes this spring.  You can contact us at 903-297-2170 or come by our Longview location at 303 Enterprise Street.