The Thunder Bay and District Humane Society will be able to keep its doors open for at least another five to 10 years.
After announcing an impending closure by the end of 2011 last November, an outpouring of community support made it possible for the organization to say it would stay open until at least the end of March.
But now executive director Maryann Kleynendorst said they are looking into their long-term future with financial stability.
“Things have been amazing,” she said Monday.
The Humane Society has reached $15,000 in monthly donations from their pre-authorized debit campaign and the one-time donations have come from every corner of the community.
“We’ve gotten support from primary school kids, high school theatre groups, local businesses, musicians, the media, artists; there is not one sector of the population that didn’t seem to want us to be here and want us to be here in the long-term,” Kleynendorst said.
They can look five to 10 years down the road and they have enough money to maintain the status quo at the animal shelter.
What they are looking to do now is expand their programs, specifically looking at a low-cost spay and neuter program.
“One of the things we’re doing right now we were never able to do before is trying to ensure that every animal that leaves this building is spayed or neutered before it goes,” Kleynendorst said, adding that they are also in discussions with a veterinarian about the possibility of pediatric spay and neuters for the puppies and kittens being adopted.
The shelter is looking to expand their staffing hours. Over the years as money grew tight, they had to reduce the number of hours there was staff at the Rosslyn Road building.
“We’re going to expand those hours so we’re increasing the animal care beyond the bare minimum,” said Kleynendorst.
