This rendering is one of the designs being proposed for a new Animal Welfare League building. (Illustration provided)

Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County is outgrowing its building and is looking to build a new facility. It recently kicked off a capital campaign to raise funds for a new building.

“The Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County has suffered with a deteriorating facility long enough,” said Darla McCammon, AWL executive director. “For the last five years I’ve been director, we’ve seen steady progress at the shelter with great improvements in providing healthy pets for our community, and an astounding numbers of pets finding new homes. We were honored recently with the results of a nationwide study in which we were far above the national average in these accomplishments.”

McCammon said she can just envision how much more AWL could accomplish with an improved facility from which to operate. “I don’t want to get into all the reasons we need a new building, but let’s just say it is deteriorating around us,” she said. “We have improved and maintained to the maximum, and it’s just not enough for our needs.”

The Animal Welfare League is kicking off a capital campaign to build a new animal shelter in the county. Pictured, from left, are AWL director Darla McCammon, and employees Carl Abbott, Emma Russell and Don Ervin. (Photo by Lauren Zeugner)

The AWL board is excited about the possibilities, she said. They have joined her in her goals, which include having a beautiful and spacious place for residents to enjoy.

“We view this as part of the overall responsibility we provide for pets of our community,” she noted. “A new building will be appealing to visitors and will help entice new residents to live here. Costs of maintenance will drop substantially, and we will have improved kennels with more cuddle rooms. We will be able to offer more programs for adults and children, even birthday parties for kids.”

Having more space will mean more summer children’s camps and more educational opportunities for school children, too. McCammon envisions a bigger lab to continue the process of having a healthy community of pets, and offering greater expansion of existing services.

The dream of a new building is about to come true. The AWL was recently awarded a challenge grant from an anonymous donor. Now, the community can step up to the plate and help match these funds so everyone benefits, she said. The capital campaign has kicked off and residents, businesses, donors and pet advocates are asked to assist in raising the funds for the new structure. Several architects have provided assistance in developing the final design.

It’s easy to help match the funds. Donors are asked to select any of the following methods:

• Donate at www.awlwarsaw.com.
• Send to: AWL, P.O. Box 1906, Warsaw, IN 46581.
• Call 574-267-3008 with a credit card between 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
• Visit www.youcaring.com and search “Rescue our Shelter.”
• Drop a donation off in person, and see the architectural rendering at the shelter 3489 E. CR 100 S., Pierceton.