A donation can sits on the counter of a convenience store in Milford for the Animal Welfare League. The organization still needs to pay off $800,000 for its new facility. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.

PIERCETON — The Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County has been at its new shelter location for two months now.

However, the AWL still needs approximately $800,000 to fully cover the cost of the new shelter.

“We are so blessed to have this building,” said AWL Board President Beth Harrison. “We can’t express how grateful we are to be here. This was a $2.8 million project that we still need to fully fund. The move has been like moving from an apartment to a house.”

The 13,000 square-foot building, along US 30 at 1048 S. CR 325E, east of Warsaw, houses twice the number of cats, dogs and other animals than its former facility just a mile away.

Key features of the building are separate quarantine areas, cuddle rooms and a free-roaming cat observation room. The new shelter also offers an indoor walking track, separate HVAC systems in kennel areas, a laboratory, exam room and grooming area.

Currently, the AWL has several plans to raise more money to pay off the remaining construction costs.

The efforts include a give-back fiesta at Hacienda and the sale of calendars that feature the artwork of local photographer Al Disbro

According to Harrison, the calendars will be printed this week and will be available for sale at local businesses for $20. and the AWL office.

Printing was fully covered by Alderfer Bergen and Company, Warsaw. All funds from calendar purchases will go directly to the AWL. Businesses interested in helping sell the calendars can reach out to Harrison through the animal shelter at (574) 267-3008.

“Al Disbro graciously donated his time and talents to take pictures for the calendar,” said Harrison.

Several well-known locals are featured in the calendar, including Warsaw City Council President Diane Quance, Kosciusko County Coroner Tony Ciriello and State Rep. Dave Wolkins.

There will be a Hacienda give-back fiesta on Thursday, Dec. 5. A token for entry is required for proceeds to be donated to the AWL. Tokens can be retrieved at the shelter or printed from the AWL Facebook page.

Harrison also recently submitted an essay about losing a beloved family pet and adopting three foster dogs. People can vote daily until Dec. 10 for Harrison’s essay through the My Giving Story website. The AWL could win up to $10,000 in the essay contest.

The new shelter facility also is in need of sponsorships, including several for the indoor walking track, a cuddle room and kennels.

“We’re also very open to fundraising ideas,” said Harrison. “People can also donate in-person or online, whichever they prefer.”

Anyone with fundraising ideas or donation questions can contact the animal shelter for further details.

There will also be a volunteer orientation at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer at the AWL.