A preliminary floor plan for the new AWL facility

The eighth annual Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County Fur Ball not only featured the Warsminster Dog Show, but also provided an update on the capital campaign to build a new shelter – remodeling and rebuilding on its existing site at 3489 East CR 100S, Pierceton

Darla McCammon, executive director, stated architects, Design Collaborative, Fort Wayne, have been chosen for the new shelter. The final development of the addition/remodel are beginning. Current estimations of the cost is up to $500,000 to complete the first and major phase of the project.

AWL has received a gift to match up to $300,000 of funds received.

A new entrance will be built, with a pet play area, an adoption lobby and showcases. Plans include a surrender lobby, public restrooms, more efficient office space and storage. A large area is planned for pet assessment for surrendered animals and pet corals and care. This also includes a bigger and better lab, more isolation area, a free roaming cat room and more.

McCammon noted AWL is working with the Dekko Foundation for the addition of a large multi-purpose room.

While The Fur Ball is held to assist with operating costs, it also provided an opportunity to present a donation of over $1,200 from DePuy employees towards the capital campaign. This amount will be matched by Johnson and Johnson and that total matched by a campaign fund donor.

Wanda Tiltges, co-chairwoman of the event, noted “every year we try to learn from the previous year,” adding the 67 silent auction items cover a variety of interest and a variety of prices ranges.

Approximately 250 attended the event in the Toyota of Warsaw facility. The silent auction items lined the walls of the showroom, with opportunity to sit and talk with friends and enjoy the hors d’oeuvres and desserts for the evening.

“Everyone here (tonight) has some kind of passion for animals,” Tiltges stated.

Warsminster Show

Bill Gast and Bobbie’s relationship have a unique relationship and were popular guests. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

The Warsminster Show features rescued dogs, whose owners attempt to raise the most funds to win the event. Donations are also accepted that evening for each contestant.

This year’s winner was Bob Gast and Bobbie, raising $3,700. Gina Voelz and Tucker, raising $800 and Tom and Tina Dunn with Jake raising $600. Stories of how the owners came to adopt their pet was read.

The auction including such items: a boat wagon, Indianapolis Colts package, helicopter ride to Indianapolis to the new Cerulean’s, a trip to New York City to the Westminster Dog Agility Show, a special package for a woman, two handmade adirondack chairs and bottles of wine, brought in over $6,000.

The evening also included a demonstration by Special O.P.S.K-9 Academy, Inc., North Webster, who assists AWL with animal training before adoption. Brandon Clingamon and his doberman, Frazer, awed those attending with a few obedience and training demonstrations.