By Bonnie Culverhouse

Long-awaited housing for stray animals is almost finished, and Minden Animal Control Director Carrie Ford hopes she will be moving the fur family in by the first of the new year.

“We should be finished by then and hopefully have a ribbon cutting around the first of January,” Ford said. “Right now, we are waiting for plumbing and finishing the floors. I’ve already started moving in supplies.”

The new animal house has 18 total kennels, six of which are outside under a covered porch. There are also a cat room that will have tiered kennels and a Meet & Greet area. Offices will be located there, as well as storage.

Currently, there are five dogs and one cat (Cheeto) with animal control.

Monitored cameras are being installed, so there will always be eyes on the kennels, the kitties and the front and back gates, where, despite signs to the contrary, animals are often dumped in cages or tied to the fence.

Ford said she hopes the council will agree to leave the old building in tact for dogs that may need to quarantined.

“The roof, kennels and floor are still in good shape,” she said. “And all dogs and cats should be quarantined when they first come to the shelter, so they won’t spread unknown diseases. Once they are healthy, they can then go into the new building.”

There are many ways to help Ford and the furs get to the finish line. The animal control crew can do tests on the animals for heart worm and Parvo and help is needed there.

“There is an open account for the shelter at Minden Animal Clinic and Rocking Rooster Veterinarian,” said Ford. “These accounts are used for emergency needs, antibiotics and health certificates for rescue transport.”

Filling up the new building’s more than 2,500 square feet is proving a challenge, so Ford and her furry friends are asking for the public’s help. Needed items can be found at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/134L21QA7EKYQ .