Washburn County Area Humane Society Animal Shelter Rebuilding Update

WASHBURN COUNTY -- So many generous people have already made donations to the Washburn County Area Humane Society since the March fire through GoFundMe, donations on the shelter website, collections taken at the Spooner Veterinary Office, checks sent directly to the WCAHS address, and through the many offers of fundraisers by individuals and businesses. These greatly appreciated donations will help supplement the insurance settlement and have now totaled over $27,000.

This generous amount is reflective of the interest in and support of the WCAHS. It is now possible to update the community, especially individuals who have already donated or are interested in doing so, but would like to know for sure that the animal shelter will definitely be rebuilt.

The excessive time it has taken to work with the insurance company has been the reason for the lack of updates on this shelter project. Definite monetary settlement answers were not provided to the Board who have been working on the rebuilding options of whether to relocate the shelter, refurbish an existing building, or rebuild on the present fire-damaged site. An insurance settlement has finally been reached and a fact-based decision will now be able to be made. Demolition bids for the removal of the burned building, animal shelter designers, building contractors, and other animal shelter organizations have been contacted during the waiting process. The goal that has been very much discussed is for an affordable yet effective and efficient animal shelter on a site that will meet the needs of the community and the animals for many years.

It has been a heartbreaking and frustrating, yet uplifting experience these last several months since the shelter fire. The loss of the use of this building for this number of months and the rebuilding challenges have certainly been the downside of the fire; however, the overwhelming response, both financially and in concern for WCAHS animal shelter and its continued existence, has been greatly appreciated and has made the future of rebuilding a reality. All involved would like to see this shelter rebuilt and in operation as soon as possible, unfortunately, the coordination of this effort will take time, so to predict a proposed opening date at this point is impractical.

Progress updates will periodically be released and donations may continue to be made through GoFundMe, the shelter website, by mailing a check to WCAHS, 1400 Cottonwood Avenue, Spooner, WI 54801, or by dropping off cash or a check at the Spooner Veterinary Office.

***Don't Forget***

Shed Fest 2017 - Fundraiser for W.C.A.H.S This Sunday!

On Sunday, June 25, from 1 to 9 PM, the first annual Shed Fest will be held in Shell Lake at the Potter's Shed. Music, food, and fun will be provided all day long. Specially made 2017 Shed Fest T-shirts will be sold, and raffle chances and prize drawings will also add to this event.

Admission to this great fundraiser to help supplement the rebuilding fund for Washburn County Area Humane Society will be $10 per person and children under 14 will be admitted free.

The musical entertainment throughout the day will be provided by Micky and the Monsters, Bare Bones, Olive Sings, Chris Ritchie, John Lehman and Friends, Bear Lake, Toast, Jeff Wiesner, and Rebecca Macone and Friends. 

Music Schedule: 
1PM - CHAD KOSTNER & FRIENDS
2PM - BEAR LAKE
3PM - CHRIS RITCHIE & JOHN LEHMAN
4PM - REBECCA MACONE & FRIENDS
5PM - OLIVE SINGS
6PM - JEFF WIESNER
7PM - BONES AND MONSTERS
8PM - TOAST (Jazz, Pat Liedl & Friends)

Along with the variety of refreshments which will be available throughout the day, a broasted chicken dinner and “fixins” will be served from 4 PM until it is gone.

What an enjoyable way to spend a nice Sunday and help out in the effort to rebuild this animal shelter. As Dr. Seuss once wrote, “You have a brain in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose”, so steer yourself to the Potter's Shed on Sunday, June 25!