Pictured from left are AWL board members Woody Zimmerman, Randy Stouder, Director Darla McCammon, Chad Miner and Robyn Palmer in front of the newly installed silo.

WARSAW — Progress is being made toward Darla McCammon’s dream of a new animal shelter to home Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County.

The project has taken years to manifest, but phase one of construction has finally begun. When driving down US 30 you can see the new iconic silo that will form the free-roaming cat room on the new building. This space will allow visitors to observe the cats through a window, and allow the cats to roam without cages.

“The landmark iconic structure will be a beacon to welcome visitors to the Kosciusko area as well as attracting the community along with pet lovers to the new facility,” states a press release released by the shelter.

McCammon, executive director of the AWL, is excited for the progress. “Having a very high adoption rate compared to other shelters of our size nationwide is a number we are going to be even more proud of as it increases when the new facility is complete. Offering healthy pets for adoption and finding them a new “furever” home is always a priority with us. This new building will give more pets a chance at a new life,” says McCammon.

The new facility, located just off of US 30 on S CR 325E, will feature several improvements and upgrades from the current building that sits across the highway.

McCammon stated that, as usual, helping homeless pets is always the priority. The new facility will feature a state-of-the-art laboratory and health care section to allow for better quarantine and illness prevention. The facility will also feature a walking track and space for groups from schools, churches, scout troops, nursing home residents, day care children and others.

Board President Woody Zimmerman states that there is still a ways to go and financial support from the community is needed. Currently the organization is being helped by a generous donor who offered a matching fund. So far $200,000 have been raised in just a few months.

Phase one is supported by Chore-Time Brock and Hochstettler Grains. A representative of Brock stated: “Brock is proud to support the Kosciusko County Animal Welfare League in their endeavors to provide safe and healthy homes for pets and to help them find loving owners. It is our desire that with the addition of the Brock grain bin to the Animal Welfare League’s new site, greater awareness will be raised for pets in need.”

Donations to continue this work are accepted at the AWL office at 3489 E. 100 South, Pierceton, via mail at P.O. Box 1906, Warsaw, IN 46581, or on line at www.awlwarsaw.com.  Contact Executive Director, Darla McCammon with any questions at 574-267-3008.