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Gwinnett
Humane Society plans modern shelter
By
Robin Lamb
Gwinnett Humane Society
Special to GwinnettForum.com
July 13, 2001 -- Gwinnett County continues to become a community
of the future with new commerce and cultural resources. Gwinnett
Humane Society wants to ensure that our four-legged friends are
not left out in the cold. As a means to this end, the Society is
proud to announce plans to develop a new multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art,
animal welfare and education facility.
Gwinnett Humane Society was founded in 1979 and has been a volunteer-supported
community organization serving the citizens and animals of Gwinnett
County. Recently, its board of directors began researching innovative
building ideas for animal facilities.
This research focused on structures that not only housed animals
but also provided ample opportunities for public education. The
Board worked with leaders from the most progressive facilities in
places such as San Francisco, Omaha, and Buffalo. This lead to purchase
of almost 24 acres of land in eastern Gwinnett County that will
accommodate the Board's current plans as well as any future needs
for expansion.
The land encompasses several acres of natural wetlands, which the
Society will protect and preserve. A small sharecropper's home that
dates back to the late 1800's sits on the edge of the property between
two 100-year-old oak trees that were planted for shade when the
house was built. The opportunity to maintain this natural environment,
as well as part of Gwinnett's history is an enhancement to this
vision.
The facility the Society has planned will incorporate the newest
and best technology with the finest of animal care. In addition
to state-of-the-art animal holding facilities, plans include such
amenities as an education center for the community, an in-house
clinic, picnic areas, pet supply boutique, and pet memorial gardens.
The facility will include the latest in disease control such as
non-porous surfaces and floors, laminar airflow, and linear floor
plans.
The building will not only serve as a pet adoption facility, but
many programs will benefit the community. The emphasis of the education
programs will focus on responsible pet ownership. In this effort,
seminars will be offered on topics such as 'pet parenting', obedience
training, and traditional and alternative medical care for pets.
Summer day camps and interactive classes are also in the works.
These innovative programs are just the beginning of what GHS will
make available to our community.
Over the next few months efforts will focus on raising the funds
to pay for the land purchase. The Board will then move forward with
a capital campaign for the construction of the animal welfare facility.
The Board believes that now is the time for the Gwinnett community
to embrace this project that will propel Gwinnett County to the
forefront of humane education and animal welfare.
If you feel strongly that the preservation of natural habitats are
important to our future, and if you feel that a respect for all
living creatures begins with understanding through education, then
you believe in the Board's vision. Working together as a community,
this success will be ensured, and through your financial support,
the Society can realize this dream.
Persons wanting to make donations can call the Gwinnett Humane Society
at 779-798-7711, or send tax-deductible donations to the Society
Land Fund at P. O. Box 750, Lawrenceville, Ga. 30046. The society's
web site is: www.gwinnetthumane.com.
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