Bark in the Park is Sept. 21
The Tri-Lakes Humane Society faced a choice: Commit to nearly $1 million in upgrades to its existing headquarters in Saranac Lake in order to meet new state mandates, or close for good.
To Victoria Tanner, the shelter director, the decision was easy.
“Without us, where do you bring lost animals?” she asked. “What resources are there for lost and found pets, or spay and neuter care? Who will provide low-cost microchipping or take surrendered pets? We provide so many resources to the community, and it’s hard to imagine not being there to help.”
The work will be complete by the end of October, in time to comply with the regulations. But that looming deadline poses a challenge: The shelter still needs to raise another $500,000 to pay for the project.
You can help. On Sunday, Sept. 21, the Humane Society will host its annual Bark in the Park event, of which Adirondack Regional FCU is a lead sponsor. Scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. at Tupper Lake Waterfront Park, the event features food trucks, live music, a pet costume contest, a meet-and-greet with Jasmine Jones and other members of the USA Women’s National Bobsled Team, and more. Free pet microchipping is available for the first 25 people to pay the $15 registration fee. (Two tickets cost $25; children 12 and under can enter for free.)
Proceeds from the event will directly benefit TLHS, its animals, and the necessary renovations.
The price tag for the project has nearly doubled since it was first conceived. Initially projected to cost $550,000, the state provided a grant to cover 90 percent of that cost, with the Humane Society responsible for matching the rest. But while the grant covers plumbing upgrades, installation of sound-dampening systems, replacement of outdated ventilation and damaged floors, and a new cat porch and three additional kennels, other improvements, including a handicap-accessible entrance, a new office area and siding are not covered.
The extra space is already needed: Tori says she’s heard from several other shelters in the North Country that have decided against making the investments, and are looking to Tri-Lakes to take their animals before they close. “We’re getting inundated,” she said. To help accommodate so many new residents, the shelter has recently launched a pet-foster program, in which local families agree to care for pets in their homes. So far, that’s eased some of the space crunch.
But the money crunch is real.
“We all want what’s best for the animals,” said Tori, who is excited for the odor- and sound-proofing and other improvements that are underway. “As a nonprofit, we rely entirely on our donors, so making these changes isn’t always easy.”