Co-Chairman, Green County Humane Society Capital Campaign

I don't have to look far to remind myself why we need to build a new shelter for the Green County Humane Society. From my office window at Colony Brands, Inc., I can peer across the street and only shake my head at the squalid living conditions of the sheltered animals, and the dreary work environment for the GCHS staff and volunteers.

In the comfort of my house in Monroe, the reminder is a little more personal. There I get to look into the eyes of an assorted group of rescued cats and dogs. I feel lucky to embrace their loyalty and affection. No question, those animals make our house a home.

If you're not familiar with the current state of the GCHS shelter building, please stop in and take a look. My own adjectives that describe the working and living conditions of the building include "dirty, dour, damp, drafty and depressing." These words certainly don't describe a safe and healthy environment for preparing a potentially wonderful companion animal to be adopted by a willing and loving family. Fortunately, as a community, we have a lot of pride and know we can do better. We have the sensibility to know the current shelter is not acceptable. And most importantly, we have compassion for the many animals at risk.

Today those of us associated with GCHS share a vision and strong belief that our community is ready to move forward to collect the funds necessary to build a new shelter. Our building task force has studied the list of "needs" to be included in the building and we've been very mindful of cost. We've tried very hard to do our homework. We'll spend only what we can afford and we'll spend it wisely. Finally, we'll make sure that once the structure is in place and the animals are properly housed, we have the ongoing support to sustain the long-term financial health of GCHS.

In the coming weeks, we'll be reaching out to the community in order to present our case and ask for your support. We hope you'll share our vision and join us.