Warwick Valley Humane Society celebrates 50th anniversary of Animal Shelter

WARWICK — The Warwick Valley Humane Society will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its animal shelter at a "Rebuild the Shelter" brunch on Sunday, Nov. 4, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Landmark Inn.
On Oct. 14, 1968, the Warwick Valley Humane Society opened and began managing what was then a new animal shelter.
The original shelter, a small building, had been on a site just off Sanfordville Road. The new facility, at that time, consisted of just the lobby and the kennel.
But over the past 50 years, the Humane Society has renovated, repaired and added on to what is the existing building today at 48 Public Works Drive just off Kings Highway.
As the Town of Warwick has expanded in population, so has the number of animals needing the shelter as a safe haven. And overcrowding is an understatement.
"We not only lack space," said Suzyn Barron, president of the Warwick Valley Humane Society, "but we have inadequate ventilation and isolation. Staff and visitors are tripping over each other. We have only one utility room for food preparation, food storage, laundry, washer/dryer, dishes, blankets, towels, grooming tub and mop bucket. There is no break room for staff. And, most importantly, we are not even close to today's standards of animal housing."
The goal of the Warwick Valley Humane Society, through a variety of upcoming fund raisers, is to rebuild its aging shelter.
"I personally invite anyone who has not been to the shelter to see for themselves the need to rebuild," said Barron. "I will give the tour which will include a leaking roof and obvious lack of space and ventilation. We are trying our best to provide the best of care to our homeless pets in a very outdated facility in need of constant repair. The proposed budget for our phase-one rebuild project is estimated at $1.2 million. We need our community to help us reach our goal. The Warwick Animal shelter belongs to the community for our homeless, abandoned, neglected and unwanted animals."
Cost for the 50th birthday brunch is $50 per person and includes brunch and cash bar. All proceeds will go directly to the "Rebuild the Shelter Fund."
Reservations are required. Mail check or money order to: Warwick Valley Humane Society PO Box 61, Warwick, NY 10990 on or before Oct. 31.
For additional information or to make a reservation call 986-2473.
- Roger Gavan