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the voice of the abingtons abingtonsuburban.com | July 20, 2017
A local student is a University of Scranton honors graduate |pAGe 2
A ceremony will honor the memory of resident Paul Ford |pAGe 5
The Comm recently completed a new parking lot |pAGe 10
Much-Needed iMproveMeNts New grant money helps shelter renovate By Linda Scott
federal, state or local funding. The shelter is operated entirely on donations,” said SPEciaL to tHE aBinGton SUBURBan Daniels. “While funding for the makeover is backed by a low interest loan from the Dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, USDA, the shelter is still responsible to rereptiles and even rabbits call the Griffin pay the loan. Receiving grants from organiPond Animal Shelter, in South Abington zations such as the Petco Foundation allows Township, home while they wait to get adopted. That temporary home is getting an us the opportunity to grow and improve the upgrade as the shelter is undergoing renova- facility for the more than 2,000 animals we care for each year.” tions. Since, 1999, the Petco Foundation has The shelter accepts domestic animals of invested more than $185 million in animalall shapes, sizes and species. welfare work. “We promote adoption awareness, Daniels said the Petco Foundation investhumane education and responsible pet ownment will assist with costs attributed to the ership, while caring for the many animals expansion and renovation of the shelter’s surrendered to the shelter until they find a loving home,” said Anastasia Daniels, Devel- dog adoption area. Overall benefits include: opment Fundraising Manager Griffin Pond an increase in cage square footage, meetand-greet rooms, newly installed floor and Animal Shelter. drain system resulting in a drier, more saniThe Petco Foundation recently tary area, as well as upgrades to the air filtraawarded the shelter a $10,000 grant to tion and climate control system, which will support a shelter makeover that is curreduce airborne illnesses. The renovated area rently underway. “Griffin Pond Animal Shelter receives no will also include a grooming room, laundry room and a new community/training room which will allow the shelter to increase the number of community events, pet care and training to be held throughout the year.
Showing off the shelter’s new living spaces are, from left, in front: Ashley Kane (with kitten Fancy) and Janelle Pregmon. In back: Ana Somarriba (with kitten Heidi).
“We are pleased to partner with organizations whose mission and practices align with our own,” said Edward Florentino, executive director of the shelter. “Receiving grants and private funding are imperative for success in the animal rescue network.” “We are extremely excited about the renovations currently underway,” said Daniels. “Updates were long overdue. The shelter has tried to keep it as normal as possible during the construction. Several community members have fostered animals and the adoption team increased and expedited adoptions. As
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phases of the project are complete, pets are relocated from their temporary housing into new and larger living spaces. We have kept our normal adoption procedures in place. Applicants may notice a more personable experience. As renovations progress, we are relying more heavily on our internet presence to showcase our adoptable pets since the public has limited access to the current adoption areas.” The shelter’s website is griffinpondanimalshelter.com or visit Griffin Pond Animal Shelter on Facebook. 1313 Wyoming Ave., Exeter
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