Wanda English Burnett, Editor

A lot of excitement has been generated lately at the Ripley County Humane Society with the beginning of a building project. The 48' x 80' building will expand the present facility to more effectively allow those working with the agency to carry out their goal of making sure animals are properly cared for.

The building is just the latest effort the Ripley County Humane Society has launched to better serve the needs of the county. The not for profit 501(c)3 no kill shelter continues to upgrade and enhance the present facility located at 1202 West County Road 150 N. in Osgood.

According to DeDee Holliday, board president, the new endeavor is sort of her “pet” project and she’s excited about what it will allow the group to do. “We will have so much more space!” she exclaimed. Another huge benefit for the animals is they will be in a climate controlled atmosphere.
Another thing exciting to Holliday is a one-time gift from the county of $60,000. “This will really help towards getting this building up and running,” she told The Versailles Republican. “I want to thank the commissioners and council members for their help with this,” she noted.

The facility operates on donations alone. It has a couple of endowment funds, has received grant monies, and the generosity of the general public keeps them afloat. “We couldn’t do it without everyone’s help,” noted Holliday, who said no donation is too small.

Funds are still needed to complete the building that is being constructed by Comer Buildings Inc. of Osgood. The pole barn type structure will have no frills, but bare necessities needed. It will include inside and outside runs and will have 24 kennels. Plans are in the making to use one room in the new building for spay/neuter clinics. The present building that includes Kitty City, is still vital to the humane society. It will house the office area and will be used for puppies and birthing mothers.

If you can’t give monetarily, the facility can still use your help. They are always looking for volunteers to walk the dogs, people to help at the shelter, help with transporting animals and much more. The foster program is where people take an animal home and work with it getting it ready for adoption.

Supplies are always needed such as bedding, which can be old sheets, blankets, towels, etc., paper towels, kitty litter, dog and cat food (canned only), stuffed toys, and bleach.

People have responded to the needs of the shelter and as Holliday noted, “We are very grateful. You just don’t know what some people give. We have the best people right here in Ripley County.” New board member and public relations spokesperson for the facility, Duane Drockelman, agreed with Holliday. Drockelman, who has recently moved to his family farm near Sunman, noted that after living other places, he could see immediately the great group of people at the Ripley County Humane Society. He also can see the heart of the community when it comes to animal care and is grateful for their response.

Hours of operation for the humane society are Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with Christie White as the manager. You can reach the office at 812-689-3773, access the website at rchumane.org or go to the shelter located just off US 421 at 1202 W. CR 150N, between Osgood and Versailles.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO Workers from Comer Buildings Inc., Osgood, were busy getting the new building up at the Ripley County Humane Society. While they enjoyed the good weather on Tuesday of this week, it was back to the rain on Wednesday as they continued to work. The building is 48' x 80' and will allow the shelter more room to expand various operations.