West Deer officials weighing options for dog shelter expansion project

West Deer officials are narrowing expansion project options for the township’s dog shelter.

The idea was born last year when operations moved from the township’s old building to its new location on Union Road.

The shelter’s head volunteer, Barb Pasquale, 74, approached the township supervisors about expanding the shelter. It has been a staple in the community for about 40 years.

“We asked for a building beside the shelter for an office, bathroom, laundry room, grooming area where we could bathe dogs, and an area for isolation if a dog was pregnant or ill and needed to be separated from other dogs,” Pasquale said in an email to TribLive.

When the previous municipal building was torn down in February, water access in the shelter was cut off, she said. Volunteers now have to walk to the new municipal building in front of the shelter to go the restroom, or haul water back to the shelter.

“During warm weather (it’s) fine, but not during snowy or cold days,” Pasquale said.

She has volunteered at the shelter for 34 years. She is there seven days a week, coordinating the intake of dogs, facilitating adoptions and veterinary care, and overseeing decisions regarding the dogs’ welfare.

She also welcomes new shelter volunteers and shows them the ropes.

Township Manager Daniel Mator said the police department’s 26-by-30-foot carport was suggested for renovation, but the plan to enclose the carport wasn’t feasible.

As discussions developed, the board talked about possible ramifications of renovating the shelter in its current location. The building is in the middle of a parcel owned by the township.

“If there’s any type of plan for other township buildings, like a community center, a library or any other community resource planned for the parcel, the shelter would impede access to it,” Mator said.

While no decisions have been made about a new location, four options are being discussed.

The first is to renovate the building in its current location. The second option is to erect a new building near the township’s EMS building. Option 3 is to relocate the shelter about 400 feet from the current building.

The last option would be to purchase property from the Deer Lakes School District to create a space for the animals.

Pasquale said the shelter currently has space for nine dogs and is usually full.

During one winter, three dogs gave birth at the same time, she said. There were 25 newborn pups between the three of them in addition to the shelter’s adult dogs.

“It made for a very interesting Christmas,” Pasquale said.

Mator said the township has been communicating with the district to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the project.

Pasquale said she will be involved in the project whether it’s a new building or a renovation.

“The volunteers do not see a need to relocate the shelter, and the added expense seems unnecessary,” she said. “… By just adding a new building to the side of the current shelter and giving the shelter an outside sprucing up is less disruptive to dogs and volunteers.”

“Though we respect the supervisors’ position, we would prefer the original plan of just adding a building.”

Mator said a $320,000 grant has been secured for the project.

A private meeting about the project is scheduled this week between Mator, Pasquale and HHSVR Architects and Engineers. Design options, site options and pricing will be discussed, according to Mator.

HHSVR is the same firm that was selected to complete the new municipal building.

“The board completely supports the dog shelter,” Mator said. “We’re trying to get everyone on the same page to get everyone what they need.”