ASHLAND, Ohio — The dog days are over at Ashland County's old shelter for canines. A brand new facility has just opened that places volunteer safety and a soothing environment for residents above all else.
We got a tour of the $3 million facility just a few days after the dogs were transferred from the old building to the new.
Joe Eggerton is Ashland County's Dog Warden. As part of his job he has to make some tough decisions, and he also sees plenty of sad situations. But inside the walls of Ashland County Homeward Bound Dog Shelter it's clear Joe wears his heart on his sleeve.
"We love the dogs more than people," Joe said as he moved from cage to cage, connecting with each dog and knowing their background, likes and dislikes. And they know Joe, too.
The community clearly loves dogs as well. When it became apparent the county's old shelter had significant limitations, the public stepped up to help build a new one.
"Our existing dog shelter obviously was overrun. We only had 24 cages and had 36 dogs in it. That's been going on for several years now," said Denny Bittle, Ashland County Commissioner, who has been heavily involved in plans to build a new facility.
We talked to Bittle outside the entrance, where plaques display the names of all who had a hand in making this dream for dogs a reality.
As we talked a woman from a local salon stopped by bringing boxes and boxes of supplies for the shelter.
"The community is always donating. If we ask for donations they just pour in. It is so nice because they love the dogs," Bittle said.
Fundraising started in 2018 with nonprofit organization Homeward Bound leading the way.
By late September of this year, the 8,000 square foot facility opened, giving Ashland County's dogs in need a much more nurturing, healing place to land.
The facility can hold up to 69 dogs. Kennels are divided into pods, depending on status: from new arrivals awaiting exams, to those being evaluated for personality and disposition. Pods of dogs ready for adoption are the last stop.
Eggerton took us on a tour of each of the pods. The noise rises as visitors come through. But after you leave and step out into the hall, it quiets. The dogs enjoy natural lighting - they can see the stars at night through a skylight. Each kennel has heated floors that start inside - and go out, as each dog has their own outdoor access. A music sound system isn't quite finished, but will eventually provide soothing sounds.
Joe pointed out all that these new pods offer: "Each has its own lighting. So (workers) can turn the lighting down in one pod. The dogs know, 'hey, it's bedtime! Mom and Dad shut the lights out.' And they quickly go to sleep as long as they're content."
The shelter also features an indoor play yard when weather is bad, and an outdoor one too, waiting to be divided into three sections. The new facility is in a wooded area and the hope is walking trails will eventually be carved out for more scenic walks. A grooming room is also not quite finished, but close. The laundry room with industrial-sized washers and dryers was humming along as we strolled through. Shelters go through a lot of laundry.
Also on the tour - two meet and greet rooms, something the old shelter did not have. It gives prospective adopters a chance to get to know a dog, without the distraction of other barking neighbors.
There's also a community education space. If an adopter has never owned a dog before, they must pass a training course before getting their dog.
Joe and the shelter staff are committed to finding the right fit between dog and human. He chokes up when acknowledging the neglect or abuse some of these creatures have been through.
"No words. No words. Sorry. I'm just so attached, you know?"
While under his watchful eye, he spoils them as much as he can. Kisses, belly rubs, treats from nearby fast food restaurants. Plain hamburgers or chicken nuggets aren't uncommon.
Joe knows they can't undo the past so he's also about improving the future, and providing loving second chances for the very good dogs who come here.
"I see you baby girl, come up and see Daddy. Yes, my baby. I know they loves you too. Yes, I do."
The new building includes available space. The hope is to have a veterinary practice move in, and for an arrangement with rent, the DVM could also work out a deal with the shelter.
No Pawz Left Behind helps fund medical care and other needs of the dogs. You can learn more HERE.
Check out the pups available HERE.