Tnl-News.com - CCAPL dreams it, believes it, and now they will build it

Photo By Edward L. HaleThe Carroll County Animal Protection League announced Aug. 12 the purchase of the land on state Route 43 to build its animal shelter. Those attending the event are (front, from left) CCAPL Secretary and board member Patti Willoughby, CCAPL President and board member Eileen Rohrer, CCAPL board member Erin Diekmann with her dog Daisy, and CCAPL board member Joyce Ruble; (back) Bev Newell of Consumers National Bank, CCAPL Vice President and board member Amy Tripp, CCAPL grant writer Helen Skinner, CCAPL board member Merle Albrecht, Treasurer and board member Erica Zeedyk, and architect Milton Studer.

By EDWARD L. HALE

News Leader Correspondent

The Carroll County Animal Protection League has purchased land after searching for almost three years. On Aug. 12, members announced the purchase of land and gathered at the 5.3 plus acres on Canton Road in Harrison Township.

The land was purchased July 1, from Larry and Carole McCully. CCAPL's goal is to build an animal shelter for animals of Carroll County.

CCAPL formed and organized Jan. 18, 2007, and is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. CCAPL is not affiliated with any animal rights groups or animal organizations.

In the two-and-a-half years of its existence, it has raised close to $85,000 through numerous fundraising activities by volunteer members, individual and public monetary donations, and its ongoing "Pennies for Paws" campaign by placing donation cans in various businesses throughout Carroll County.

On July 15, 2008, a $50,000 restricted endowment gift was received from the Carroll County Humane Society. This restricted endowment gift must be used for construction only and has to be used within five years of receiving it to build an animal shelter, or it has to be returned in full, plus interest.

Major expenses incurred to date have been the animal shelter plans drawn by architect Milton Studer of Minerva, along with test holes dug by A & J Cinson, paid for by members, and an assessment of the soil content by Bauder Engineering Associates. The land on Canton Road was purchased with a down payment and procuring a loan at Consumers National Bank of Carrollton, and using a grant of $1,000 from the Carroll Cooperative "People for People Fund." Additional expenses have been paid to Hettler Engineering to handle all the details of the site plans necessary for the Environmental Protection Agency and Ohio Department of Transportation.

CCAPL President Eileen Rohrer said, "Fundraising efforts not only help us make our loan payment on the land, but put some money towards the shelter fund. Our needs are great to raise the $300,000 to build the animal shelter. We can do it with your help! Become a member, help with fundraisers, attend meetings, give your input and ideas, bequeath to us or give us an endowment gift, or donation in honor or memory of a beloved person or pet so your love of animals can live on."

Grant funding for constructing and maintaining the shelter is being handled by Helen Skinner and Rohrer. They will pursue grants "with diligence and vigor," as soon as the site plans are approved by the EPA.

The 3,328-square-foot animal-shelter designs include cat, dog, puppy, and kitten areas, exam and clinic areas for treatment of animals, a grooming area, office space, storage areas for food and supplies, isolation areas for new arrivals, food preparation, laundry, and a euthanasia area.

CCAPL members said they will not euthanize for space, but only when humanely necessary and recommended by a licensed veterinarian. Numerous activities and also educational programs will be implemented once the shelter is complete.

"We are willing to take on this monumental project. Many ideas and suggestions have been implemented from members and friends and we are constantly planning more in the future," Rohrer said. "We do know the animal shelter will provide loving and caring temporary homes to those who will come under our care until they find their 'forever homes.'"

CCAPL meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Carrollton Friendship Center. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

Membership in the CCAPL is $15 for adults and $5 for junior members, who are under the age of 18. The Web site is ccapl.webs.com and CCAPL can be contacted by e-mail at carrollcountyapl@yahoo.com.