Expanded animal shelter celebrates grand opening

Patrons of the Monroe County Humane Society, Mayor Mark Kruzan and animal enthusiasts gathered Wednesday to celebrate the completed expansion of Bloomington's Animal Shelter. \nThe Animal Shelter, located on Old S. R. 37 South, first broke ground in October.\nThe 4,000-square foot addition will be used primarily as a place to house pets who are awaiting adoption. \nSeveral speakers were on hand for yesterday's ribbon cutting ceremony, including Kruzan. Kruzan spoke about the importance of animal care and why proper pet care is necessary. Among the other speakers were Laurie Ringquist, director of animal care and control. Ringquist expressed gratitude for the increased space and discussed some of the steps her office will take to make improvements in animal care. \n"It's about smarter adoption procedures, better living spaces for the animals and more humane working conditions for the staff," Ringquist said. \nThe shelter is making other innovative improvements, including a counseling service to help owners decide which pet is right for them. They are also training members of their faculty to offer a service to help people whose pets are having behavior problems.\nThe expansion doubled the size of the shelter, and added 14 dog kennels and three puppy kennels. It also added a village and climbing structure for cats and an educational resource room housing informational material, according to a press release from Kruzan's office.\n"We were very impressed with the turnout today," said Penni Sims, communications director for the mayor.\nThe animal shelter will host an open house celebration, which will have special activities for children and families from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. \n-- Contact staff writer Michael Pieper at mnpieper@indiana.edu.