WAUSEON — With just weeks left until they needed to move, the Fulton County Humane Society received a new building from a donor who wants to remain anonymous.
“We are so thankful,” said Stephanie Moore, FCHS office manager. “We have so much hope now.”
The organization’s current building is in the process of being sold, and FCHS volunteers had been asking for help from the public to raise money and find the group a new home. The FCHS had until the end of the month to move out of its current building on County Road J in Wauseon.
The new building, located near Archbold on County Road F, is more than twice the size of the organization’s current facility, Ms. Moore said. And with 3.5 acres, there is room to build outdoor runs for the dogs.
Ms. Moore said the FCHS received an email on Sunday with the offer to donate the building, and leadership went to view the property on Monday and Wednesday. In an emergency meeting, the board voted to accept the offer.
“We’re thinking we can get in next week,” Ms. Moore said.
The building is a 10,000-square-foot facility and is not move-in ready, she said. It’s been sitting unused for three years and needs to be cleaned, sanitized, and have all its carpet removed to prepare it for the animals.
The money that FCHS has raised so far for its new building now will go toward renovating and upgrading the building it has been gifted, Ms. Moore said. And as the organization starts to move into the space, she said volunteers will need help to turn the facility into an appropriate animal shelter.
“We’re going to need people,” Ms. Moore said. “We’re going to have a community cleaning day.”
Despite the work that needs to be done, Ms. Moore said the group is grateful for the donation and the support of the community.
“We’re so exhausted,” she said, “but at the same time, we’re high on the incredible gift we just received.”
First Published December 10, 2021, 8:46 p.m.
