The Pocahontas County chapter of the Humane Society has taken a huge step toward its goal of a permanent county animal shelter.

On January 15, chapter president Leslee McCarty announced the purchase of Pocahontas Pampered Pets grooming and boarding facility on Route 28, near Huntersville, along with an adjacent four acres to be used for a future county shelter.ﾠ

"We intend to continue to run the business as it has always been run, with careful attention to the needs of its clients and a very good reputation for quality service," McCarty wrote in an email. "Jeremy Usey, the groomer who has been there for several years, will remain as the manager/groomer, and we hope to use the revenues from the shop to help fund shelter operations. The pampered pets, will be helping to rescue the neglected pets, so we feel it is a great fit for our organization.

"Assuming the Pocahontas County Commission agrees with us that the four acre site centrally located and close to the county seat will be perfect for a county animal shelter, we will continue our quest to fund and build a new shelter we can all be proud of for our county.

"We are willing to raise the money to build the shelter, but the county needs to be willing to provide funds to keep it running, so we are working with them to develop a model that will be acceptable to all of us. In the meantime, we need volunteers and financial support now more than ever."

The selected site is situated near the center of the county. The geographic center is Stony Bottom but the population center is farther south, closer to Marlinton.

A temporary shelter is currently operational at the ARC building in Marlinton, under contract to the Humane Society. Workers installed a new concrete floor in the shelter area of the building on Friday. Animals and cages have been placed in other rooms until the concrete dries.

In December, the county commission authorized $24,000 to the Humane Society for operating costs of the temporary facility through June and an additional $26,000 for upgrades to the ARC building and equipment.

Those who want to make a contribution to the Humane Society can send it to: HSPC 410 Second Avenue, Marlinton, WV 24954. Donors may state a preference that their gift be used for the new shelter, the temporary shelter, spay/neuter programs, or the general fund.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the animal shelter should call (304) 799-6767.