"El Oroso" is one lucky dog. The seven-year-old golden retriever mix (pictured top-center) spends his days curled up on his owner's sofa in-between runs through his yard where he chases rabbits, deer, and other furry critters.
Like many Putnam County pets, "El Oroso" (Spanish for The Bear) was rescued from the Putnam County Animal Relief Center. Just a puppy in the summer of 2000, "El Oroso" was brought home before the ink on his admission papers was dry. Since then "El Oroso" has been pampered and loved, along with his pomeranian housemate, Kodie.
Yes, "El Oroso" is one lucky dog, because many animals spend days and weeks in the Animal Relief Center, a facility that needs some relief of its own. Plenty of relief. As in an extreme makeover. As in a fresh start. As in a whole new facility.
That's where you are being asked to help. Putnam County business owner Jeff Barnes is spear-heading a fund-raiser to build a brand new state-of-the-art facility in Eleanor. The $500,000 structure will be built on land donated by the state of West Virginia on the north end of the Winfield/Eleanor Bridge near Rte. 62.
In addition to new cages, dog runs, an education center, and visitors areas, Barnes' plans include a full veterinary clinic, something the current relief center in Winfield sorely lacks.
"The existing animal shelter is more than 20-years-old. It only has 26 dog runs. The ventilation system is poor, says Barnes. "The recent and projected growth of Putnam County makes the need for a more modern and larger shelter imperative."
"Desperately needed," may be a better phrase. In past years the Winfield center has been the target of television news reports spotlighting deplorable conditions under old management. While new leadership has cleaned up the facility, nothing can hide the fact that it is too small for current needs.
Barnes and his son, Trevor, recently adopted "Grace," a black kitten from the shelter. So they saw first-hand the many needs for a new facility.
The Putnam County Commission backs the venture, citing volunteerism as the key to the project.
"The animal shelter has been greatly improved through volunteerism," says Commission President Raymond "Joe" Haynes. "The County Commission enthusiastically supports this campaign."
The kickoff fundraiser took place Tuesday, February 13th in the Charleston room at the Sleepy Hollow Country Club. West Virginia First Lady Gayle Manchin was the Special Guest Speaker. About 75 people attended.
"This is good for the community, because when newcomers come to the area,” says Manchin. “They will see that we care -- we care for ourselves and our animals... There is a link between animals and people, they are there to assist us when we need them and we should also be there to assist when they need us."
You can help build the new Animal Relief Center by attending the meeting or by sending tax-deductible donations to the: Putnam County Relief Center Fund, C/O First State Bank, 1101 Hospital Drive, Suite 102, Hurricane, WV 25526.
"I believe this campaign will be the largest display of compassion in the history of Putnam County," says Barnes. "Your involvement is needed to make this a reality."
For more information, please contact Jeff Barnes at: JBarnes@JBarnes.com.
Barnes hopes to break ground on the new facility in 2008.
