Petco grant improves Langlade County Humane Society’s ability to help local animals
By Craig Marx, Editor
Caring and providing for the neglected, abused, and abandoned pets in the area is one of the most-noble tasks an organization can undertake, but at times needs a boost from the outside to improve its quality of care. The Langlade County Humane Society has recently put a generous grant to use improving its facilities in Antigo, including a new administrative building on the property’s south side.
The Humane Society received approval of a $35,000 grant from the Petco Foundation in December of 2015 and has used the funding to create a new addition to its Clermont Street facility in town. Society president Bob Zoretich and his board knew the direction they wished to take with the Petco donation, and have eyes on the future of expansion.
“It’s been a long, tedious process, but we wanted us to have a nicer facility for the public to come and see these animals,” Zoretich said. “You have to have a vision and we have a great Humane Society here locally. It is nice to improve the quality of life for these animals.”
The new building serves as an updated reception area for the Society as well as a meeting place for both staff and potential animal adopters. Designed by the board of directors themselves, the facility was built by local contractors, Schwanz Construction, after receiving the grant through the Petco Foundation in Wausau.
The current land of the Humane Society was purchased just over thirty years ago and has seen changes over time thanks to support from both the community and the Society’s dedicated employees. Just recently, the Remington Foundation donated new kennels and laundry room renovations to the Society, improving the quality of care that both volunteers and staff can provide.
The vision for future projects includes possible additions to the new building. Being stand-alone structures as of now, plans to possibly link the older facility to the rear of the new building have been contemplated. The addition of a new, outdoor space for dogs, especially a semi-enclosed space for them to exercise during the harsh winter months, is also being considered.
“We are always looking for new ways to improve our facility. About 95 percent of the money we have is raised or donated and these new additions also bring new responsibilities for us,” Zoretich added.
The Langlade County Humane Society’s animal shelter is located at 2204 Clermont Street in Antigo, and the facility’s new building (along with its recently-updated sign provided by local donors) are located on the south side of the parking lot. Persons interested in either adopting animals or inquiring about the Society itself are encouraged to visit the reception area of this new addition.
The Langlade County Humane Society’s hours are:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 12 PM – 4 PM
- Saturday 11 AM – 3 PM
- Closed on Sunday and Wednesday
Membership meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month at 6 PM at the Langlade County Safety Building in the County Board meeting room. All Humane Society members and the public are welcome to attend the meetings.
