1. Pups in Waiting
Nine lively puppies, adopting the names of Paw Patrol characters, anticipate their forever homes at Juneau Animal Rescue. However, their story intertwines with the shelter’s own quest for a better future.
2. Outdated Origins
Kevin Ritchie, a board member, reveals the shelter’s roots in the 1980s, originally designed as an animal warehouse rather than a conducive environment for their well-being.
3. Elevating Animal Experience
Ritchie emphasizes the importance of providing advantages to animals within the facility, creating a safe, calm, and happy environment for a positive adoption experience.
4. Urgency for Change
The call for a new shelter amplifies as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals identifies extensive issues during a 2021 inspection, declaring it below national standards.
5. Overwhelmed Haven
Rick Driscoll, JAR’s executive director, sheds light on the challenges faced by the shelter, housing a staggering number of cats and dogs while lacking adequate space, especially during peak seasons.
6. Stressful Quarters
The makeshift housing for non-traditional pets, such as birds and small mammals, in a hallway creates a stressful environment, prompting the need for a more suitable setup.
7. Building Dreams: The Wish List
The board’s vision for a new facility unfolds with aspirations for a larger outdoor area, a roof, improved ventilation, and double-sided cages, addressing concerns about infectious diseases and streamlining cleaning processes.