Shelter History

 

1977 - Be Kind to Animals Week:

 

  

Thursday, April 28, 1977
Times-Herald Newspapers

"Gone to the Dogs?  Be kind to animals is the message the American Human Association (AHA) is touting nationwide May 1 - 7.  In Dearborn, Acting Mayor Van D. Mericas (center), on behalf of the city council which recognized the special week in a resolution is encouraging residents to show responsibility and thoughtfulness toward animals.  Mericas presented the resolution to two of the city's most fervid animal welfare supports, Mollybell Hart (left) and Dolly Harper, AHA member."
                     "WHEREAS, the American Human Association, along with millions of children and adults, will be observing Be Kind to Animals Week May 1 - 7, 1977; and,

                      WHEREAS, Be kind to Animals Week is one of the oldest special weeks in the nation, having been celebrated yearly since 1915 when it was instituted by the American Human Association, and,

                      WHEREAS, by focusing on human care of pets, Be Kind To Animals Week presents the opportunit for people of all ages to further foster attitudes of kindness, thoughtfullness and responsibility toward all living things; and,

                      WHEREAS, animals in the City of Dearborn will receive the bet of care at a modern, new animal shelter to be constructed this year; now, therefore be it

                       RESOLVED, that the Dearborn City Council joins with Mayor Orville L. Hubbard and the People of Dearborn in commending, complimenting and congratulating the American Human Association for encouraging human responsibility toward pets and other animals; and be it further

                      RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be presented to a representative of the American Humane Association as a continuing, deserved civic salute from the Council, the Mayor and the People of Dearborn."

 

"Animal Shelter construction is officially underway" - May 25, 1978; Times-Herald:

 

Picture Caption:

"Construction of Dearborn's new $305,000 animal shelter is underway following a civic groundbreaking ceremony which saw Mayor John O'Reilly toss the first shovel of dirt.  With O'Reilly are members of the Dearborn City Council, the Mayor's Animal Shelter Committee, other city officials and representatives of the contracting (J.S. Vig Construction Co.) and architectural (Coquillard / Dolgner / Dunton & Argenta) firms.  A special guest was Melvindale Mayor Thomas Coogan (fifth left).  The new facility, as depictured in the architect's rendering, is an arrow-shaped buildings of 4,000 square feet to be located on Greenfield near Butler."

Story: 


  "With officials, and well-wishers battling threatening skies, Mayor John O'Reilly turned over the first shovel of dirt Thursday during groundbreaking ceremonies for the city's new animal shelter.

  The festivities quickly broke up, however, as the heavens opened soon after the first toss of dirt and the rain fell, sending people scurrying in all directions, for cover.

  The new shelter, to build on Butler Road across from the Department of Public Works yard, will house three times the amount of animals of the current shelter.

  Cost for the project has been set at $305,000, which includes planning costs, site preparation  and water main and sewer construction.  The building contract as been awarded to the J.S. Vig Construction Company of Taylor.

  A petition drive to have a new shelter built began in April of 1975 through the efforts of a group of citizens upset with the cramped condition of the existing shelter.

  In addition to increased space for the animals, the shelter will also have space indoors to part the dog pound trucks in the winter, a drive-through facility to better transfer animals, individual cages for cats and dogs, and hopefully soon after completion, outdoor kennels for the animals.

  Poundmaster Jess Dawday, who called the new shelter "the envy of other cities", will head of staff of six in offering better care for the animals.

  Officials are point to a late fall completion date for the new shelter."

 

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