| Shelter
New complex planned for Mission Valley site
Continued from B-2
Miers has proposed a series of gardens, some designed for play. There also is a separate "grieving garden" for visitors who need a place to mourn the loss of a pet
"These drawings are the result of input from many workers and volunteers at both animal facilities," Miers told a crowd of several dozen who went to the County Administration Center yesterday afternoon for a first peek at the plans.
"It's wonderful," said San Diego City Councilwoman Valerie Stallings. Pam Slater, chairwoman of the county Board of Supervisors, nodded in agreement.
"This will be a welcoming place arid not a facility where you get your heart broken," Slater said. "The one we have now is like a concentration camp where you're embarrassed to be a human being."
'This time Stallings nodded in agreement, adding that she can't go to the current Gaines Street shelter without feeling sorry for the animals.
Dena Mangiamele, a veterinarian who heads the Department of Animal Control, said the new health and sanitation equipment will make. people feel better about adopting animals. |
The plans call for isolation kennels for diseased and injured. animals.
"The animals deserve this. They've deserved a better place for a long time and now they're going to get one," Stallings said.
Kudos and handshakes aside, one audience member said she felt the project was moving too slowly.
"I hear a lot of what's going to happen but not when its going to happen," said Anne Evans. "Have we run out of steam? Is all the enthusiasm gone?"
But the "when" is going to take money, officials said, and plans for a capital campaign have been put on hold while the city of San Diego and the Humane Society work out financial details.
The new government shelter will be owned by the city, although run by the county, as is the current Gaines Street shelter.
John Merritt, executive director of the Humane Society, told the group that an agreement will be signed by Friday.
The county shelter has raised $8. million in public and private donations, including a $2 million donation from Helen K. Copley, publisher of The San Diego Union-Tribune. The combined complexes are expected to cost $19 million to $20 minion, according to Slater.
Before the meeting adjourned, the public and politicians agreed to hold their next meeting at 3 p.m. Nov. 10 in the County Administration Center. Plans for a fundraising campaign to begin before the end of the year will be discussed. The public is encouraged to attend. |
