Dog walk helps raise money for new animal shelter

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — A little unexpected snow didn't deter pet lovers from lacing up their snow boots and pounding the pavement with their pooches Saturday for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter's 11th annual Dog Walk to benefit a new shelter.

With the current shelter on Country Road in Chambersburg filled to capacity, shelter officials said they are hoping to move into the larger, state-of-the-art facility at 5051 Letterkenny Road West in Chambersburg next year.

Bill Gour, director of development for the shelter, said the goal is to occupy the new building by the beginning of next year and have the animals in the structure later in the year.

"The current structure just doesn't fit our needs. It's too small and antiquated," Gour said. "This place will be state of the art and have plenty of room."

The new 12,600-square-foot building, located on 11.2 acres, will provide room for about 130 cats and 70 dogs, which is twice the amount that the current shelter accommodates, according to shelter staff.

The snow was heavy at times, but about 20 people bundled up in hats, gloves and winter coats and made the two-mile trek with their four-legged companions around the new shelter to help raise about $3,300 on Saturday.

Jennifer Vanderau, director of communications for the shelter, said she didn't expect people to brave the winter storm to participate in the dog walk.

"I honestly thought we'd have five people, and the fact that this many people braved this ridiculous first storm of the winter to come out here to support this is really poignant," Vanderau said. "It's touching."

Brenda Hawbaker, her husband, Daryl, and their beagles, Daisy and Violet, participated in the dog walk to help raise the remaining $1.5 million needed to complete the shelter's new home.

"It's a really great cause," Brenda Hawbaker said. "They are kind of overcrowded right now. They just need more space, and a lot of animals need good homes."

Given the state of the economy, Vanderau said the shelter is touched by the community's support.

"We are grateful to the community for getting us this far," Vanderau said. "We're going to get there. We're the little engine that could."

Jessica Johnston of Orrstown, Pa., and her Great Dane, Bella, came out to lend their support.

"There's definitely a lot more animals than people to take care of right now," Johnston said. "They need support no matter what's going on with the economy."

Kendall Johnson, 15, of Scotland, Pa., and her mother, Belinda Johnson, brought Abe, a seeing-eye puppy, to the dog walk.

"This is a great cause," Belinda Johnson said. "There are too many dogs out there that don't have homes. I think this is a great opportunity for us to provide a good place for them to be raised until they can find a permanent home."