RHINELANDER - A backhoe ripped down a part of the Oneida County Humane Society on Tuesday morning.

It's the beginning of a new, expanded shelter that will offer more resources for pets and their future families.

The shelter will add space for intake, dog quarantine, and new owner meet-and-greet.

"We've always had the need for the areas that we are going to be able to have when this is finished, but the funding was always an issue," said Humane Society Treasurer Sue Otis.


It took four years of fundraising to get started on the major project. Three years ago, the PETCO Foundation surprised the shelter with a $100,000 donation. It raised more than $300,000 in additional funds after that.

Construction plans call for the Humane Society's extension toward Stevens Street.

"We're excited, and I think it shows. This is animals. There are so many people that love them, and love pets, and anything we can do to help [is good]. We have so many people throughout Oneida County that want to help," Otis said.

The construction should be done in three to four months.

"If we draw more people that come through this building to adopt more animals because it's going to be a more welcoming facility, that is going to show us that we did the right thing," said Otis.

The Humane Society moved animals safely to a different part of the building during demolition.

While construction is underway, the shelter will have different hours for adoption. It will be open 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Story By: Ben Meyer