Published: October 06, 2008 09:52 am            

Furry Friends, formerly Lobo Animal Rescue Shelter, holding fund-raiser

By VANESSA WELCH

vanessa.welch@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Lobo Animal Shelter has undergone a name change to better identify the mission of the group.

In addition, the local no-kill animal shelter is holding a benefit to raise funds for purchasing a new facility.

According to Linda Cornwell, Furry Friends Animal Shelter is the new name chosen.

“Our board of directors thought we should change our name to reflect a little bit more of what we do,” Cornwell said. “For the past five years we’ve had people asking us to get skunks out of their garage or wanting to adopt wolves.”

Since its opening in 2003, the shelter has been the only no-kill animal shelter in the Jefferson County area, and is operated entirely by volunteers. In the past, the shelter accepted animals in the Mt. Vernon area, and Cornwell said its area extended as far north as Salem and south to Benton. Many of the animals it received were mistreated or abandoned from events such as divorce of their owners.

“We were placing over 100 animals a year in homes,” Cornwell said. “And for being a tiny shelter that’s pretty impressive. The bad thing is there were that many to place.”

Furry Friends is not accepting any more animals until it raises enough funds to purchase a new facility or make renovations to the current building. Although Cornwell said it is hard not being able to take in new animals, she also mentioned a new building is important for the well-being of both the animals and workers.

“We used to rent a cinder block building and it was not really a safe place for the animals or us,” Cornwell said. “We are going to keep raising funds so when the perfect opportunity presents itself, we’ll be ready.”

Around $200,000 is needed for a new shelter, and as of now Cornwell said they have reached 10 percent of their goal.

To raise more funds, Furry Friends will be holding a benefit from 7 to 10 p.m. this Friday at GenKota Winery. Singer/guitarist Daniel Lemay will provide entertainment and beverages will be available. A 50/50 drawing will also take place and admission is $10 per person.

Cornwell noted donations are tax-deductible since the shelter is a 501(c)(3) organization. If you would like to make a donation or find out more about the benefit contact Furry Friends at 731-1566.

        

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