THE MOMENT -- Cutting the ceremonial ribbon to open the centre were (L-R) Erika Gates, Edith Kadar, Tip Burrows and Frances Singer Hayward (with HSGB President Chris Johnston in the background). (Photo by Franklyn Williams)

The Humane Society of Grand Bahama (HSGB) officially opened the doors to their new Animal Welfare and Adoption Centre on June 21st. Two hundred benefactors, supporters and volunteers enjoyed food, drink, live music, and tours of the new facility.

Father Rudolph Cooper of St. Stephen's Anglican Church in Eight Mile Rock gave the invocation and later asked a blessing for the building and its staff and animals. President of the HSGB Chris Johnston gave the opening remarks and thanked the contributors, particularly Sir Jack Hayward. Commenting that, without Sir Jack’s support, the building would not have been possible, Mr. Johnston said: “To you, Sir Jack, we would say a heart felt thanks from all of us assembled here today”.

OPEN CONCEPT - Guests marveled at the open cat colony room, in which 18 adult cats are residing quite comfortably without cages. They enjoy high perches and comfortable beds while they await adoption. (Photo by Franklyn Williams)

Cutting the ceremonial ribbon to open the centre were Frances Singer Hayward, Erika Gates, Edith Kadar and Tip Burrows. HSGB Managing Director Tip Burrows then delivered the closing remarks.

The highlight of the evening was the new shelter itself and the animals already in residence. The cheery yellow building sits on two-and-a-half fenced acres and includes two completed dog kennels, two dog kennels still under construction (scheduled for completion in late summer), two cat rooms, 24 outside dog pens, laundry room, surgery room, exam/bathing room, office space, retail shop, and food preparation and storage rooms. The site also features The Amigo Friendship Park, and The Emmie Rose Memorial Garden. The park will be used for exercise, as well as training classes and shelter events. The Memorial Garden will be a tranquil space, landscaped with native plants and trees, and will feature personalised brick pavers, available for purchase through the HSGB.

The dedicated crew of the Humane Society of Grand Bahama are thankful for the community support that helped to make the new shelter and care facility a reality. (Photo by Franklyn Williams)

Guests marveled at the open cat colony room, in which 18 adult cats are residing quite comfortably without cages. They enjoy high perches and comfortable beds while they await adoption. The dog kennels are clean and spacious. Mrs. Burrows says, “We are thrilled with our new facility and look forward to providing much better care for these animals than we were previously able. Our hope is that the public will feel more comfortable coming to such a nice place to find a pet, and that our adoptions will increase greatly as a result.”

The Humane Society of Grand Bahama recently received a generous donation of a bus from Grand Bahama Nature Tours. The bus will aid the HSGB in their work throughout the communities of Grand Bahama. (Photo by Franklyn Williams)

The Humane Society of Grand Bahama was founded in 1968 by a group of dedicated volunteers. The HSGB remains the only animal welfare organisation on Grand Bahama. In 2007, over 1,200 animals were taken in. The HSGB has established intensive spay/neuter and education programmes with the aim of reducing the animal over-population problem and helping people to become more responsible pet owners.

On a grand evening of food, music and celebration, the new Animal Welfare and Adoption Centre of the Humane Society of Grand Bahama officially opened its doors to serve the community. (Photo by Franklyn Williams)

From June 23-June 28 the shelter will host an “open house” between the hours of 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. for those members of the community who would like to see the new facility. Adoption hours are currently 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, although plans are being made to expand those hours.

The shelter is open to receive animals from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily except Sundays.