Finding Forever Dog and Cat Rescue in Opp will get an updated home after the donation recently of an old building. It is looking for help from the public in its efforts to restore it.
The building was built in the 1950s. the building is set to be renovated to host an annual rummage sale as well as store foster materials and host fundraisers in the near future. Finding Forever is also making various cosmetic improvements to the structure, including the flooring and roof.
“We received this building by an individual Opp has known and is fond of: Brandye Koerner. The building was originally purchased by Koerner with the intention of opening an animal rescue for senior dogs in the future. This donation means three things. We will have a house that allows us to cut back on storage costs for for our rummage sales. It will provide us with a place to conduct every fundraising event. The event will always have a neutral area to hold meeting and greetings with our animals and prospective adopters. The above items have proved difficult finding for us before,” volunteer Andi Shepard stated.
A monthly rummage sale is held in this building every 1st Saturday of every month.
“Our Rummage sales aid in efforts to raise money. We’ve had bake sales, taken part in events such as Opp Fest, and took donations to Lake Frank Jackson’s 4th of July fireworks display. The property will also be the venue for some of our fundraising events that are coming up. We are hoping to fence part of the property someday to use to host adoption meetings and greetings, too,” she added.
According to Shepard that a number of repairs are required to bring the building to standards.
“So far the building has been given a an updated roof installed through Todd Qualls. This was paid for with donations from the local community supporters. We also installed new electrical and plumbing work done, which was provided from Shane as well as Harry Bailey and new flooring supplied as well as installed through Tom Roeser and Sharon Roeser. A ramp was constructed and labor was donated from Jimmy Whigham. The rest of the repairs were accomplished over many days with volunteers, such as painting patches to walls, as well as cutting off the ceiling tile.”
Finding Forever stated the current need is for cash donations from the general public to be used for bill payments and the necessities of its animals.
“These donations will allow us to pay our vet bill which typically runs between $500 to $4,000 based on the time of the time of day. Apart from that we are always in need of cat food, dog food, cat litter and treats for dogs.”
Despite numerous setbacks, Shepard is grateful to help out as a volunteer in the rescue.
“Throughout the course of the year we’ve witnessed many tragic situations in which animals were neglected, or cruelly treated. Our team was forced to make a lot of difficult and tough decisions, but also needed to complete a lot of tough things to aid the animal suffering in our community. Through every hard and difficult circumstance, those who are part of our group choose to carry on. There’s a problem with animals in our town and county and we have decided to do everything we could to assist. I’ve never been more pleased to have been a part of something similar to Finding Forever Dog and Cat Rescue,” she said.
There are currently 10 volunteer volunteers at the rescue, of whom are fosters. There are 45 dogs and cats that are divided among eight foster homes.
“We encourage spay and neuter as well as to educate the community about the low-cost programs offered to the public. We are an 501(c)(3) and that means that all donations are tax-deductible. We do not run off donations and are unable to save those who are voiceless without their help. Animals are not housed in this facility. Our volunteers are scattered all over Opp, Babbie, Andalusia, Covington County, and Coffee County,” Shepard stated.
Finding Forever Dog and Cat Rescue is located at 3287 Alford Road in Opp.
For more information email findingforeverrescue.al@gmail.com or message the Finding Forever Dog and Cat Rescue Facebook page.
The article The building that was donated will be used as a shelter for animals in Opp was originally published at The Andalusia Star-News.
