By 2020, there will be fewer stray animals on the streets of metro Denver and more living in their “forever homes” — at least, that’s the goal of Denver Dumb Friends League.
Last year, the organization helped place more than 15,000 animals in homes through adoption, staying true to its mission to end pet homelessness.
Much-needed renovations of the Dumb Friends League Denver shelter at 2080 S. Quebec St. have been a topic of conversation among the organization’s leaders, workers and volunteers for several years. The first concrete step toward bringing those ideas to fruition came last April when DDFL launched its Building a Better Way Home campaign.
The shelter was considered a state-of-the-art facility when it debuted in 1974, but key areas have remained largely untouched for more than 43 years.
A $40 million project will renovate the most heavily-used areas of the center over the next three years, including the dog holding and adoptions area, the pet admissions lobby and the veterinary services department.
Construction is underway on the dog holding area, which Dumb Friends League representatives say will receive the most extensive makeover. The new layout will provide dogs with individual rooms as opposed to the side-by-side kennels previously used. The kennels created an overstimulating and sometimes stressful environment for the animals, staff members say.
Renovations to the veterinary department will double the shelter’s ability to perform surgeries and other vital medical services, eliminating long wait times, speeding up animals’ recovery and allowing more room for incoming pets.
“This renovation really embodies the center’s mission, which is doing the best we can for the animals we serve and the community we serve,” said Joan Thielen, a communication specialist for DDFL.
To date, the Building a Better Way Home campaign has raised almost $10 million in grant money and donations. Leslie and John Malone of The Malone Family Foundation have committed to match up to $20 million for the project.
Recently, the campaign received a $300,000 grant from the Petco Foundation, which gives $30 million annually to animal welfare initiatives throughout the country.
“We look for an organization that is making a substantial difference in their community and saving lives… we want to make sure we are making a significant, life-saving impact with our investment,” Susanne Kogut, executive director for the Petco Foundation, said of the organization’s financial distributions.
Denver Dumb Friends League works with a number of area Petco locations to assist in the adoption of cats, dogs and small companion animals.
“I think they’re always progressing to that next step, and that’s what we like to see in those organizations,” Kogut said of DDFL.
The shelter estimates renovations will be complete in early 2020. Square footage will increase from 84,521 to 110,000. The number of dog kennels will jump from 154 to 212 and the number of cat kennels from 464 to 646.
Construction of a dedicated area for behavioral rehabilitation is included in the renovation plans. The addition will be a stress-free, isolated environment for shy or fearful animals.
Volunteer Nancy Fornaro spends much of her time in the behavioral unit working with cats that need help socializing. She said a stronger focus on the behavioral unit will speed up the adoption process and boost the number of animals DDFL helps.
“It’s all about making these pets adoptable,” she said.
Fornaro has been volunteering with Dumb Friends League about twice a week for the last 12 years. The shelter has more than 1,000 volunteers, and 50-75 people donate time there on any given day.
“I feel like I’m really doing something for the community and for these pets. I think everyone who works here feels that way. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for these guys,” she said, looking fondly at a 14-year-old brown tabby cat named Speck. “I feel a lot of gratification from it. I love it.”
DDFL is actively welcoming donations for this campaign.
“It requires the rest of the community to take part,” Kogut said. “We encourage everyone to give to their local animal shelter, and we hope our investment can encourage people. (DDFL is) going to need more than just us.”
INFORMATION
Denver Dumb Friends League
2080 S. Quebec St., Denver
303-751-5772, ddfl.org
