By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Henry County Humane Society Geneseo has seen an increase of dogs and is in need of installing new dog runs to properly care for their canine friends.

The no-kill shelter cares for an average of 10 dogs at a time, not including the two or three that are in foster care. In addition, there is a waiting list.

According to Kim Park and Kristen Verstraete, who make up the facilities committee at the shelter, the current dog runs are about five years old and are no longer “dog appropriate.” The dogs can dig under the fencing and at times their muzzles get stuck in the chain link fence due to the large openings.

“We can’t put dogs out in all the runs at the same time if any of the dogs are not ‘dog friendly’,” said Verstraete, who also serves as treasurer of the shelter.

She estimated the cost of the new runs to be $10,000…”I am not sure the new runs will be larger, but they will be more secure and safer.”

There are currently five runs at the shelter and Park and Verstraete agree they “would like that number to increase to six, seven or eight new runs.”

When asked about the time frame for the installation of the new runs, they said, “Before the snow flies.”

Donations for the new runs can be sent to Henry County Humane Society Geneseo at 14606 Roos Hill Rd., Geneseo, IL 61254

Officers of the HCHS – Geneseo are: Linda VanDerLeest, president; Jamie DeSplinter, vice president; Katie Irwin, secretary; Kristen Verstraete, treasurer. Board members are Kimberly Park, Traci Ellsworth, Cindy Hoste, Jill Carlson and Erin Knackstedt.

EVENT ON AUG. 9

The HCHS Geneseo is planning a “Tails, Ales, & Glory Days” event from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at the Central Bank Pavilion in Geneseo. Those planning to attend may bring their favorite pet. The event will include live music, dancing, 50-50 raffle and snow cones form Tropical Snow. There is no entry fee.