Big move ahead for Three Rivers Humane Society dogs

Major upgrades years in the making are almost here for the Three Rivers Humane Society in Madras.

When Stephen Drynan and his wife Jerilee took the shelter over in 2013, they were surprised to see animals kept outside in both freezing and scorching temperatures. They worked to install heated water bowls and cover the kennels with tarps in the winter, as well as bring in misters for the heat of the summer.

But in just a few weeks, those things won’t be necessary. The finishing touches are going in on the shelter’s brand new facility.

“In the new shelter, we have 41 indoor kennels, five of which are primarily for the police to bring dogs after hours. But 36 of them are for our use at any given time,” Jerilee said Friday.

Permitting hangups and logistical challenges, such as having to build a new septic system, delayed but didn’t stop the couple from reaching their goal.

“We’ve had several setbacks in the construction process, but we’re finally on to the last leg and hoping for final inspections next week,” Stephen said.

This building is four years in the making, with a $400,000 price tag, raised almost entirely by the community.

In addition to the 41 indoor kennels, there’s also a special room for someone near and dear to NewsChannel 21.”Russell’s Place we call it, is where we will always have Russell as part of our family,” Jerilee said.

The room is dedicated to former weatherman Russell Bird, who died two years ago this month. Bird loved to visit the Three Rivers Humane Society. Russell’s Place will be a room people can use to spend time with the dog they might want to adopt.

“Russell loved to come out and see the dogs, and we thought this was an appropriate tribute, because he loved to be with the dogs,” Stephen said.

The public is welcome to attend the grand opening of the new facility on Sunday, May 13th at 2 p.m at 1694 SE McTaggart Road in Madras.

More information: https://threerivershs.org/