Renovated CMHS Looks like a Million Bucks

Photo credit: henrycountyhumanesociety

Arguably, the biggest pet news in mid-Missouri this week was the completion of the Zootoo.com "Million Dollar Makeover" at the Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS). On Tuesday, staff and volunteers began moving the shelter's animals into their new digs. The CMHS hasn't gotten any larger, but the animals now have improved amenities such as living areas for cats with separate sleeping, eating and litter-box spaces, larger cages and solid glass panels on kennels instead of chain link. Large windows have turned formerly dim rooms into sun drenched retreats. Another highlight is the new, non-circulating air filtration system. It brings in fresh air from the outside into the dog kennels.

I couldn't be happier to hear that the renovations are complete. The project started out kind of rocky, but ultimately it seems to have been a huge success. All of the wonderful dogs and cats at the facility deserve a great place to live while they wait for their forever families. A big thanks  to Amanda Huhman and Libby Burk, the two Columbia teens that rallied the City together to win this spectacular makeover!

If you want to get a virtual tour of the new facility check out the videos on CMHS's Youtube channel. 

Looking to adopt?  For a limited time, dog adoptions are $75 and puppies are $100 at CMHS. 

What are your thoughts on the CMHS renovations?

Update on Miss Kitty and Central Missouri Humane Society Makeover

Photo by: Sande2

Save a life, adopt a shelter animal! It is also important to spay and neuter your pets.

Hello! It's been awhile since I've updated, but I am ready to get back into the swing of things. Since my last post, my boyfriend and I were able to get our foster cat, Miss Kitty, into the adoption program at Columbia Second Chance. Prior to that, we found out she was pregnant and ended up getting her spayed. It's a difficult decision to terminate life, but there are so many stray cats and dogs that it was the best decision. The vet who spayed her is Greg Steck of Centertown, Mo. He is an excellent doctor that does great work for reasonable prices. The folks at Second Chance are amazing, and I think they fell in love with Miss Kitty as quickly as we did! I would recommend going to their Web site and checking out their adoptable dogs and cats. Save a life!

There is also a local organization called SNAP (Spay, Neuter and Protect) that was created by Second Chance volunteers. Their mission is to reduce the feral cat population in Columbia, MO, using a humane spay and neuter TNR program strategy that protects the public health while providing public education about the need to spay and neuter pets. 

In local news, the much anticipated renovation of the Central Missouri Humane Society started this week. The CMHS won the "One Million Dollar" makeover ZooToo.com competition last spring. Since the big win, there has been some controversy over ZooToo's ability to pay for the shelter makeover. Richard Thompson, CEO of Zootoo.com and former chief executive for Meow Mix, refused to answer any financial questions at Tuesday's ribbon cutting. The shelter's adoptable dogs and cats will be housed in a temporary facitlity, the former Mid-City Lumber facility at 2105 Paris Road- for more than a month while construction takes place. Despite the problems that have clouded this renovation, I am excited that is is finally underway and excited to see the final product. There is no doubt that all of the animals and the hard-working CMHS staff and volunteers deserve this!

What are you thoughts on the CMHS renovation? Are you leery of ZooToo.com's financial stability?