Anderson Animal Shelter to feature walking, nature trails

Anderson Animal Shelter is working with several area community groups to complete a walking trail on the wooded portion of their 5-acre property in South Elgin.

The trail is being developed on the north side of the shelter in a wooded area that has gone unused for many years. The first phase of the project is scheduled for completion sometime in November of this year, with a second phase of the project to conclude in the spring of 2016.

The trail is intended to be utilized by volunteers that regularly walk the dogs who are awaiting adoption. Currently, the shelter dogs are walked around the property, so having a designated path will be a great addition to the shelter's grounds, for a variety of reasons.

"This is exciting news for both dog-walking volunteers and the Anderson community in general," says Jeff Pal, director of volunteers at Anderson Animal Shelter. "These trails will tremendously enhance the experience of the individuals who volunteer their time at the shelter."

Animal care staff is particularly thrilled about the creation of the walking trail, due to the level of enrichment the trails will provide to the dogs in their care. "The trails will offer visual, auditory, and olfactory stimulation and enrichment," says Steve Frost, animal behavior and enrichment manager at Anderson Animal Shelter. "A wooded walking trail provides a unique and enjoyable atmosphere for our dogs to enjoy the time with handlers in a minimal stress environment."

In addition to benefiting the shelter dogs and their handlers, the trails also are beneficial to the wildlife on the property. "The creation of the walking trails is a low impact way to observe, monitor, and care for the wildlife on our property," adds Steve. Benches will be placed throughout the trails, where trail-goers are invited to sit and relax, while taking in the nature surrounding them.

Not only will the trail be an excellent addition to the shelter for the animals, but it will also make a positive impact on the shelter's Humane Education programs for youth. Trails will be used by children who frequent the shelter for various programs which includes Critter Camp, a weeklong summer program. In addition to using the trails for staple programs, having it on-site will allow for additional program options that weren't previously possible. Humane educator Carrie Frost states, "The possibilities are endless for utilizing nature trails in youth education programs at the shelter. I am excited to create new programs for our 2016 year that the children will enjoy."

One of the groups that has been participatory in the project is Elgin Lodge #12 of the Independent Order Of Odd Fellows. The Odd Fellows, also known as The Three Link Fraternity, is one of the oldest and largest nonpolitical and nonsectarian fraternal and service-oriented organizations in the world. The Odd Fellows are also known for their dedication and impressive work ethic, as they put in significant numbers of hours toward projects that help better the community.

Anderson Animal Shelter is grateful to all the community groups and volunteers that have made this project possible. The shelter had hoped to develop the walking trail for several years and has been able to move forward in bringing the project to fruition with the collaborative efforts of volunteers, staff, and community groups. "Anderson Animal Shelter has hundreds of volunteers and a great staff who have come up with unique ideas for further enrichment," says Beth Drake, executive director. "It is because of our dedicated volunteers and talented staff that the shelter is able to continue serving as an innovative and progressive animal welfare organization."

So far this year, the shelter placed more than 1,500 dogs, puppies, cats and kittens in adoptive homes and performed over 450 public low cost spays or neuters for individuals or families.

Anderson Animal Shelter collaborates with public and private organizations and individuals to shelter, care for and promote the adoption of homeless, stray and unwanted companion animals. The Shelter is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and does not receive any federal or state funding. The shelter advocates for the compassionate and humane treatment of these animals through direct care, humane education and community outreach programs. For more information, including adoption, volunteering, donation drives and membership opportunities, visit www.andersonanimalshelter.org, email info@andersonanimalshelter.org or call (847) 697-2880.