New year will bring new home for some Delaware pets

An early gift will provide the funding for new kennels and other upgrades at Faithful Friends Animal Society in Wilmington.

The Wilmington no-kill animal shelter Faithful Friends has been raising money to fund the renovations since last year. They had hoped to start work on the upgrades already, but those plans were put on hold for more fund raising. Then last month, the shelter got a surprise gift from Dr. Sandra Gibney.

The Wilmington doctor made a financial donation in memory of her mother. That donation will ensure the facility upgrades will become a reality. The new kennel space will be named Gibney’s Doggie Kingdom in honor of the donation. “I am honored to have the opportunity to support Faithful Friends in the creation of Doggie Kingdom, an exclusive ‘home away from home’ for dogs awaiting their forever homes.” Gibney said.

Faithful Friends Executive Director Jane Pierantozzi says the improvements will result in a more efficient use of space which should lead to reduced stress for the dogs, and a friendlier place for visitors and potential adopters.The project is expected to start January 6 and end in early February.

Making room for construction

Until then, the shelter will be unable to accept any new dogs. All the shelter dogs at Faithful Friends have been adopted, and they’re working to get their remaining medium and large breed dogs into new homes. “We are looking for adopters or temporary foster parents,” said Pierantozzi. “The best match for these dogs are individuals who have dog experience and who enjoy an active lifestyle to share with their new companion.”

To help make it easier to adopt, the shelter is discounting adoption fees through Friday, January 4. Anyone interested in providing a temporary foster home while the construction work is underway can contact the shelter’s animal care manager Lou Henderson by email at Lou@faithfulfriends.com or call 302-427-8514 ext. 107.

Two years ago, another generous donor provided funds to renovate and upgrade the shelter’s cat housing area. Every year, Faithful Friends provides services for about 10,000 animals. More than 350 dogs are serviced through the rescue and adoption program, and on average the shelter houses about 45 dogs at one time. The shelter also cares for about 700 cats per year.