A New Home for Animals in Need: Noah’s Ark Coming to Colby

A new place dedicated to helping animals in need is getting ready to open its doors in Colby.

Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter is currently being developed on East 4th Street, with organizers hoping to begin accepting dogs and cats as soon as September.

NWKS Radio’s Kristina recently visited with Noah’s Ark board member Audrey Hines about how the shelter came together, what work remains and how the community can help.

Hines said the idea of opening an animal shelter is something she has thought about for a long time.

“I’ve always wanted to do something like this,” Hines said. “I knew it was necessary. There’s a lot of animals that roam free and are not taken good care of.”

The project began moving forward last winter when Lei Ann Barnett, who is already operating a grooming business at the shelter location, and Teresa Atwood approached Hines about helping start an animal shelter.

Hines said she immediately thought it was the perfect time to make the idea a reality.

Once open, Noah’s Ark will provide a place for both dogs and cats needing a new home. That could include stray or rescued animals, pets whose owners can no longer care for them, animals from unexpected litters and even animals coming from abusive situations.

The shelter will also provide another local option for people looking to adopt a pet and give an animal a second chance at a permanent home.

Before the doors can open, however, there is still work to be done.

One of the biggest needs is kennels. Hines said she is currently applying for grants to help cover the cost. Proper kennels are especially important because they must be durable enough for active dogs while also being easy to clean and disinfect to help prevent the spread of disease.

And they aren't cheap.

Hines said kennels for the larger dogs can cost around $2,500 each.

Work on the building itself is also progressing. The floors were recently completed, and heating and air conditioning work is scheduled to begin August 24. Once that work and the necessary kennels are in place, the shelter can begin accepting animals.

The goal?

September.

That means Colby could be just weeks away from having its own animal shelter.

Community support will continue to play an important role as Noah’s Ark gets up and running. Anyone interested in learning more, helping the shelter or finding out about its current needs can contact Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter at 785-460-3647 and leave a message.

Noah’s Ark also has a Facebook page where people can follow the shelter’s progress, and organizers are working on a website that they hope to have available soon.

And once those doors officially open, remember one more thing: if you're thinking about adding a four-legged member to the family, consider adoption.

There may soon be a dog or cat waiting at Noah’s Ark in Colby for exactly that second chance.

INTERVIEW WITH AUDREY HINES NOAHS ARK ANIMAL SHELTER 8 14 26

4:09