Pet Rescue selected as pilot project

After suffering a devastating loss of the former Adams County Pet Rescue (ACPR) building to a fire in 2009, ACPR has spent years attempting to rebuild the animal shelter. After breaking ground last year and finishing the preliminary structure, ACPR is being provided with a rare and extremely unique opportunity to reach completion of the project.

ACPR has been selected to be the pilot project for a potential network reality show through the Animal House organization. Animal House announced their decision on Saturday, Jan. 19, to assist ACPR in completing the shelter, while simultaneously shooting the premiere television show episode.

Mikki Kison, ACPR representative, said the opportunity is once in a lifetime and is truly the gift they needed to finally complete the project. While the organization was able to begin construction last year, ACPR has struggled to collect the large amount of donations needed to bring the dream to fruition, and Animal House is providing them with the biggest donation of all.

Animal House has investors and sponsors that will assist the organization by providing necessary materials to complete the shelter. Kison explained Animal House is still lining up sponsors and attempting to find a network to air the show, but the opportunity to be selected as the pilot program is special regardless.

The Animal House organization intends on traveling to Othello in April after the ground has thawed to allow them to complete the necessary work. The exact timeline is still unknown, but volunteers are encouraged to help with the work and welcome the organization when crews arrive.

Kison explained that since ACPR has been selected, and Animal House is willing to complete the expansive project the local group has begun, it is crucial to show just how appreciative the community is as Animal House is truly making a dream come true. Kison hopes Adams County residents will show their appreciation through volunteering or extending hospitality to the crews when they are on site.

While ACPR has been selected as the pilot project, it is Animal House’s intent to travel around the nation rebuilding and assisting animal shelters that may not have the funds or the ability to do so. The Animal House staff visited a variety of shelters before making their decision to select ACPR as the pilot.

“When the Animal House Team arrived for a visit, we found a beautifully constructed, small shelter that was unfortunately incomplete. With only the foundation, exterior walls and a roof, the shelter was far from being move-in ready,” Animal House posted on the organization’s Facebook page. “We also found a dedicated group of people who move mountains and turned on dimes each day to help the animals of Adams County. And after much consideration, we have selected them for our pilot episode.”

Kison explained it is Animal House’s intent to complete as much of the project as possible, which is an extremely high goal with a very expensive price tag. Kison estimates there is another $400,000 worth of work before the project is completed.

“For them, we’re just the start. They’ll take our success, and their success with us, and continue,” Kison said.

The ACPR staff and volunteers are excited to be a part of the unique opportunity, and are equally enthused to be a part of a pilot program that displays the hard work and dedication individuals have for animal shelters.

Kison said the biggest draw for the potential network show is the ultimate positivity that surrounds the concept of helping animals and supporting those individuals who are dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of animals.

Animal House is still seeking sponsors and investors to ensure the organization can secure funding to complete the ACPR facility. ACPR is also still collecting donations and still has partnership level plaques available for individuals to donate and receive a commemorative plaque on a kennel in the completed facility.

For more information about the project, visit the Animal House TV Show Facebook page, or visit the website, http://greenlightanimalhouse.com.

A video created by Animal House filmmaker Rebecca Rodriguez is available on the website, which discusses the concept and goal behind the reality show.