Blitz Build construction begins at Pet Rescue

After being selected out of nearly 180 different nonprofit organizations earlier this year, construction began on Adams County Pet Rescue’s new facility in conjunction with the filming of Animal House’s pilot episode on Sunday, Oct. 19.

Local volunteers like Trudy Doolittle and Kris Lennon joined with volunteers from across the nation and cast members to complete construction of ACPR’s new shelter location after the old facility burned in 2009.

Construction and filming will continue through the week with the eight cast members and volunteers working with the Saddle Mountain Homes to complete the project.

Doolittle, who works for Evergreen Implement in Othello, said she already helps ACPR by doing promotions to acquire funding for the organization.

On Sunday, Doolittle was in charge of the time-lapse camera, making sure it was functioning properly, keeping people out of the shot and keeping the everpresent Adams County wind from dropping the equipment into the dirt.

Lennon was working inside the building, assisting with the plumbing of the bathroom. She had parked her RV at the Adams County Fairgrounds and planned to work at the project every day until its completion.

“We’re just excited that this time has come,” Lennon said.

This would be Lennons first time officially volunteering for the ACPR.

The creator of Animal House, Rebbeca Rodriguez, was confident that by Sunday, Oct. 26, the teams of volunteers and cast would be able to complete the project.

Rodriguez is a long time animal advocate and helped establish the Humane Society on the island of Guam.

As an independent film maker, she has written, produced and directed several short films, commercials and a feature. The film recieved the Best Feature Award from the Reel Women International Film Festival in 2005 and the Best Feature by a Northwest Filmaker from the Far From Hollywood Society in Portland, Oregon.

Adams County Pet Rescue board member Mikki Kison said the City of Othello and Adams County have been extremely helpful, with the citizens of Othello coming together to prepare three meals a day for volunteers, cast and crew while the project in on going.

The county donated the use of 45 RV hook-up locations at the Adams County Fairgrounds so volunteers could camp close to the work site.