Join in PAS's groundbreaking celebration

Man's best friends will soon be getting a new home.

Today's groundbreaking ceremony at 1 p.m. at the corner of McNearney and Kootenai Cutoff roads marks the start to construction of a new and improved Panhandle Animal Shelter.

From a Halloween pet costume contest to performances by the Albeni Falls Pipes and Drums Band, there will be something for everyone — both two-legged and four-legged. And, come next summer, PAS will have a brand-spanking new state-of-the-art shelter - making life much easier and happier for the area's dogs and cats unlucky enough to not have a home.

A lobby, store and education facilities will be added to the standard animal shelter accommodations. In addition, an animal lobby will be built so people interested in pet adoption can see dogs in individual rooms and cats in group habitats.

Sadly, there is a desperate need for animal shelters. Some folks abandon their animals when they move, some refuse to spay or neuter their cat or dog and still others neglect their animals forcing officials to intercede on the animals' behalf.

PAS officials and volunteers work hard to give animals another shot at a happy ending.

Their new home will make their job that much easier.

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.