T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM — The Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown receive the final two dog houses donated by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) yesterday. ARL Volunteer Coordinator Erika Melchor holds Tramp and Executive Director Austin Gillis holds Buster, who were able to accompany the donation. Both dogs are available for adoption, Gillis said. Also present is HSUS Iowa State Director Preston Moore, Mayor Joel Greer, ARL Board Treasurer Cathy Van Staalduine and ARL Board Member Alicia Jacobson.

The effort to take care of and look after the furry residents of Marshalltown brought the final two donated dog houses to the Animal Rescue League (ARL).

The dog houses are courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and Iowa State Director Preston Moore was in Marshalltown yesterday to present them.

“A big part of this is public education around what the outdoor housing requirements are under state code,” he said. “The outdoor housing issues are something we work on nationwide.”

The dog houses are compliant with Iowa Code 717B as long as people place bedding material on the floor, such as straw.

“It’s about meeting people where they are,” Moore said. “We know not everyone can keep their dog inside 100 percent of the time. However, people in Iowa and Marshalltown care a great deal about the welfare of animals. So, this is a way to bridge that gap.”

Mayor Joel Greer was present at yesterday’s dog house donation outside of the ice rink on Main Street.

“The Animal Rescue League is absolutely pivotal for pets in Marshalltown and trying to keep our city growing,” he said. “They do an excellent job out there. They need the money and the fact that people understand their needs may explain the donations of the dog houses, why there was a big fundraiser to have dog food available, which Jake Rowley did and the Furr Ball coming up. It costs so much money to run that place. We just need to make sure we have a place for stray animals and pets.”

Almost all of the $10,000 worth of 50 dog houses have been distributed to nominated Marshalltown people. ARL Executive Director Austin Gillis said only eight houses remain, and the recipients need to pick them up today, or the houses will be given to someone else.

Gillis is not sure if this is something the ARL in Marshalltown will do again next year, but if another opportunity arises, they will pursue it.

“When Preston got a hold of me and asked if we would do this in Marshalltown, I said, ‘Absolutely,'” he said. “Whether or not that will be an option that comes at us again in six days, six months, six years, I don’t know, but we will always jump at it if presented.”

In addition to Marshalltown, the HSUS gave dog houses to a shelter in Bowling Green, Ky. The community and the ARL is certainly worthy of the HSUS donation.

“Marshalltown is a resilient and strong city where people genuinely look out for one another, and the city has a strong partner in that effort with the ARL,” Moore said. “This community and this shelter are taking major steps to help pets in their community and beyond. And that’s why I was so happy we could assist in their efforts with this gift to the community.”

ARL FUNDRAISER:

As ARL staff prepare for the annual Furr Ball in April, they are running an ongoing campaign called Flowers for Fido. Fifty people can purchase a single $5 rose, a $25 mixed bouquet or a $30 heart vase with roses and have it delivered to their loved one. An ARL animal will accompany the flower delivery person.

To place an order, call 641-753-9046 or email at volcoord@arlmarshalltown.com.

——

Contact Lana Bradstream

at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.