As another year comes to a close The Ark looks back on 2016, and our accomplishments. The year 2016 brought many changes and challenges. We learned from our mistakes and we made many new friends.
We started this year with a brand new building of 3,000 square feet. There were no walls or insulation; it was just an empty canvas for us to start designing our dream. Soon the walls went up and the insulation was installed, then came the plumbing and electrical.
Every day it started looking more and more like a sanctuary. In November our dream was just about complete, so we opened it up to the public. The walls were filled with color, the cat rooms were warm and inviting, everything just came together perfectly.
Our beloved 16 who perished in the fire in 2014 were in our hearts as their portraits hung on the walls. You could not look at that wall and not remember. Gone, but not forgotten — they are the reason this new sanctuary exists. It is a bittersweet reminder.
We still have a few finishing touches like molding, installing the security system and finishing the dog rooms, but nothing major. On Saturday, Dec. 17, we will be having the grand opening of the Ark Angels chapel with a blessing of the Chapel and the animals. The Chapel is a memorial to our beloved 16 as well as all the others animals that have passed through our doors that have crossed the rainbow bridge. We welcome you all to come and bring your furry friends for the blessing.
If you missed our open house this will give you another chance to see our beautiful sanctuary. We will also have a bake sale at the sanctuary as well as another bake sale at The Hollywood Pet Salon on Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
We will be moving the animals up to the new building after the new year. If you would like to consider volunteering at the new building please stop by The Hollywood Pet Salon and pick up an application. We will be opened a limited amount of hours to start until we build our volunteer base, so please be patient with us.
Everyone at The Ark would like to thank everyone who gave so generously to help us complete the building. Thank you for believing in our dream and our mission as much as we do. Without the generosity of the public none of this would have been possible.
I would also like to add that the building is fully insured. The insurance company values it at $280,000. Please keep in mind that it is completely paid for. That is quite an accomplishment.
The Ark will be holding bake sales every Saturday from now until Christmas outside The Hollywood Pet Salon from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
We would also like to wish you all a happy and safe holiday season. We look forward to 2017 and everything it has to bring. Emma the monster Elf will be doing a monster holiday drive this holiday season donations may be dropped off at The Hollywood Pet Salon
Thank you for your continued support and as always thank you for reading our column. Happy Holidays from everyone at the Ark.
