This year, the Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County animal shelter on Leetown Pike has seen an increase in animals being dropped off. One of the reasons is the result of the economy and families have needed to relinquish pets as they either move to smaller homes or move from the area.

In answering the call to handle the increase of cats and dogs being brought to the shelter, AWS has taken steps to expand the 28-year-old shelter. With the help of the community, AWS will come closer to reaching its goal of modernizing and extending areas of the shelter that need to expand.

The Capital Campaign for Renovations fund is in its fourth year. The generosity of businesses, residents, and other sources has helped AWS move towards their dream of the completion of an added isolation center for incoming animals. This fund will also provide upgrades to the existing shelter for the comfort of pets as they wait for their forever homes.

The AWS shelter is now offering a way for the residents of the Jefferson County area to pay tribute to their animals and loved ones, as well as to help the shelter. The “Build a Path to Success” campaign offers the opportunity of a lasting memory of their pet or loved one with a personalized brick. Proceeds from the bricks will be utilized to complete the new isolation room at the shelter.

In phase one, the bricks will be inscribed and placed in the front garden area of the shelter for everyone to see for years to come. In phase two, bricks will be used for a walkway and patio for pet visitations. One can also purchase a brick for your own garden/patio. (Please specify the desiret to keep the brick.)

Small 4×8 bricks with three lines of inscription are $75. Larger 12×12 bricks are $150 including six lines or a business logo for an extra $75. Help make the AWS dream of a completed addition come true. Visit the shelter or AWS website at www.awsjc.org to order a brick today.