The Warmland shelter is putting two sleeping cabins donated by the Cowichan Housing Society to good use.
Warmland is converting the two cabins, which were used in the sites in the community set aside for the homeless, into enclosures for pets for people staying at the shelter.
Lise Haddock, Warmland’s executive director, said many people experiencing homelessness will not take shelter if it means leaving their pets out in the cold.
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She said that by providing the pet enclosures, everyone can have a safe, warm and dry place to sleep.
“We are almost finished renovating the cabins which will have lights, heat, and separate pet spaces for crates and wrap-around fencing,” Haddock said.
“We have one cabin designated for dogs and one for cats, and we have storage space for pet supplies.”
Haddock said Warmland anticipates that the use of the pet enclosures will be small at first, but may expand as the shelter’s guests become aware of the service.
She said once the pet enclosures are fully operational, Warmland will post pictures with a message on their purpose.
“Thank you to everyone who donated to support the construction of the enclosures for pets,” Haddock said.
robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
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