New animal shelter a wonderful surprise

When getting my dog's license renewed today, I saw the new animal shelter for the first time. What a wonderful surprise it was! The building has gone from ramshackle to handsome. The design is well thought out and the color scheme is excellent both outside and in. Among many other significant and much-needed improvements, they now have a 10-foot basement for storage.

Perhaps best of all, a generator has been installed to keep the animals warm when the power fails.

When discussing the renovation with Animal Control Officer Tom Maellaro, he said that except for the electrical work (which they're not allowed to do), the Vernon DPW has done the entire job themselves and without the need to raise any taxes. That is always good news, and never more so in these economically troubled times.

The new Animal Shelter seems to be a win-win-win accomplishment for the animals, the dedicated shelter employees, and the taxpayers. Please pass along plenty of congratulations to everyone involved in making this worthy endeavor a reality.

Thank you.
Sue Speck
Vernon