For years and years the John Ancrum SPCA has been in a small and over-crowded home on Leeds Avenue in North Charleston.  I have been there on many occasions -- I got one of my cats there several years ago.  And then Jim and I also got two puppies and another kitten after we got together. 

But the past couple of years have been big fundraisers for them.  They have put tons of time and energy (and money -- almost $9 million) into their goal of building a bigger and better shelter, and now it's time to sit back and reap the benefits!

On Saturday, March 8, 2008, the Charleston Animal Society will have a huge celebration and "Open House" for their new shelter on Remount Road.  Everything will get started around 11am and last until 4pm.

There will be jump castles, face painting, temporary tattoos, animal shows featuring adoptable pets, educational booths with training and health tips, and much more.  And then at 2pm the official ribbon cutting will take place and they will announce the winner of their very own Presidential Campaign -- either Spike or Biscuit will be the new president!

Here's what you can expect to find at the new shelter:

• Almost 31,000 square feet, more than double the old building's capacity for animals.

• Indoor climate controlled rooms and kennels.

• Friendly get acquainted rooms for dogs and cats.

• State-of-the-art surgical rooms.

• A community room for use by the public and our educator.

The Charleston Animal Society has seen their vision come to life, and now they are ready to share it with the public.  So go on by there to see their new Center and witness how it will change animals lives in the Lowcountry.

**Photo is the logo for the Charleston Animal Society and is courtesy of their website