The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project (HHPP) is expanding in Warren to provide more space for animals in need.
“We’re currently above capacity, so we really need the extra space,” said Jason Cooke, Founder of the HHPP.
The latest expansion includes the construction of “Bootsie’s Bungalow,” a new 1,000-square-foot facility dedicated to cats. The bungalow will feature a play area, a quarantine section, and an indoor-outdoor patio. The project was partially funded through donations and contributions from local businesses.
“The building is up, the concrete’s poured, and the electricity is in,” Cooke explained. “We still have a lot of interior work to do, so we need to raise more funds.”
Named in honor of the late Glenn and Jean Harnett’s beloved cat, the bungalow pays tribute to their strong support of local rescues through their private charitable foundation.
In addition to the cat bungalow, HHPP is also constructing a 4,200-square-foot multi-purpose building to increase capacity and serve as a space for training, seminars, a pet food pantry, a small dog room, and an indoor play area.
“This expansion is designed to help more animals and provide enrichment and training opportunities,” Cooke said. “The pet pantry will also help local pet owners by providing food to keep their pets at home, reducing the need for surrendering animals to shelters.”
Cooke hopes the pet pantry will reduce the number of dogs and cats brought to the shelter.
“We want to help people keep their pets at home by providing the necessary resources so fewer animals end up here,” he added.
Community support is crucial for the project’s success. Currently, $14,000 is still needed to complete the cat bungalow, and the total cost of expanding the dog shelter is $600,000.
“These animals can’t take care of themselves,” Cooke concluded. “We need everyone to do what they can to help.”
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