MOSES LAKE – Cars lined Randolph Road Northeast as a crowd of people and pups gathered Monday afternoon for a milestone in local animal welfare. Grant County Animal Outreach officially broke ground on its new shelter facility located on Randolph Road Northeast just a short distance from the shelter’s current location.  

With a projected cost of $2.5 million, the long-awaited project aims to improve living conditions for sheltered animals and enhance the organization’s mission to provide care for neglected and abandoned pets. Attendees noted that the upgrades will provide better working conditions for staff, some of whom are participants in Oxford House programs, adding another layer of impact to the shelter’s operations. The ceremony commenced just after 1 p.m., attended by community leaders, donors, and animal advocates who support GCAO’s vision for a modern shelter. Among the attendees were GCAO President Sara Thompson Tweedy, Moses Lake Mayor Dustin Swartz, State Representative Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, and Grant County Commissioner Rob Jones along with shelter staff. 

“Today is an incredible day that many of us didn’t know if it would ever come,” Thompson Tweedy said. “This is not just about building a shelter; it’s about creating a supportive community for our animals.” 

Thompson Tweedy began her involvement with GCAO in 2021, when she joined the board and began laying the groundwork for the new facility.  

“When I became involved in GCAO, there was seed funding for a new shelter, as well as land that was donated,” Thompson Tweedy said. “Thanks to the community’s generosity, we had a head start when we started seeking additional sources of funding.” 

The funding for the new facility has been a collaborative effort, with major contributions including a $1 million allocation from both the city of Moses Lake and Grant County, alongside a $250,000 allocation facilitated by local state legislators. A $500,000 donation from the Paul Lauzier Foundation also played a vital role in realizing the project. 

Thompson Tweedy thanked Jeanne-Marie Peterson who donated the land for the new shelter.  

The facility will feature approximately 6,200 square feet of indoor and outdoor space designed with the welfare of animals in mind. According to Thompson Tweedy, the shelter will be able to accommodate up to 120 dogs, with specialized areas for food preparation, laundry and isolation for new arrivals.  

“Animals must be isolated when they first enter the shelter, so there will be 10-20 isolation kennels,” she said. 

GCAO manager Cyndle Miller expressed her excitement about the new building during the groundbreaking.  

“We’re not just starting a building; we’re creating a place of hope and a second chance for all the animals in Grant County,” said Miller, who also acknowledged the dedication of her staff.  

“They show up every single day to care for the neglected and abandoned. I’m just so grateful for our community’s support,” she said. 

Swartz echoed Miller’s sentiments.

“Having a facility that represents our interest in animal husbandry is important,” he said. “GCAO not only helps animals but also offers job opportunities for individuals trying to rebuild their lives through the Oxford House program.” 

Jones, who has been involved with the initiative from its inception, emphasized the importance of collaboration.  

“This project has taken a lot of coordination and endurance, which shows what we can achieve as a county when we work together,” said Jones.  

He also thanked the GCAO board for their dedication.  

“The commitment of the board and staff has been instrumental in bringing this facility to life,” Jones said.  

During the ceremony, late Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr was acknowledged for his work to make the shelter happen by GCSO board Vice-President Kar Vanerstrom.  

“Kevin was a huge advocate for us, may he rest in peace,” Vanerstrom said. “We just wanted to make sure that he was acknowledged. He did a lot for us, and we wanted to address that because it has been an emotional time for all of us. We are so grateful that today is finally here.”  

The current shelter, more than 50 years old, has faced persistent issues with cramped conditions and inadequate facilities. Thompson Tweedy pointed out that the staff has been working under challenging circumstances, using household appliances for daily operations.  

“We’ll have industrial washers and dryers, which will significantly enhance our daily operations,” she said. 

Moses Lake City Council Member Victor Lombardi highlighted the personal investments of everyone involved in the project.  

“It started a little over two years ago when I wasn’t on council, and this project has shown how we can come together for a common cause,” Lombardi said.  

He praised Thompson Tweedy’s dedication.  

“She started as a volunteer just wanting to hold the leash, and now here she is, holding the position of president,” Lombardi said.  

As construction is set to commence soon, the shelter is expected to open within eight to ten months, targeting a completion date around August of next year. Thompson Tweedy remains optimistic about the impact of the new facility. 

“When this project is said and done, it will be a true example of how the entire community came together to address a true need,” Thompson Tweedy said.  

    Franny, one of the adoptable pets at Grant County Animal Outreach, patiently waits at the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday.
  

    Rosa, one of the adoptable pups at Grant County Animal Outreach, made a grand appearance at the groundbreaking Monday.
  

    Moses Lake City Council member Deanna Martinez, Moses Lake Mayor Dustin Swartz, council member Victor Lombardi, council member David Skaug and former council member David Eck attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Grant County Animal Outreach building. All five, representing the City of Moses Lake, helped to secure around $1 million in city funds for the new shelter.
  

    Grant County Animal Outreach staff member Bulmaro Hernández holds an adoptable puppy, Peppercorn, at the groundbreaking ceremony Monday. Peppercorn had big feelings and a lot to say during the ceremony.
  

    Papa Roach, an adoptable dog at Grant County Animal Outreach, was held by staff member Megan Baum during the ceremony. He is an older boy who loves attention, according to Baum.
  

  

    From left to right are staff and pets from Grant County Animal Outreach: Franny (dog), Marcus Chamberlain, Haley Signorelli, Megan Baum, Papa Roach (dog), GCAO Manager Cyndle Miller, GCAO Assistant Manager Serena Jewell, Bulmaro Hernandez, Rosa (dog), Lupe Chavarría, Devon Knause and Karl Meier.
  

 The current Grant County Animal Outreach building is around 50 years old and well-loved. The new facility will allow staff members to do their jobs more efficiently.
  

    From left to right is Grant County Commissioner Rob Jones, land donator Jeanne-Marie Peterson, Commissioner Kevin Burgess and Rep. Tom Dent. The county provided nearly $1 million in funds for the new shelter.
  

    Grant County Animal Outreach board member Carol Lewis, GCAO staff member Karl Meier and Vice President Kar Vanerstrom clap their hands during the groundbreaking ceremony Monday.