The Friends of the Animal Shelter is gearing up for its 2nd annual run/walk for the Paws 5k and funds raised from the event could go towards the beginnings of a new shelter in St. Joseph.

“The Friends of the Animal Shelter are going to benefit from this walk,” said Kappy Hodges with the Friends of the Animal Shelter. “The person putting it on wants it to go into a capital fund for a new animal shelter. Friends of the Animal Shelter have been thinking about trying to raise money for a new animal shelter for some time and it looks like it’s going to happen.”

Hodges said the current animal shelter located at 701 SW Lower Lake Rd. is difficult to find and needs some upgrades.

“Our shelter is kind of old and it’s been around awhile and it has just basic stuff that you need. It’s not dirty but it’s not advanced in any way,” Hodges said. “There are so many improvements in animal shelters in the many years since that was built.”

She said it will take millions of dollars to build a new shelter. Also the location of where to put the new facility is still in the works.

“We’re scouting out new sites. If you are out there and you know an awesome site for a new animal shelter send us an email,” Hodges said. “Or if you know somebody who wants to give us the space that would be even better cause then we could use the money for the shelter itself instead of buying the land.”

She said an easy to find location is preferred.

“The current one we have people can’t find,” Hodges said. “I can’t tell you how many people I’ve given directions and they’ll drive up and back and forth on the main street right in front of it and they still can’t see it.”

The Paws 5K will be held April 16th at 9 a.m. outside Bode Ice Arena on the Southwest Parkway.  Individuals interested in taking part can enter the event by CLICKING HERE.  Hodges said participants are encouraged to bring their dogs along the day of the event.