Rising from the ashes; looking to the future (UPDATE Animal Shelter fire 1 year later)

Hot Springs (South Dakota) Star ^ | March 05, 2013 | Curt Nettinga

[ApplegateRanch]

Eleven months ago, the old Battle Mountain Humane Society building north of Hot Springs on Highway 385, was consumed by fire. A faulty fluorescent light fixture was the cause of the catastrophe that killed 11 dogs and rendered Wagoner, who had an apartment in the building, homeless.

Volunteers sprang into action, donations poured in from the area, state, nation and even from international donors. Celebrities such as NASCAR driver Ryan Newman stepped up through his foundation to lend a hand.

Immediately next to the cement pad where the original building - a converted riding stable - stood last year, a new metal building is now in place. The back portion of the building, where the dogs have their indoor kennels, has water, cement floors and a drainage system.

The front part of the building remains to be finished ...

White spray paint on the dirt floor outline where walls will be, separating offices, veterinarian space, mechanical room and space for the animals seeking adoption to meet prospective new owners.

Last year donations led to the construction of the building and Wagoner said that the Newman Foundation donated 25 kennels after the fire. Airmen from Ellsworth Air Force Base spent weekends at the site last summer, constructing shelters for the dogs to get out of the elements before the new building went up.

And bags upon bags of dogfood.

“We need to let people know that we are a serious, professional organization,” Wagoner said, “an organization that provides a valuable service to the county and the region.

”That’s part of the reason that the dogs’ living area inside is finished and the offices are not.” The dogs are the priority in living arrangements and when it comes to adoption.

[ApplegateRanch]

Eleven months after fire destroyed its former home, the Battle Mountain Humane Society has a new, partially finished building at its site north of Hot Springs. Fundraisers are planned to help finish the interior of the new building as well as complete some outdoor projects. Curt Nettinga/Hot Springs Star

To draw attention and raise money, BMHS is partnering with Black Hills Harley, to raffle off a 2013 Harley Davidson Heritage Softtail Classic 110th Anniversary edition motorcycle. Tickets for the limited edition bike are $25 or you can invest $100 for five tickets. The drawing is set to take place on Aug. 10, at the Sturgis Bike Rally.

Tickets may be purchased and other monetary donations can be made at the BMHS website – battlemountainhumanesociety.org – and you can also find information on the site’s Facebook page. For those who choose to do so, raffle tickets can also be purchased through the mail. Send your check to Battle Mountain Humane Society at 27254 Wind Cave Rd., Hot Springs, SD, 57747 and they will send your tickets out.

Another upcoming event will involve the popular “Dog Whisperer” Cesar Millan.

[beaversmom]

Ping.

[ApplegateRanch]

Thank all of you again, as well as any other FReepers I missed, for your concern and kind donations, both money and in-kind.

This is the first comprehensive article on the progress made, and it is a long article, with much more in it. Too long to post in its entirety; but the 300 word excerpt limit can’t begin to do it justice.

[ApplegateRanch]

As a refresher, this is what it looked like 11 months ago, after the fire.

[Alaska Wolf]

Airmen from Ellsworth Air Force Base spent weekends at the site last summer, constructing shelters for the dogs to get out of the elements before the new building went up.

Great story. The young men serving in our military are indeed special.

[ApplegateRanch]

re more pictures at the web site. Here's one more.

[Jet Jaguar]

BTTT

[ApplegateRanch]

Indeed they are! They were mainly members of the base’s engineering & construction battalion.

[Slings and Arrows]

[Daffynition]

Nice to read some good news for a change! Thanks for the post.

[ApplegateRanch]

Yes, it is; you’re welcome.

[Rushmore Rocks]

Thanks, Applegate. I hope to get there soon with some of our grandchildren to bring more dog food.

[ApplegateRanch]

Great! Thanks a lot for your support, past & present.