Facing the burden of monthly lease payments in its new home, Pet Project feels its positioned itself well financially thanks to a fundraiser.

The "Save Our Shelter" fundraiser held in October at JJ's Pub in Ottawa drew 384 people, garnering $17,000. Susan Tonielli, president of the Pet Project board of directors, said the funds have been set aside for its new shelter — the former Dog Wash Inn in Marseilles.

The no-kill shelter is scheduled to lose its 15-year home at the end of the year and will be leasing the Marseilles building for six months.

"Rent is a whole new worry," Tonielli said. "I think we're going to be OK."

The Grand Ridge facility charged $1 a year, while the new facility comes with a $1,400 monthly lease payment.

The kennel, built in 2003, is located at 2676th E. 2575th Road, east of Marseilles. It has 25 pet rooms with outdoor runs, radiant floor heat and air conditioning.

Tonielli visited the kennel Tuesday and said she doesn't feel it needs much work.

"We need to scrub the place down," she said. "It hasn't been used for several years."

Many supplies from the old shelter, such as the kennels, will be thrown out.

"Some are rusty or beyond repair," she said. "The kennel fencing here is practically new."

Weekend volunteers are needed to scrub down the new shelter and also on the moving days, which haven't been established. Currently, the shelter holds 40 cats and 15 dogs. If interested in volunteering, call Mary Driscoll at 815-433-6890. Tonielli invited anyone interested in volunteering in any capacity to call and inquire.

"There's always room for someone else. We'll certainly find something for them to do," she said. "We need people to run errands, pick up dog food, help write thank-you notes."