THE ISSUE: What's next for Pet Project shelter?

OUR OPINION: Good news that shelter has new home, but funding and volunteers still needed.

We can breathe a sigh of relief ... Pet Project has found a home.

Unfortunately, the road ahead remains bumpy for those volunteers dedicated to the animal shelter.

This week it was announced a former dog wash facility in Marseilles will be the shelter's new headquarters.

The clock was ticking. Pet Project volunteers were told by the property owner the shelter had until the end of December to vacate the Grand Ridge facility they've called home for 14 years. And with rent at $1 a year, it would be hard to find a better deal.

Pet Project volunteers previously told The Times they had no ill feelings toward their landlord, Bob Dieken, as he had provided the building to the shelter for many years, nearly free of charge.

When news of the shelter's predicament was announced in The Times in July, those passionate about the shelter's purpose and service stepped to the plate.

Fundraisers — large and small — were organized. Special adoption clinics were scheduled. Letters about the cause were published in The Times.

One of the largest fundraisers was at JJ's Pub in downtown Ottawa. Nearly 400 people attended and about $17,000 was raised. But let's not forget the individuals who took it upon themselves to try and raise money to save the shelter.

Ten-year-old Gracy Neilsen of Ottawa visited the Pet Project animal shelter with her father and saw several homeless dogs and cats. The fifth-grader wanted to do something to better their lives.

"I felt bad," Gracy previously told The Times. "I didn't know they actually lived there. They didn't have a home."

So she began sewing fleece blankets, pillows and toys — anything a pet would like. Her items are for sale at Lady Di's in Ottawa and proceeds have benefited Pet Project.

Gracy presented a check for about $150 at the "Save Our Shelter" fundraiser at JJ's Pub.

Beginning last month, inspired by the shelter's dilemma, The Times decided the front page submitted photo feature should spotlight rescued pets. The hope was readers would see how many families have been blessed by bringing in a rescued pet. The response from rescued pet owners was overwhelming, with many submissions noting their pets were adopted from Pet Project.

Now, as the shelter prepares to make the move to the former Dog Wash Inn in Marseilles, there's another weight about to land on volunteers' shoulders — the rent.

The shelter comes with a $1,400 monthly lease payment.

"Before, we could spend all of our money on the animals, but now we have to set aside money for rent, so that's something new. I think there's going to be a lot of fundraisers," Susan Tonielli told The Times.

So while the shelter's struggle to find a new facility is solved, it's not the end of their fundraising plight.

Pet Project is not the only area shelter that relies on donations, please keep that in mind. It's good news the shelter has found a new facility, and we wish them the best of luck in their new home.

To our readers, please remember volunteers and donations are and will continue to be the lifeblood of our area animal shelters.