A new shelter opens in Warren at a time when the number of pets being surrendered nationwide and locally is at an all-time high.

 

A grand opening took place at this 6,400 square facility in Warren to introduce folks to the dream of Jason Cooke Founder of Healthy Hearts, and Paws who started the non-profit at his home and farm in Brookfield. 

 

Saturday he invited volunteers and the public to an open house to check out the new facility and features built into the building tailored to man and woman's best friends.

 

"Each kennel has their own drain. We have our separate air filtration system, we have fans, separate heating and cooling, separate play yard just outside the doors, so the volunteers can take the dogs in and out, and they can run around," Jason Cooke said.

 

The New facility couldn't open soon enough as the number of dogs surrendered, abused, abandoned, or neglected continues to rise to crisis levels.

 

Cooke tells 21 News in past years when they had 10 strays about 8 of them were picked up by owners within a week or two. 

 

However, now only about two out of ten dogs are reclaimed by their owners.

 

Because most or all of the facilities have a wait time to surrender a dog, Cooke believes some people are just letting them go.

 

"In all my years I've never seen it this bad to the point where every shelter in this area, not only across this county, but across the state is overwhelmed with dogs and they keep showing up," Cooke added. 

 

He says some people just can't afford to feed their dogs and can't afford veterinary care. 

 

Others Cooke explained must move in with relatives or friends, or move into a smaller place that doesn't accept dogs.

 

 In addition to shelter food, and water Healthy Hearts and Paws provides critical surgery and medical treatment.

 

Volunteers walk and spend time with the dogs. 

 

"They don't have a voice, someone's got to do it. I just love taking care of them," Shannon Arkwright said.

 

She has volunteered to clean dogs' runs, feed them, and walk the dogs.

 

Arkwright tells 21 News she gets so much happiness out of helping the dogs.

 

Healthy Hearts and Paws a nonprofit is always in need of food and monetary donations, volunteers, fosters and adopters, to help give these dogs a paw up in life.

 

You can find information on how to donate money or volunteer at Healthy Hearts and Paws Project website and on the Healthy Hearts and Paws Facebook page.

 

Cooke thanks all the people who attended his fundraisers, and businesses who have donated to help make this happen, including the Glenn and Jean Harnett Foundation, Thompson Heating and Cooling, Youngstown Fence, and Countryside Veterinary in Kinsman., 2M Excavating, Alexander Concrete Coatings, Masonry Materials Plus, Dickey Electric, North Park Plumbing and many other businesses.