The Crookston Humane Society, known as Scruffy Tails, is constantly looking to improve its shelter, and it did that with the latest addition of a runway.
RUNWAY ADDITION
Recently, Scruffy Tails has installed a runway, which is a fenced area with three lanes. Each of these lanes is filled with pea rock gravel. the runway is almost completed; we have the locks for the gates yet to be put on. Then it will be ready for use,” said President of Scruffy Tails Nancy Sykes. “We’re going to rake the pea rock and cut some fabric away. Clean it up, and the dogs will be ready to run.”
The estimated price of the runway is $14,000, and the installation of this project has moved on rather quickly; the project’s planning wasn’t as smooth of a process. “The initial plan was finding a place to put the runway; we put it out front because the dogs go through the basement,” said Sykes. “They can go through multiple doors, and it gives them easy access right to those runs.” Following this decision, Scruffy Tails hired Bertils Gravel to install the runway. “When they came in, they dug down three to four inches and took the topsoil out, and there used to be an old railroad where they dug,” said Sykes. “Everything they pulled up was adequate gravel.” Bertils Gravel has installed 40 tons of P rock in the runway area and commercial-grade fabric that the dogs cannot tear. Mcglynn Fencing out of Thief River Falls installed the vinyl fencing. The project start-to-finish was completed in less than two weeks; the start date was June 27, and the finish date was July 8.
Scruffy Tails currently places the dogs in the basement of the building, where they stay in outdated kennels. These kennels receive no natural light, and the staff believes the runway is the most effective way for the animals to run free and get fresh air. “The most cost-effective way to give these dogs natural light, without having a leash on, so they can run and feel good, was to build this run for them,” said Sykes. “Otherwise, when they get out two or three times a day, they’re on a leash and going for a walk. So, this is going to give them more freedom.” Sykes stated that when dogs have freedom and can be outside, it makes them better animals. Therefore, when people look to adopt, they will see happy pets looking for new homes.
A MESSAGE FROM THE HUMANE SOCIETY
The Humane Society is actively trying to get the word out to the public about their cause. They have recently created a mailed newsletter; you can also visit their website at scruffytails.org for more information. “We are encouraging the community to get involved. Stop in to see what we do and who we are,” said Sykes. “Our staff is very dedicated to our animals, and the board is dedicated to the Humane Society as a whole. We’re more than just impound. We do education, and classes come in from the schools. Kids all year long make toys and treats for our animals.”
The Humane Society is a non-profit organization that relies on donations such as food, toys, furniture, and money donations. You can donate in person, online, and on Chewy Amazon, there is a wish list for Scruffy Tails. “Our board has worked hard to get Scruffy Tails where it is today. The board has picked up the pace and getting people to realize we’re here,” said Sykes. “We sent out almost 700 newsletters on a mailing list, so I’m hoping people feel that we’re doing a good enough job to donate.” According to Sykes, the board is very cautious on how they spend donators’ money and are very “protective” of each donor.
FUTURE PLANS AT SCRUFFY TAILS
Scruffy Tails plans on working toward future renovations and continuing business within the Crookston city limits. “We hope to continue doing business here; this depends on donations, fundraisers, and help from anyone able,” said Sykes. “I know our next project will be downstairs, we want to do renovations to the old kennel.”
The downstairs area of Scruffy Tails holds the kennel units where all the dogs reside, and these kennels are reportedly 40 years old and have been in use since the Humane Society in Crookston opened. “It’s the only place we have right now. We want to put in egress windows. We’re getting bids on that now. Those windows will allow natural light,” said Sykes. When that project is completed, Scruffy Tails wants to install another Runway similar to the one built on the property.
