by Ari Nunez

Above, Krystina Fredrickson holds a kitten named Polly. Polly is a new addition to the SafeHaven Humane Society. Polly is a unique kitten with extra toes on her feet (thankfully, they do not cause her pain). Fredickson and Polly are inside the newly opened Downtown Pet Boutique & Home Decor, located at 225 Second Ave. S.W. On January 21, was the grand opening, where all products were 10 percent off. The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors participated in the ribbon cutting at the store at 10 a.m. January 20. Items for sale include pet beds, toys, leashes, collars, books and clothing. The store sells a “variety of furniture and home décor, including dressers, lamps, candles, art and books.” SafeHaven Downtown also is the headquarters of the humane society’s capital campaign, currently under way. There goal is raise $4.8 million to renovate the building the humane society now owns at 32220 Old Highway 34 in Tangent.

Once renovated, the 33,000-square-foot structure will be the home of SafeHaven’s pet adoption and education center. The humane society currently operates out of a 4,500-square-foot facility in Albany. “The new site will enhance SafeHaven’s humane education and training programs, expand the number of animals SafeHaven is able to serve and provide more space for veterinary care. The new center will also have a retail store and offer pet boarding to the general public.”

The SafeHaven Humane Shelter is located 33071 Highway 34 SE, Albany, OR Safe Haven does not euthanize for space. Here, they work to provide a warm temporary home for cats and dogs. There are several ways to volunteer at SafeHaven, including morning cleaning assistant, dog socialization, cat socialization, photographer, community outreach, fundraising/special events and foster care provider. For more volunteer information, follow this link at http://www.safehavenhumane.com/?q=node/20 or give them a call at 541-928-2789.