The shelter improvement project - built entirely with private funds from the humane society, which donated the building to Lincoln County - features three new catteries; a large utility room; two viewing rooms, where people can get acquainted one-on-one with pets they're considering for adoption; and new administrative offices and reception area. The project cost about $230,000. Funding derived from a $170,000 bequest received about five years ago, $50,000 earned from bond investments, and more than $28,000 derived from a July fundraiser, featuring a premiere screening of the film "Seabiscuit."

The bequest was a restricted fund. It was to be used for a capital project, not spaying and neutering or other programs."

We opted to replace and enhance the administrative building at the animal shelter, with a focus on adding the catteries - one each for male cats, female cats, and kittens - and the private visiting rooms. This project was chosen because it benefits the most people and animals over the long term.

It will be here for a long time. We hope it will spur a lot of interest from volunteers.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of shelter and humane society activities, which operate on a premise articulated in the best-selling, widely-acclaimed book "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand and the ensuing film adaptation:

"You don't throw a whole life away just 'cause it's banged up a little."

Hillenbrand's book tells the story of a down-but-rarely-out racehorse and three down-on-their-luck men whose lives converged to forge a legend that inspired a down-and-out nation mired in the middle of the Depression years that left many of them jobless, penniless, and homeless. Supporters of the local humane organization hope the new shelter building will inspire community members to show support for down-on-their-luck homeless dogs and cats temporarily housed there.