By Ken de la Bastide
PERU — When Sandy Chittum lost her beloved pet, Rosie, she decided Miami County needed an animal shelter.
Chittum, director of the Miami County Chamber of Commerce, told members of the county council Tuesday a bank has given preliminary approval for the purchase of an existing kennel.
The facility will be located at Kulla Kennels. Chittum said the current owner will continue to have a private business on a portion of the 5-acre site for grooming and boarding services.
Rosie, a yellow lab, was Chittum’s pet for 17 years, when the dog passed away.
“I was so overwhelmed with emotion,” Chittum said after the meeting. “Knowing we don’t have an animal shelter, I wanted to fill a need.”
Chittum said the bank is awaiting an appraisal on the property.
Council members learned the kennel has 20 indoor and outdoor kennels for dogs.
Chittum said before “Rosie’s Rescue and Retreat” and the Miami County Animal Shelter open, she plans to build an addition to house cats and the facility will include an adoption room and a puppy birthing room.
“We need startup money,” she said. “The budget is $100,000 and I don’t want to open until we have six months of operating funds available, or about $50,000.”
Miami County has indicated it will provide $65,000 per year, and the city of Peru will provide $10,000 toward operating costs.
Chittum said the Miami County animal control officer will work for the animal shelter on contract and the Peru animal control officer will remain on the city payroll.
Miami County residents will be asked to donate to the shelter to cover costs, including food, medical bills and utility costs.
“The ball is rolling once the money is in,” Chittum said. “We want to open as soon as possible.”
Chittum said the shelter will be community orientated with numerous programs on pet care for residents.
