A big step towards new animal shelter in Grand County (PHOTOS)
Groundbreaking sets table for construction in June
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
Pets in Grand County that have been lost, surrendered or abandoned find a safe haven at Granby’s animal shelter. These dogs, cats and more depend on humans to provide them with a temporary home, which has been located on sanitation district land for over 30 years.
The people of Grand County, and beyond, have stepped up to ensure this new shelter remains in the community. On May 5, a groundbreaking at the future shelter location drew a crowd of over 125.
Grand County Pet Pals is the supportive arm of the shelter, operated by the sheriff’s office. Mary Ann Kerstiens, Pet Pals treasurer and an animal control officer, has helped lead this ambitious project, along with the organization’s volunteers.
For all of you supporting us here today, or from afar, you’ve helped make a big difference in Grand County,” said Jennifer Gelbhaus, Pet Pals president. “Every stray animal and pet deserves a tomorrow.”
Others — including the building’s architects, MA Studios, town of Granby staff, Chillcoots Construction and community donors — have brought this to the finish line. Construction is expected to begin by early June.
The future shelter will be next to Kaibab Park, on a one-acre plot of land. Town mayor Josh Hardy told the crowd how he, town manager Ted Cherry and the board of trustees resolved to sell this plot to the animal shelter.
“My board has been very much in favor of helping out. They know this is an important service that they want to keep local here within the community,” he said. “And it suits the town of Granby really well because it’s centered in this community.”
At the groundbreaking, local resident Doreen Sumerlin attended with two dogs she’s adopted from the shelter. She told the attendees that one of her dogs, Woody, lived through the East Troublesome Fire with her.
“I don’t think I would have made it through the loss of my house in 2020 without him,” she said.
She added that after that fire destroyed her home, “Pet Pals’ support and generosity” provided her with food, supplies and more for her dogs and cats “at a time when I could barely take care of myself.
“I will be forever grateful for that assistance,” Sumerlin said.
Former president of Grand County Pet Pals and animal advocate Samantha Miller also spoke to the crowd, thanking Kerstiens who stood beside her.
“This shelter will be a place of second chances,” Miller said. “A place where scared and injured pets can find healing; where families can meet their new best friends; where kindness is practiced every day.”
She added that the resource is invaluable to all residents, whether they face an emergency that temporarily displaces them, need a place for their pet to stay while they’re in the hospital, or have a lost pet that is kept at the shelter until they can reunite.
“All of this is only possible because of the people who show up — people like you,” said Miller. “Day after day, year after year, with grit and grace and the biggest hearts … We’re building more than a shelter, we’re building a legacy of compassion, something future generations can count on.”
-
Community members can help sponsor the new shelter. Funding opportunities include the lobby, kennel, outdoor play areas and more.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
-
The groundbreaking ceremony for the animal shelter, May 5, 2025.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
-
From left: Attorney Georgia Noriyuki, Granby Mayor Josh Hardy, Pet Pals president Jennifer Gelbhaus, Pet Pals board member Diana Farabaugh, principal architect Scott Munn of MA Studios, Chillcoots Construction owner Mark Bjerken, Grand County commissioner Merrit Linke. A wide group of stakeholders are helping make the shelter possible.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
-
-
The groundbreaking ceremony for the animal shelter on May 5.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Courtesy photo
-
Granby Mayor Josh Hardy speaks at the shelter groundbreaking. “My board has been very much in favor of helping out,” he stated.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
-
Toyna Munn and her dog at the site of the groundbreaking. Tonya is the administrative assistant at MA Studios (formerly Munn Architecture), which is the architect for the new shelter.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
-
The construction for new animal shelter is expected to begin in early June, next to Kaibab Park.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
-
-
The groundbreaking ceremony for the animal shelter, May 5, 2025.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Courtesy photo
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
The Sky-Hi News strives to deliver powerful stories that spark emotion and focus on the place we live.
Over the past year, contributions from readers like you helped to fund some of our most important reporting, including coverage of the East Troublesome Fire.
If you value local journalism, consider making a contribution to our newsroom in support of the work we do.