HARRISBURG, Pa. — Dogs who are lost and then found by Lower Paxton Township police now have a new, air-conditioned place to hang out before they are reconnected with their owners.
Thursday morning, township officials celebrated the work of Dauphin County Technical School Students, the Kiwanis Club of the Linglestown Area, the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 5, who all played a role in building a new three-bay kennel.
This new holding facility will temporarily house the many dogs that Lower Paxton police officers find in the area.
One officer shared they tend to find 75 to 100 dogs every year, with many of them eventually reuniting with their owners.
Bill Minsker, who is a member of the Linglestown Area Kiwanis Club, shared that this new facility, "gives people a good feeling that if their dog is lost and found…there will be a suitable place for it to be taken until eventually there’s a connection made with the owner."
The facility has temperature control as well as concrete walls to separate each animal.
The Kiwanis Club raised funds for the project and Dauphin County Technical School students were able to help construct the roof, windows and more.
Robert Brightbill, a building construction instructor with the school, said the impact of these kinds of projects is powerful.
"When we knew there was a need to house dogs that had been 'arrested' or been found and we were able to help them with our skills, it really brought a lot of meaning to the students and the work that they were doing."
Township officials also announced plans to expand Lower Paxton's Happy Tails Dog Park and renovate basketball, tennis and handball courts at the adjacent Kohl Memorial Park.
The dog park will include water fountains, a shaded pavilion area and new play areas for the pups.
Those interested in donating to expand the Happy Tails Dog Park are asked to send contributions to Lower Paxton Township Parks & Recreation, 425 Prince Street, Lower Paxton, PA 17109, and indicate the donation is for the dog park on the check.