Approximately 60 people attended the groundbreaking for the new Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation shelter last week.

With gold shovels in hand and a few WAIF supporters, board members and staff dug into the ground where the entrance of the new shelter will be built south of Coupeville.

“Becoming WAIF’s executive director in November, I’ve learned of all the hard work and unrelenting dedication that has gone on prior to this day finally becoming reality,” said Charles Vreeland. “We’re on track to proceed with construction of a modern facility and continue to gain the confidence of our supporters who want to see a new facility focused on quality care of our homeless pet population for Whidbey.

“In fact, I’m happy to share that a current WAIF supporter honored the occasion with a check for $65,000 for the new shelter.”

With generous donations big and small continuing to come in, WAIF is headed to celebrate its 25th next year with a new building for homeless pets and the island community.

Just a short distance from the current Coupeville facility, the new shelter will be located at 60 Rhododendron Park Drive in Coupeville at the entrance of Rhododendron County Park.

For more information about WAIF’s new shelter, go to www.waifanimals.org