Stray or unwanted cats and dogs as well as injured or abandoned wild critters now have a place to go without fear of death by injection or gas chamber.

Morgan County Humane Society celebrated the opening of its no-kill animal shelter in the Gum Springs community July 13 with a ribbon cutting and open house.

Executive director Robyn Purdy and other Humane Society members welcomed the opportunity to show guests what they have been able to accomplish after 10 years of applying for grants, conducting fundraisers and soliciting private contributions.

The shelter, located at 86 Gum Springs Road, five miles east of Hartselle, is equipped with 17 dog runs and a 10’x10’ free-roaming cat room. It also has an exam room, doggie hotel, wildlife room, fur and feather room, socialization room, grooming room and doggie hospital.

“I still feel like I’m walking around in a dream,” said Purdy. “I’m overjoyed that Morgan County finally has a shelter to house adoptable domestic animals and rehabilitated wild animals.

“Visitors are welcome anytime,” she added. “I always look forward to meeting with responsible families that wish to adopt a pet. We don’t allow adoption on the first visit because we want the family to spend some time with the prospective pet to make sure the relationship is mutually beneficial. And we have a return policy if things don’t work out.”

All stray animals are examined, spayed or neutered and given booster shots to ensure they are healthy before they are put up for adoption. The adoption fee is $95.

Visitation hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The shelter is currently boarding five grown cats, two grown dogs and two 8-week-old puppies. All are ready to be adopted.

While the shelter is in operation, it’s far from being where Purdy wants it to be.

“Nobody here is paid a salary, we’re all volunteers,” Purdy said. We have to be tight with what little money we have because the animals depend on us to keep things going.”

Purdy said Petco helped the Humane Society get a $20,000 grant to finish the kennels and donates toys and other supplies for the animals. Target donates pet food, and Tim Johnston Air Conditioning and Heating offered a discount on the shelter’s central heating and cooling system.

“Without the many generous people who have helped us along the way, we wouldn’t be here,” Purdy pointed out.

Shelter needs include a washer and dryer, two refrigerators, fencing for the property, a vehicle and emergency vet care.

Purdy is licensed by the Alabama Fish and Wildlife Commission to house wildlife that has been orphaned, injured or abandoned.

She said plans are in the conceptual stages for fencing the property and providing pasture and barn space for the care and rehabilitation of large animals.

For additional information about the shelter and services it offers, log on to www.morgancountyhumanesociety.org or call 256-773-7222.