Animal shelter to dedicate new presentation shelter

When Marjorie McNamara died on Nov. 18, 2014, her will included a sizable donation to the local animal shelter.

There were no specific instructions how to spend the windfall totaling just over $75,000 but her attorney, Jason Karmire, did not believe the 1939 Shelbyville High School graduate wanted the funds to go toward vet bills. Karmire pushed the animal shelter to be more creative.

On Aug. 24 at 9:30 a.m., nearly five years after her passing, the animal shelter will officially dedicate the Marjorie L. McNamara Presentation Shelter that sits on property at the local shelter at 705 Hale Road. Its design mirrors the animal shelter’s and will allow the staff to host events on site rather than off site which limits its capabilities to get animals adopted.

“(Jason) said that’s exactly what she would have wanted,” said Chris Browder of the Shelbyville/Shelby County Animal Shelter.

The ribbon cutting for the new shelter house is the beginning of a day full of activities.

Silly Safari will have animals on hand to visit with and learn about.

Music will be provided by the band “Busted Mufflers.”

And Terry and Paula Johnson are hosting a cookout.

Limited edition T-shirts will be for sale.

The event is free to attend and open to all members of the community, according to Browder.

The animal shelter typically runs adoption events off site which limits the number of cats and dogs that can be taken. With its presentation shelter, the organization can now run events on property so all the animals can participate, and possibly get a “forever home” as Browder likes to say.

“This way we can host more things and give back more to the community,” said Browder.