Foothills Humane Society has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Polk County Community Foundation for the construction of a multi-purpose facility on its shelter grounds on Little Mountain Road in Columbus. The grant was announced during the societys facilities dedication and shelter anniversary celebrations on Nov. 6.

The building will provide education, training and meeting space for potential adopters to get to know animals. It will provide covered and enclosed training areas for the 100% Recyclable training volunteers for shelter dogs and inclement weather exercise areas.

The classes being offered to shelter dogs have dramatically increased adoption rates at the shelter according to Foothills President Robert Then. The 100% Recyclable program volunteers are saving lives every day. &bsp;

The building will also provide enclosed space for the monthly vaccination and microchip clinics offered to the public, and dog training classes open to the public are planned. This facility will also be used for other types of meetings, social and educational functions, fundraising and other events. &bsp;

Foothills Humane Society is grateful to the Polk County Community Foundation and all the donors who have made their Unrestricted Grants possible, said Then.

Foothills Humane Society is a N.C. not-for-profit corporation caring for abused, abandoned and unwanted animals, promoting spay/neuter education and financial assistance and preventing animal abuse through education and assistance to Polk County Animal Control.&bsp; Volunteers, donors and adopters are all appreciated. Foothills Humane Society can be reached at 828-863-4444 or foothillshelter@windstream.net. Website: www.foothillshumanesociety.org.