Riverhead looks to revamp dog shelter

Denise Lucas doesn't have an office with a picture-perfect view, but she thinks Riverhead's unwanted cats and dogs should have nicer surroundings to enjoy while they wait to be adopted.

So, town Councilman James Wooten plans to ask fellow board members at their next meeting Tuesday to create a special line in the town budget to accept donations so Lucas can formally begin raising at least $200,000 toward building a new animal shelter.

Lucas, 43, works for a Ford dealership and has no background in animal rescue. But she's been so energetic about $3,000 in donations already has been sent to Town Hall.

There is no specific fund for donations, so the money will sit in an envelope until it can be deposited, Wooten said.

Though Lucas has no previous experience in fundraising, a recent visit to the shelter set her on that path.

"Going to the animal shelter is a little scary," she said, referring to the facility's physical condition and the industrial area around it. "It should be a place where people can bring their children."

Wooten agrees, pointing out it is next to a town landfill and presents a not-too-pretty appearance for people who come to adopt a dog.

The shelter, which has 40 dog runs, dates back decades and lacks some amenities found in more modern shelters on the East End, such as a quiet room where visitors can check out a dog they are considering adopting.

Over the years, other residents and town officials have talked about replacing the shelter, but no real effort has been made to upgrade it.

The town has no facilities for cats, something Lucas said she would like to incorporate in a new facility if she raises enough funds.