SARASOTA – The Humane Society of Sarasota County has a new facility, but its staff wont forget what brought them there.
Kenny Flynn was all sorts of awesome
“He would always come in, always be working every holiday,” said HSSC staff member of five years, Vivi.
He was a welcome fixture at the old Sarasota County Humane Society building.
“He just, he devoted his free time, he fostered animals, really really…. Really dedicated,” said Vivi.
When he died suddenly in 2018… “We were all pretty shaken,” said Vivi.
The Humane Society acquired a tree from Kenny’s parents and worked overtime to care for it.
“Everybody was really, ‘Oh did anybody water Kenny’s tree? Has anybody taken care of that yet?,” said Vivi.
They did take care of it. Because while their old building has crumbled…
His tree and memory grow at the Humane Society’s new facility – his pictures displayed in the new clinic, where anyone can look and remember him.
And now The Sarasota County Humane Society’s new facility, which took three years to complete..
“This is the most fantastic things that has ever happened here,” said volunteer, Katherine Wilkes.
The new facility allows them to care for up to 900 more animals each year. The old facility could house 40 cats, this new facility can house up to 75 cats.
The over 37,000 square foot facility has a new wing for cats, who are now separated from the dogs in the shelter.
The Humane Society serves as the Suncoast’s premier no kill shelter
“We have a facility that will carry us forward for another 75 years,” said Executive Director of HSSC, Anna Gonce.
And in this new facility, Kenny’s tree? It’s here, in a Memorial garden where old staff and past pets are remembered.
“We’re glad that we were able to get all this set up for him, remember him, because of how much he put into this place – all his love, all his time. He loved this place so much.”
For more information on the Humane Society you can visit their website here, or donate to help finish the construction here.
