Corkill takes over as Mission Valley Animal Shelter manager
MISSION VALLEY Animal Shelter, located between Polson and Pablo on Reservoir Road, has a new manager. She is Raeva Corkill, pictured at right holding adoptable dog Gaston. Other MVAS staff members include, from left, are office assistant Leslie Stewart (with Prince Naveen); kennel tech Ralph Wheeler (with Meridah); and dog caregiver Zoe Christy (with Mara). Staff members not pictured are cat attendant Drew Gibson and main kennel attendant Dale Wilkerson. All four dogs are about 14 weeks old and were available for adoption as of last weekend. (Joe Sova/Lake County Leader)
The Mission Valley Animal Shelter (MVAS) located between Polson and Pablo on North Reservoir Road has recently hired a new manager, Raeva Corkill, to over see day-to-day activities at the shelter.
Corkill was hired to take care of the dog and puppy adoptions, help the staff with any and all issues they face with the animals and people alike and make sure that the staff has all of the supplies and equipment needed to perform their duties. Also, the maintenance and upkeep of the facility and grounds, including future remodels and improvements. MVAS is growing and expanding with the help of donations, fundraisers, and a strong management team.
The shelter is currently working without an executive director but their board of directors plans on hiring one in the future. The board of directors includes: Launa Benson, president of the board, and Sharon Hawke, Billie Collins, Robyn Lane, Marie Snavely, Jonathan Rogers and Roberta Steele.
Last year, the MVAS expanded their shelter to accommodate 18 dogs at a time. This expansion opened up many opportunities for the shelter.
“Previously we did not accept puppies under 6 months into our facility because the chance of them getting sick was too high. With the help of our “addition” or “puppy room” we now have three large kennels just specifically for the intake of puppies in need of homes. The kennels are big enough that we can house 15 to 20 puppies comfortably between them. We have taken in anywhere from 40 to 60 puppies already this year. They have all been finding their forever homes pretty quickly,” explained Corkill.
Going into the new year MVAS had several plans for expansions and building modifications. The shelter is focused on installing a new cleaning system that uses a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner that will be healthier for staff and animals. They also plan to finish the improvements on their outside cattery to open up more space for the cats both inside and out. The shelter plans on continuing to improve all aspects of their facility in the future.
The MVAS hosts fundraisers and excepts donations to keep their facilities running. The shelter recently hosted a Spay-getti and No Balls fundraiser that raised about $6,400 from ticket sales and the silent auction. The shelter will be hosting their annual fundraiser at the Red Lion Inn in Polson on Sept. 7. This fundraiser includes a live auction, a silent auction, and a very nice dinner, as well as a chance to meet and socialize with various members of the shelter staff and board.
The Mission Valley Animal Shelter also has a spay and neuter program that works with local veterinarians to decrease the amount strays in the valley.
Corkill explained, “We allow people to come to the shelter and purchase a certificate for a spay/neuter of an animal. We set up an appointment at a vet of their choosing and the certificate covers the operation. The shelter then covers the remaining cost from the operation. For example, you buy a certificate to get your dog spayed which cost you $45, you then take that to your appointment. Then the vet sends the shelter a bill for the remaining cost for the operation and we pay the rest.”
The MVAS is growing their facilities, program and staff to find “forever homes” for dogs and cats in the valley. If you would like to make a donation, do so on the MVAS website at missionvalleyanimalshelter.org or call the shelter at 406-883-5312.