Cochrane Humane recently received a large grant.

The Humane Society recently received a $125,000 cheque from the Alberta government in support of the new Rehabilitation and Education Centre.

MLA Cameron Westhead says it was the maximum amount allotted.

"It's the maximum amount of grant allowed under the CFEP program, which is Community Facility Enhancement Program, it is going to support all the great work the Humane Society does here in Cochrane. It's a growing community, pets are part of people's families, and the centre does a lot of great work, and I am really proud to support it."

Tracy Keith, Cochrane and Area Humane Society, Executive Director, says there are a lot of exciting programs being rolled out.

"Internally, the big one for the shelter animals is a program called 'Play For Life' which will be starting over the next couple of weeks; which will allow the dogs to socialize and a place to play, get exercise, do training, and agility. We are also introducing several programs available to the public which will help to sustain the sheltering operations we do here. Some of those include a public grooming facility, we  have a public self dog wash, and we are doing a day program in the New Year called 'Wag Wednesday' where people can drop off their dogs in the morning and pickup later in the day- we do some training with them, agility, and help with socialization, play time, essential oils, kong time."

The larger, expanded facility allows all operations to occur under one roof saving staff costs, as well as the ability to expand and add new training programs.

"It really opens doors for us, and the animals in the community, as well as in the shelter."

Keith says the additional programming ideas came from community feedback as well as a feasibility study.

"It included going out and talking to the community as well as people who use our programs now; those types of programs are exactly what people were looking for."

Westhead adds there was no shortage of applicants to receive CFEP funding, and feels the Humane Society is a perfect recipient.

"It is always over subscribed, there is always more people looking for support than we have money for but we have to do it on a priority basis when we assign funds to areas that have the most value, we want to make sure our tax dollars are spent in the most responsible way possible."

Keep an eye out over the coming weeks for announcements of programming start dates. The first glimpse of the new facility will be at the 'Pet-I-Cure' being held November 26.