The Troy Animal Shelter Coalition, Inc. and the Humane Society of Pike County will be presenting more than $300,000 in cash and land to aid in the funding of the Pike Animal Shelter at an event on the Square in downtown Troy next week.

The event, “Brown Bag and Leashes” will celebrate the upcoming Pike County Animal Shelter project. The event is part of the Brown Bag series that is held downtown on the square.

“The Brown Bag events are a wonderful way to bring people to our beautiful downtown area,” Mayor Jason A. Reeves said. “Like most communities, our downtown is the physical, economic and cultural core of our town and these events are a way to showcase that.”

Reeves encouraged animal lovers to come out to this event and celebrate the milestone in getting the shelter funded. “This will be a fun event to show the cooperative spirit of all the stakeholders involved with the shelter,” Reeves said.

The current 16-kennel facility operated by the City of Troy is not large enough to house as many dogs as are in need in the area and there is no facility for cats.

“I think the construction of the animal shelter is the most exciting news to hit Pike County for animal lovers in recent years, We have all worked toward this goal and now it is becoming a reality,” said Pike County Humane Society President Jack Rainey.

Troy Animal Shelter Coalition Founder’s Society President Donna Schubert said she sees the foundation of the future shelter being built on kindness, vision, perseverance, and hope.

“This partnership is a sign of progressive elected leaders and compassionate volunteers working together to build something that will benefit generations to come.” Schubert said.

Brown Bag and Leashes on the Square begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 26. Leashed pets are welcome. Entertainment will be provided by the Jim Bell Trio.