Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Members of the public and Friends of the Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter await the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony, on a blazing hot Saturday afternoon, just outside the shelter’s building.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Chairman of the Friends of the Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter, Mike Barnett (right), speaks to the gathered crowd prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new indoor/outdoor run, Saturday afternoon, just outside the shelter’s building.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Chairman of the Friends of the Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter, Mike Barnett (foreground), speaks to the gathered crowd prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new indoor/outdoor run, Saturday afternoon, just outside the shelter’s building.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Dallis Knight (right) accepts a certificate of appreciation from Friends of the Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter Board Chairman Mike Barnett on behalf of her sister, Glenda Taylor Delawder’s estate, which provided funds for the shelter’s van and an expansion to the cat holding area. This area now provides cat patios or "catios" where the cats can safely play in groups on cat-safe trees and other amenities.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Mike Barnett, Chairman of Friends of the Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter, shows off the external kennel run that’s part of the new indoor/outdoor kennels that were recently completed as a part of an expansion to the Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter. This new run allows the dogs that are currently residing at the shelter to come in and go out as they please, and also allows the staff of ECCAS to provide extra shelter to the animals during weather events, such as snow or thunderstorms, and extreme heat and cold.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders "The shelter had outside kennels but that would mean the dogs would need to be brought inside for bad weather. Enclosing the kennels and adding climate control means this expansion can be used year-round," said Chris Prince, the project manager with FECCAS. "We had great support from area businesses in Carter County and the surrounding area. These new kennels really are a sight to see."

StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders Raisinette (l) and Cookie, a pair of young Shar-Peis that are just two of the dozens of other cats, dogs, puppies and kittens waiting their new forever homes at the Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter. To see these expansion projects or to adopt a pet, like Raisinette and Cookie, please visit the shelter at 135 Sycamore Shoals Drive in Elizabethton between 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Project manager Chris Prince and Mike Barnett (center left and right), Chairman of Friends of the Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter, cut the ribbon that officially opens the new indoor/outdoor kennel runs that were just recently completed at the shelter. Don Bland (far left) and Danny Deal hold the ribbon.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders The final presentation of the day was a proclamation from Governor Bill Lee recognizing Brenda Persinger (l) and Wanda Marlow (r) for their extraordinary efforts in managing feral cat colonies throughout Carter County. Mike Barnett, Chairman of Friends of the Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter (center) also presented the pair with an inscribed brick that has their names on them to memorialize their continuing contributions that will sit in the shelter’s Walk of Fame.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders This parcel of land, that is adjacent to the Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter, is going to be developed to further help reduce the pet animal population in the Carter County area. FECCAS has pledged to raise funds to build a spay/neuter facility on land adjacent to the shelter. Several fundraising projects are planned for the near future. The first event will be a golf tournament on August 20. To find out more information about this event, future fundraising events, or anyone wishing to make a donation to the spay/neuter clinic can donate at FECCAS.org.