NEW BEGINNINGS: Rhonda Furby, Bettie Cashion and Maria Diamond discuss the remodel project which is approaching completion. The project has expanded the reception area to include a viewing room and adoption get-to-know area.

The Pearl River County SPCA has been under renovation since August of 2013 and the project is nearing completion.

SPCA board member Judy Wheaton has been the coordinator of the project, which has seen an extension of the front of the building to accommodate a viewing area and adoption “get to know” room for potential adoptive families.

“This has been a real learning experience on a lot of levels. We have learned to work around unexpected challenges and accept the generosity and support of the local community,” Wheat said. “Our initial funding came from an anonymous donor, but when people saw what was going on, they wanted to help. The city waived fees that would have normally applied. Everyone has been wonderful.

On the other hand, the non-profit had unexpected challenges, such as finding out that their existing structure was in violation of zoning ordinances.

“With the zoning ordinances, we were too close to the road already and we wanted to get another 12 feet closer,” Wheat said. “But we went through planning and zoning and were able to get approval for the project.”

The SPCA building committee purposely chose a color scheme that was in line with the official City of Picayune colors. They also had a wooden sign made that fit in with the historic feel of the town.

“We are in Picayune but serve the county and we wanted our facility to reflect that,” Wheat said.

Upon completion, which Wheat said is anticipated to happen within the next two months, the board will begin working on the next phase of the project.

This will include extending the building out 20 feet towards the fire station and making an expanded area for cats, while increasing employee work space.

Fellow board member, Maria Diamond, said that the group is eagerly preparing for a community open house. This is expected to take place in March.

“We already have an event planner, who has donated her time, working eagerly to make this very special,” Diamond said.

“We are going to have special offers and can’t wait to share the improvements here with the community.”