Webster unveils new animal shelter to huge crowd

Gerald and Marilyn Fels

Text and photos by Steev Riccardo (more photos follow)

Webster – The Town of Webster proudly cut the ribbon for the opening of its new Animal Shelter this past Saturday morning (April 21) in front of an estimated crowd of more than 100 people, which included town officials and state Senator Richard T. Moore.

The new building was donated to the town by Marilyn Fels of the Fels Foundation, who hired her brother Dick Kelly of Kelly & Kelly to build the modern facility. The new shelter has heating in the floors and indoor/outdoor rooms, which Animal Control Officer Michelle LaFleche said “is important for the animals so they can go outdoors.”  

“We went from an outhouse to a penthouse,” said LaFleche, and that was not much of a reach considering the upgrade.  “We now have everything we need, thanks to Marilyn Fels.”

“Marilyn has been a big supporter of us throughout the years and has always provided us with funds and helped us pay our bills.” said LaFleche.

Mrs. Fels was on hand for the celebration and said “It had to be done for a long time and we did it.  We had my brother build it and we are donating it to the town.”

“I just want to say thank you so much to the Fels for all the donations and work they did,” said Selectwoman Deb Keefe.  “Hopefully we will be setting standards for animal shelters and adoptions.”

Selectman Mark G. Dowgiewicz added, “It’s beautiful. It’s a vast improvement over what we have had the last 30 years. Hopefully we will be able to put some of these dogs up for adoption.”

“The building is amazing, it’s like something you would see in a large city,” said Town Manager John McAuliffe. “All this was only made possible by the benevolence and the generosity of the Fels and we are deeply indebted to them; they are really amazing people.”

Selectman Dan Ricci said  “I think it’s been phenomenal; the shelter is great for Webster.”

The town selectmen gave Mrs. Fels a plaque and some flowers to express their tremendous gratitude towards her for the outstanding donation.

The shelter is located just inside the entrance to the Webster Pumping station.

Selectmen Chairman Dan Ricci addressing the gathering
as Mrs. Fels looks on.

Marilyn Fels cuts the ribbon officially opening the new Webster animal Shelter. Pictured (l to r) Selectman Dan Ricci, Selectman Mark Dowgiewicz, Marilyn Fels, Gerry Fels, Senator Richard Moore, Selectman Deb Keefe, Selectman Don Bourque and Town Administrator John McAuliffe.

Marilyn Fels and Animal Control Officer Michelle LaFleche

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