CARLTON — Residents who started the planning process for a new animal shelter in Carlton County have picked a name for the proposed organization and have moved forward with the formal creation of a shelter.
The group, which now meets biweekly in the basement of the Carlton VFW, decided on Carlton County Animal Rescue as the name during its meeting Thursday, Feb. 17.
Picking the name was done through the group’s Facebook page , which allowed approximately 200 votes to be cast, and members in attendance at the meeting approved the selection.
Carlton County Animal Rescue was resoundingly chosen by the group with 123 votes, with the second closest, Northern Tails, receiving 42 votes.
Cory Martinson, one of the members, said the next steps for the group are to finalize a mission statement and submit the documents required to file for nonprofit status.
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“We got a little bit closer in discussions and research last meeting to where we can get too the filing of the (nonprofit organization),” he said "But, we are about a meeting or two away from that."
Since the group's beginning, it has focused mainly on researching and speaking to local municipalities and other shelters in Minnesota.
Martinson said he hopes to partner with the county, Cloquet, Moose Lake and other municipalities in the county, but knows the group has a ways to go.
“We have to show them we are serious, legitimate and transparent,” he said. “Just make sure you are honest with everyone.”
Angela Hillman, another member of the group, believes they will be met support from the community as she has seen it for other groups like Missing Pets in the Northland .
“I have a very strong feeling that we are going to have a very strong backing and support,” she said.
Bekki Babineau, who initially formed the group , acknowledged that while she agrees, the word still needs to be circulated about Carlton County Animal Rescue.
“They have definitely established name recognition and trust within the community,” she said. “We may not (have that) when we are first out of the gate, we’ll just have to see.”
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Bebineau suggested even getting Missing Pets in the Northland involved with Carlton County Animal Rescue, as they already have pet fostering capabilities.
The group has a strong core of 10 members who attend in person since it was first formed and held meetings in October 2021.
This group’s Facebook page has seen a large amount of growth, from 100 to 379 people.
Babineau said after filing for the nonprofit status the group intends to create a board of directors from some of the regular attendees of meetings.
