On Dec. 12, the Glen Cove Animal Lovers League celebrated the grand opening of their new shelter on Shore Road in Glen Cove. After months of research, a modern plan for the shelter evolved. The building was constructed as part of an agreement between the city, Waste Management and ST Environmental which, among other things, permanently closed the city's incinerator. On hand for Glen Cove's pet project were Mayor Thomas Suozzi, Legislator John Canning, shelter director Joan Phillips, shelter benefactor John Capobianco, Ken Chiarella, a vice president at Waste Management, many of the volunteers at the animal shelter and quite a few residents who braved the brisk weather.

The former shelter, located off Morris Avenue, was in a state of disrepair and in need of people to help out with the rescue of abandoned pets. About three years ago, the shelter was privatized by the city and the Glen Cove Animal Lovers League was born, with Joan Phillips serving as the shelter's director. She and her volunteer staff have assisted in the adoption of countless dogs and cats and in the rescue of abused and abandoned animals. Included in the list of rescued animals are pit bulls deliberately mistreated to prepare them for dog fights, numerous squirrels and raccoons, and a snake who somehow found its way to someone's yard.

According to the countless dedicated volunteers there, the shelter embodies the "dawning of a new age," that of an animal shelter as a friendly, community-center place where animals can await the return of an owner or placement in an adoptive home in an atmosphere of comfort and kindness. There are heated floors in the doggy den and spacious condos for felines in the kitty korner. There is an air exchange system to keep the animals healthy and special coatings on the walls and floors for cleanliness and comfort. A classroom/media room will serve to educate about humanity and the special place a pet can occupy in a person's life.

Ms. Phillips thanked all the good-hearted people who have worked so hard for so long to make the new shelter become a reality. She said the shelter always welcomes new volunteers and if you would like to be a part of the team please call Marilyn at 674-9169.