Since September, there has been a new leader of the Humane Society of Perry, and she’s got plans to keep the organization moving forward.

Dawson Mayor Breanna Gonzalez, who had served for around four years as the Humane Society’s Vice President, was promoted following the retirement of former President Abby Benifiel. So far Gonzalez says things have been going well, but she’s not content to just sit on her laurels. First of all, she would like to increase the shelter’s volunteer base. “We have a solid, small group of volunteers right now, who are terrific to work with and they’re even better with the animals. Having a larger, strong volunteer base will allow us to amplify our reach, and increase our capacity to care for more animals. This will allow for some rest time for volunteers as well, in between each foster or time slot that they sign up for at the shelter and the catery, and between each community event and fundraiser.”

The second thing Gonzalez would like to see tackled under her leadership is kicking off a capital campaign to start raising funds for a new shelter. The new facility would house the Humane Society’s operations more effectively, while also giving them more room to keep the stray animals found in the City. She’s hopeful to start the fundraising in earnest after the start of the new year.