Homeward Bound President Ralph Tomassi: 'This has been a long time coming'

ASHLAND - Ralph Tomassi summed up the event best when he said, “this has been a long time coming.”

More: What's next? Storm leaves thousands without power, damages buildings in Wayne & Holmes

Tomassi, who is the president of Homeward Bound, was speaking about the groundbreaking ceremony held Tuesday afternoon for the county’s new dog shelter that will be built across the fairgrounds on Baney Road.

“The best things come from your own backyard,” he continued. “This has been four years in the making. We’ve finally made it.”

Preliminary discussions on a new shelter began more than four years ago and the groundbreaking ceremony was the culmination of a private-public relationship that will result in a new 10,000-plus-square-foot facility.

“This will be the most modern dog shelter in the state of Ohio,” said Commissioner Denny Bittle in his opening remarks.

New Homeward Bound dog shelter ceremony recognizes special citizens

Along with Bittle and Tomassi, Homeward Bound secretary Dianne Hammontree spoke at the ceremony, acknowledging those who have helped to this point.

“In the last 2 ½ years, we’ve prepared for this day,” she added.

Tomassi noted Gene Haberman, The Norma Foundation, Jim and Lynne Minnich, Ronald Gene Wolfe, Lloyd and Norma Wygant and the near 400 individuals who have made a contribution to the project.

“We were blessed by a large number of passionate, compassionate and giving donors who helped us achieve our fundraising objectives,” he said.

After presenting the symbolic check for $600,000 to Bittle, Commissioner James Justice and Commissioner Mike Welch, Tomassi said, “This is a historic day for the city of Ashland. Every gift was needed and appreciated.”

Ashland County Community Foundation President/CEO Jim Cutright spoke on how the ACCF got involved.

“There is vision, grit and determination in this,” he said. “What a great project. At the Community Foundation we are all about stewardship.

“We can’t wait for the next ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of this.”

Bittle said the project was fueled by the people who helped. He also said that he likes to measure Ashland County or any other county in three areas.

“How you treat your seniors,” he said. “How you treat your children and how you treat your animals.

“We’ve had some very good people involved with this project,” Bittle added.

Mayor Matt Miller says new dog shelter will 'transform the future of Ashland'

Ashland Mayor Matt Miller said the entire project speaks volumes on the caring citizens of the county.

“This is another wonderful example of our very own people stepping forward and partnering with local government to transform the future of Ashland,” he said. “A lot of the projects you see happening the last five to 10 years would not have been possible without people looking inside, finding a cause that is dear to their heart and then spending their own personal resources to make it happen.

“Let’s face it, there are a lot of dog lovers and cat lovers all across our county," Miller added. "When you visit our current animal shelter, I think you definitely come away thinking, ‘We can probably do better.’ And today not only proves can we, but we will.”

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Ashland County breaks ground for its new dog shelter, Homeward Bound