Throwing the dog a home: PEI Humane Society receives big donation

The PEIHumane Society hasbeen given a house in Murray River byJuanita Leeco.

No, it's not going to the dogs. The societyplans to sell it and use the money for upgrades to its Charlottetown shelter.

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PEI Humane Society executive director Marla Somersall saidthis is the first property donation of this kind that the Society has received.

"It's such a wonderful gift to have and it was just like 'thank you so much.' The thought of having done that and wanting to do it for the animals was really special," said Somersall.

The four-bedroom house is currently listed at $85,000and comes with 13 acres close to water.

As for why anyone would give up such a property, Leecohas moved into seniors' housing and no longer needs the house.

"She had wanted to sell it to get rid of the property because it was a bit of a burden for her," saidSomersall.

"So then she just came up with the idea that she was going to donate it."

Somersall said the society has big plans forthe money, like giving the dogkennels a faceliftand there will be much needed upgrades to its Charlottetown building.

"We know how expensive some of those costs are, so hopefully it will give us the opportunity to do some of those key upgrades that we need," she said.

"We are struggling with our heating system. We had some issues with our heat this pastwinter."

"We really want to make sure that we can stretch it as far as we possibly can for the things that are the 100 top priorities items that we have."

The property is now on the market and has already garnered some interest.

Michael Poczynekis a real estate agent withCentury 21 Northumberland.

He's one of the agents that'staken on the property and said he will be giving any commission made on the sale to the society, where he is also a volunteer.

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