We are located at: 136 Four Paws Lane Summerville SC 29483 Hours of Operation Mon, Tues, Thurs 12-5 p.m. Fri, Sat, Sun 10-5 p.m. Closed on Wednesdays. Mailing address: PO Box 1116, Summerville, SC 29484

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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Four Paws Kitty Inn 
The Frances R. Willis SPCA held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Four Paws Kitty Inn on the Frances R. Willis SPCA property. One portion of the Four Paws Kitty Inn will house cats brought to the SPCA by animal control, owners who need to surrender their pet and citizens who find strays. The second portion will be used as a medical center for the cats/kittens aresick after when they arrive at the SPCA or cats/kittens who become sick after their arrival at the SPCA. Many cats/kittens can develop upper respiratory infection. Since the building of the new cat facility, the need to euthanize cats/kittens for space has been eliminated and the number of cats/kittens who develop upper respiratory infections has dropped.
 
The space formerly used for cats being brought into the SPCA is now a medical and testing center for animals brought into the shelter.
 
Funding for the Four Paws Kitty Inn was provided by the SPCA Endowment Fund.The contractor chosen for the project was Atrium Builders of Summerville.
 
Following the ceremony, everyone enjoyed punch and cake.
 

 

SPCA Staff members, Board Members, Volunteers and SPCA Endowment Board Members were joined at the ribbon cutting ceremony by Dorchester County officials and Town of Summerville Mayor Bill Collins.

 

The Four Paws Kitty Inn

Master of Ceremonies 
Dorchester County Clerk of Court Cheryl Graham served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.  She is a member of the SPCA Board of Directors.
 
 

 

Dorchester County Support 
Dorchester County Council Chairman Larry Hargett spoke at the ceremony, highlighting the important role the SPCA plays in county operations and quality of life. He thanked the SPCA for its hard work on behalf of all animals in Dorchester County and pledged the county's support.
 

 

Town of Summerville Support
Mayor Bill Collins talked about the founding of the SPCA by Frances Willis in the 1970s. He knew Mrs. Willis and has watched the SPCA grow and expand over the years to meet the needs of the community.
 

 

SPCA Endowment Fund
SPCA Endowment Fund Board Members (left to right) Merle Handelsman, Clay Thornton, and Dr. Glen Haynes were on hand for the ribbon cutting. The Endowment Fund provided the money for the construction of Four Paws Kitty Inn. Mr. Thornton explained that the use of the funds are for capital improvements at the SPCA. Since its inception by the Starkey family, the Endowment Fund has paid for the computer system, the phone system, kennel gates and other major improvements to the facility. By using Endowment Funds, donated funds by individuals and coporations can be used for sheltering and feeding of the animals.
 

 
Enjoing some fellowship 
Before the ribbon cutting ceremony, (left to right) SPCA Endowment Board Members Merle Handelsman and Clayton Thornton visit with Summerville Mayor Bill Collins. 
 

 
Dorchester County Officials
(Left to right) Wendy Smith of Dorchester County Economic Development and Dorchester County Register of Deeds Margaret Bailey attened the event. Smith helped plan the ribbon cutting ceremony and Bailey is a former Board Member of the SPCA.
 

 
Blessing of the Four Paws Kitty Inn
Father Bob O'Connell blessed the new facility and the cats housed in it.
 
 

 
SPCA Volunteers
(Left to right) Dr. Glen Haynes of Westbury Veterinary Clinic, Patti Kiraly and Terry Kiraly chat before the ceremony. Dr. Haynes is Medical Advisor for the SPCA and serves on the SPCA Endowment Board. Mr. & Mrs. Kiraly are SPCA Board Members.
 
 

 

Reception following the ceremony
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony everyone enjoyed cake and punch.