Maybe Next Christmas
Foot-dragging officials have left puppies and kittens at the Hoke County Animal Shelter out in the cold again this Christmas, but there is a glimmer of hope for next year.
On Aug. 5, 2024, Mubarak Shahbain, owner and president of J&K General Contractors, announced he and his company would donate labor and construction services valued up to $200,000 toward expansion/improvement of the Hoke County Animal Shelter. Since that time repeated pleas from concerned citizens—urging elected officials to make use of the offer—have gone unanswered.
On Dec. 1 the silence ended, although it didn’t even come from a county official or spokesperson. It was, once again, J&K.
“Mr. Cody Norrod of J&K Builders provided a construction update on the project,” the Hoke County Commission meeting minutes state. “He advised that the foundation inspection and concrete pour are anticipated to take place in December. Building materials are expected to be delivered between February and March of 2025. Following material delivery, framing and vertical construction will begin immediately thereafter. Weather conditions and inspection timelines will continue to be monitored closely to prevent delays. At this time, the overall project remains on schedule with substantial completion anticipated by June of 2025. Mr. Norrod also confirmed that regular progress updates will continue to be provided as major milestones are reached.”
Not all animals at the Hoke County Animal Shelter will out in the cold this Christmas. Unfortunately—like most of the area’s infrastructure—officials failed to authorize funding, staff or construction at a pace that ensured service and reliably while Hoke County’s uncontrolled growth spiraled. Space at the shelter is no longer sufficient for the volume taken in each year.
Meanwhile, the dedicated staff and volunteers at the shelter will be do their utmost, as they always do, to ensure all the animals are warm, fed and cared for this holiday season. We’re sending prayers, like the puppy above, that their task is a little easier in 2026.