In that time, it has saved more than 17,000 animals, according to Paul Shane, the organization’s new executive director.

He added that over those decades, 220,000 volunteer hours — an estimated $6 million worth of labor — have been donated to the animal shelter.

Shane, who is the first executive director the agency has had in about six years, is ready to build on that foundation.

“I think we have unlimited potential,” he said.

He has planned a number of activities intended to bring people together with their new four-legged best friends, while giving the shelter on South 32nd Street a stable future.

Almost Home is now one of just two shelters in Iowa that is partnered with Pets for Patriots, a national group that gets companion animals to veterans. Veterans who get a pet through this program also receive a $150 gift card, discounted veterinary care, savings on pet food and supplies; and a year of post-adoption followup which provides advice on caring for the animal.

Shane said the program is new to Iowa. It is currently active, although no one has adopted a pet from Almost Home through it yet.

Almost Home recently received a $10,000 grant from the Fort Dodge Community Foundation to purchase a van.

Shane said the vehicle is needed for a couple of reasons. Right now, he said, there is no way to transport animals. That means volunteers are taking them to veterinarian appointments in their private vehicles. Shane said the animals can’t be taken to outreach events so that the public can see them outside of the shelter.

Additionally, the van could be used to go to businesses and to collect recycling materials. There is a bin in front of the shelter where people can drop off bottles and cans, which Almost Home redeems, providing a little revenue. If there was a way to go out and pick up recycling items, the shelter could have more revenue, Shane said.

But to get the van, Almost Home must raise an additional $10,000 to match the grant.

To learn about contributing for the van purchase, call Shane at 515-955-8343.

There is another way to support Almost Home that involves vehicles. Shane said vehicles can be donated. He said they will be auctioned off, and the animal shelter will receive 70 percent of the money.

To learn more about that option, visit almosthomeiowa.org and click on ways to help.