The collective love for animals has enabled the Shelter Pet Alliance to make amazing things happen for the abused, forgotten and discarded animals brought into the Oakdale Animal Shelter on Liberini Road.

Last year the non-profit volunteer group enabled the shelter to install a dog yard so the animals could get some much-needed exercise as well as socializing time with their prospective new families; this year, they recently installed new kennels.

The original kennels were installed in 1974 and the recent installation is the first improvement to the kennel environment since the first kennels went in.

The kennel improvement was paid for by donations, totaling $16,000, which were made possible by left over donated funds from last year.

“Last year we had raised $25,000 from our various fundraisers, and we had $10,000 left over from the exercise yard,” Shelter Pet Alliance volunteer Betsie Corwin said. “And we were able to put $10,000 toward the low-income spay and neuter program.”

The new kennels have lessened the stress and anxiety shelter animals often face when housed in a foreign environment surrounded by other animals because of the privacy panels.

“It really cuts down on the stress level for the dogs because they’re not so worried about their neighbors,” Corwin said.

In spite of a down economy, people have still found a way to contribute, whether it’s in services or cash.

“It’s incredible. A lot of people have dug deep into their pockets to help raise the money,” Corwin said.

And Corwin said the volunteers have now set their sights on bigger projects for the shelter, which includes more space for the animals.

“We’re hoping to continue to raise money for bigger projects so donations are always needed,” Corwin said.

Anyone interested in donating to the shelter can go to the website at www.shelterpetalliance.com or mail a donation to Stanislaus Community Foundation, c/o Shelter Pet Alliance, PO Box 181, Oakdale, CA 95361.