Storm Lake may soon have its first dedicated animal shelter.
Caring Paws Rescue, a nonprofit formed just over a year ago, is negotiating to purchase the former Lake Animal Hospital building. The clinic closed December 23 following the retirement of longtime veterinarian Dr. Dianne Johnson.
Now, Caring Paws hopes to transform the site into a safe haven for stray dogs and cats—and they’re asking the community to help make it happen.
The building at 107 West 16th St. has been familiar to Storm Lake residents for decades. Caring Paws President Sue Lyngaas says that history makes it the perfect fit for the shelter project.
Plans call for kennel runs that could house 12-15 dogs, along with expanded cat rooms for up to 80 cats.
Lyngaas says the shelter would provide something Storm Lake has long lacked: a safe, permanent place for animals in need.
Caring Paws has already made an impact through its Trap, Neuter, Release program.
Dr. Johnson has agreed to continue spay and neuter services part‑time, working contractually with Caring Paws.
But the biggest hurdle now is funding. Caring Paws plans to launch a capital campaign early this year to raise $700,000—$400,000 to purchase the building, and the rest to cover operating expenses.
Negotiations are also underway with Citizens Bank regarding the Samsel Trust—a $400,000 gift left by the late Tom and Joanne Samsel of Lakeside, specifically designated to support an animal shelter in Storm Lake. That funding could cover a significant share of the purchase price and bring Caring Paws closer to making its shelter a reality.
Grassroots fundraising is already in motion.
A shoe drive continues through Jan. 5, with collection bins located throughout Storm Lake at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Walsh Chiropractic, Smoking Hereford, United Methodist Church, and Methodist Manor. More than 60 bags—about 2,000 pounds of shoes—have already been donated. A Pizza Ranch Community Impact fundraiser is scheduled for January 19.
For Lyngaas, the mission comes down to giving every pet a second chance—and she points to one rescue story as proof of what’s possible.
Renovations will be needed before the shelter opens. Lyngaas envisions an extension at the back of the building with 10-12 new kennels, plus fenced‑in areas for dog exercise.
Monetary donations can be made online at caringpawsstormlake.org, mailed to Caring Paws Rescue at P.O. Box 54 in Storm Lake, arranged directly through the group’s Facebook page, or by contacting Lyngaas at 304‑646‑6120.
