The deserted SpeedPark.

This week, we were eager for an outing at the Extreme Toys SpeedPark in Cornelius. As we pulled up, we saw the go-cart track and several sheds. Unfortunately, the place looked  deserted, with weeds growing through cracks in the pavement. We decided to send a representative to check it out, and see if we had come at the wrong time. When our spokesperson returned, we found out that the go-carts were “done,” according to a large man inside the exercise facility next door.

Time for Plan B. On the way to the the SpeedPark, we had seen a sign for the Cornelius Animal Shelter. So, we headed there to check out the animals. Upon arriving, we discovered that it would not reopen for about 20 minutes. We checked out the (very short) dog trail in the back and loitered around the parking lot, until at last 5 o’clock arrived and we could go in. Animal Control Officer Trey Nodine was willing to show us around, so we headed off the check out the cats.

The Cornelius Animal Shelter.

The room full of cats was at the front of the building. Cages lined the walls, with one or two cats in each. The doors had gaps large enough for the cats to stick their noses out to be petted. Most of them were kittens or still very young, but a few were adult cats. They all looked very soft. Officer Nodine let us take one of them out of the cage to hold. It was still cute and tiny, and had two siblings. We were told that whenever possible they like to keep siblings together, but it doesn’t always work out that way.

One of the cats that was up for adoption.

In the back of the building are the cages for all the dogs. Going down a small hallway, we passed six roomy cages, but all were empty at the moment because the dogs were in the outside cages getting some exercise. Currently, there are five dogs at the shelter, four males and one female who has been adopted and will be heading home soon. Officer Nodine told us we could go into any of the cages we wanted. We visited several dogs, all of whom were really excited to see us. They started jumping around when we walked outside, and when we went into the cages, they climbed all over us. The biggest dog jumped up and tired to lick our faces, while the smaller ones merely left dusty paw prints on our legs. They were all excited and very cute, begging for attention the whole time we were there. One of our favorites was a small Dachshund-Pitzer mix. He jumped all over us, but seemed to be really friendly and very happy to have company, and we really wanted to take him home with us.

The shelter as a whole is a really nice facility. The cats and dogs are happy and well cared for, and everything is very clean. The lobby is nice, with a bright colored floor with lots of paw prints drawn onto it. They even provide a small room where anyone considering adopting a pet can sit, and get to know it better in a cozy setting can play with it. On the way out, be sure to grab some of their hand-sanitizer.

A dog at the shelter that has been adopted.

The animal shelter, located at 19110 Meridian St., is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., and opens again from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. On Saturday it is open from 9 a.m. to noon, and it’s closed Sundays and Mondays. You have to be 18 to volunteer, but their website, corneliusanimalshelter.org provides a list of donations they need, and other information.

If you have seen a stray animal, this animal shelter can only take animals from Cornelius. If you live in Davidson, you should call the police at 704 892-5131. These cases are handled by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control.