Mechanical engineering (ME) students at Virginia Tech are donating their time and skills to design and construct projects to meet the needs of the Montgomery County Animal Care and Control (MCAC) Shelter.
Volunteers working with the Montgomery County Friends of Animal Care & Control, Inc., have identified several projects that would have significant benefit to the shelter, the care of the dogs, and increase of adoption rate.
Virginia Tech ME students are tackling these projects that include new kennel door designs; a more efficient drinking water system; better kennel drainage, ventilation, and acoustics; and an isolated area for animal recovery from surgery.
Janis Terpenny, professor of engineering education and adviser for the students, said, "We are hoping these projects will increase the adoption rate and make conditions better for the dogs and the custodians who care for them. We are estimating $1000 per project except for the more expensive animal recovery area. ME students need to raise $10,000 ... and more for the recovery area project."
The students are hoping for community help in securing funds for the materials to build these projects. Checks should be made payable to The Virginia Tech Foundation with check memo line stating "Mechanical Engineering, Animal Shelter Project", and mailed to ME Animal Shelter Project, Mechanical Engineering (mail code 0238), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va., 24061.