Brown County residents now have a permanent facility where they can take abandoned or unwanted cats, kittens and small animals such as rabbits, rats, ducks, chickens, guinea pigs…etc.
“We were so happy to be able to purchase this Lustron house to move our cat rescue operation in to,” said Brenda Hoeper, president of the Brown County Humane Society. “Being made of metal, it’s perfect for our use.”
Lustron houses were built between 1947 and 1950 for the military men and women returning from World War II. They were prefabricated enameled steel houses that were considered low  maintenance, durable, requiring few repairs.
“Because this house is located on Lincoln Avenue, we decided to call it the Lincoln House,” she said. “We were able to purchase the house at a very reasonable price, for which we are thankful, but it has really taken a bite out of our finances and set us back a little.”
Hoeper said she is working on a couple grants which she is hoping come through. She believes that when word gets out that Lincoln House is up an running, people from Brown County will not only take advantage of having a place to take/adopt cats, but they will also help by making donations to its daily operation.
Lincoln House has an intake room which will be used for animals being dropped off at the facility. It will allow the staff an area to check-out and observe the animals  for any potential health issues before introducing them to the other animals in the facility.
Another room holds only kittens, while another room holds grown cats and other small animals. Because the walls inside are also metal, it will be easy to keep clean.
The cat rescue actually started a couple years ago but has been housed in at least two other locations until a permanent home could be found.
“We are just so thrilled to have this Lustron house, complete with air conditioning and heat for our staff and animals.” Hoeper said. “It has 2,500 square feet of space with just  about everything we ever wanted.
“We have about 18 cats and kittens here right now, with an additional 31 out in foster care, for one reason or another,” Hoeper said. “A lot of times a kitten or cat just needs a little socialization to prepare it for adoption.”
Also  involved in the everyday work of Lincoln House is Leslie Zureick, a member of the board of the humane society.
“Everything seems to be falling into place,” Zureick said, “There has been a real need for this place, since our animal shelter only takes dogs. Hardly any place around here will take cats. I believe Clermont County takes cats, but only from Clermont County residents.”
Adoptions and drop-offs at the facility are through appointment only, at this time. Currently, Lincoln House tests every cat for all feline diseases, they are all given their age-appropriate shots and any  animal that leaves the facility, will also be spay or neutered, all for a low cost of $30.
“We also work closely with PET Valu in Maysville, KY and the Pet Valu in Dillonvale, it used to be Jack’s Pets,” Hoeper said. “Pet Valu is a pet supply store, and when our cats are ready to be adopted out, the store helps us tremendously with finding homes for them.”
To learn more about Lincoln House, to make a donation or adopt a cat please call (937) 378-2210 to make an appointment.