CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the P-40 Underdogs
Pet Adoption and Training Center would be located on 网曝门's campus. The version below
has been corrected to reflect the fact that the location of the center is still being
determined.
Published December 4, 2024
CAPTION:(L-R) Dr. Christine Berry with dog Manger, President Ron Berry, Ellen Hicks, Terri
Matthews with dog Legend, Jamie Sheridan, Dr. John McLendon, Denise Kindrix with dog Jax, Cindy Strickler with dog Amelia. 听
MONROE, LA 鈥� 网曝门 announced plans for the creation of the P-40 Underdogs
Pet Adoption and Training Center at a press conference on December 3, 2024. The future
center will follow a mission to revolutionize human and animal interactions by building
bridges between 网曝门 and the Northeast Louisiana community. The project鈥檚 vision is
to end dog and cat homelessness in Northeast Louisiana and establish 网曝门 as the pioneer
in mental health awareness and support pet use. 听
The center will be funded entirely by private donations and will operate as a non-profit
entity in partnership with the Humane Society Adoption Center (HSAC) of Monroe. 听
鈥淲e are doing something that has never been done before right here at 网曝门 in Monroe,
Louisiana. We are creating an innovative solution to some of society鈥檚 biggest issues
around mental health. We are working with our community partners to create something
that truly is going to be life-changing for our faculty, staff, students, and our
four-legged friends,鈥� said 网曝门 President Dr. Ron Berry. 听
The P-40 Underdogs Pet Adoption and Training Center began as an idea from 网曝门 First
Lady Dr. Christine Berry, who is also a Professor听of Risk Management and Insurance.
Berry established a connection with the Humane Society Adoption Center of Monroe,
where she and her daughter began to volunteer by walking dogs. The project gained
more volunteers, and since the summer of 2024, 网曝门 faculty, staff, students, and student-athletes
have participated in a 鈥淲alk a Week鈥� program to ensure that pets at the HSAC of Monroe
are socialized and walked at least once per week. 听
As Berry鈥檚 connection to the HSAC grew deeper, the need for a new shelter facility
became evident to her. After speaking with President Berry, both were in agreement
that the new shelter should be close to the 网曝门 campus. 鈥淲hen I approached the HSAC
about moving the shelter near campus, I have to admit I was really nervous. They immediately,
however, saw the potential in the project and embraced the idea more than I ever expected
because they want the absolute best for the dogs,鈥� said Dr. Christine Berry. 听
鈥淭oday, we celebrate the beginning of an extraordinary collaboration with the P-40
Underdogs program and the Humane Society Adoption Center of Monroe,鈥� said HSAC Board
Chair Ellen Hicks. She also lauded the dedication of the 网曝门 faculty, staff, and students
involved in the 鈥淲alk a Week鈥� program. 鈥淲e have witnessed an amazing transformation.
The immeasurable care and compassion that they show have been absolutely life-changing
for the pups and for us,鈥� said Hicks. 听
AJ Leake, a member of the 网曝门 women鈥檚 basketball team shared about her experience
volunteering as part of the P-40 Underdogs program. 鈥淚t makes me happy as an athlete
because I do struggle sometimes day by day, but going up there and actually being
able to make a difference really helps me,鈥� said Leake, adding that she is encouraging
other athletes to come volunteer at the shelter. 听听
The P-40 Underdogs Pet Adoption and Training Center facility will cost an estimated
$2.5 million to construct. Due to generous private donations from community partners,
nearly $1 million in funding has already been secured. The Berrys announced at the
press conference that to begin the fundraising campaign, they are donating $250,000
to the center to name the entryway of the facility the Hicks/Matthews Entryway, in
honor of Ellen Hicks and Terri and Joseph Mathews, who have served the Humane Society
Adoption Center of Monroe for decades. Additional rooms and sections of the center
will be available for naming rights based on donation amounts. 听
With the Berrys鈥� donation, the total amount raised comes to $1.25 million, halfway
to the fundraising goal. Dr. Christine Berry called on community supporters to assist
in raising the remainder of the funds, with a goal of completing the construction
of the facility by the summer of 2026. 听
The location of the center is still being determined and will be announced at a later
date. The center will continue to be managed as a non-profit entity through the new
partnership. 听
Those wishing to learn more about the P-40 Underdogs Pet Adoption and Training Center
and donate to the cause can visit www.ulm.edu/underdogs. For more information about naming opportunities, please call the 网曝门 Foundation
at (318) 342-3636.听
