FAMST: A Special Report
Way back in February 2024, the Planning Board approved the plans for the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) Animal Medical Services and Training campus (FAMST) at 2332 North Loop Road out on Harbor Bay. Alameda Post intrepid reporter Karin K. Jensen covered the approval. You can read more about the project in an online flip-book.
In September, FAAS broke ground on the campus and once again, the Post was there to cover the event with a great article by Jean Chen.
“The Animal Medical Services & Training Campus will offer on-site spay/neuter services and other essential veterinary care from a dedicated medical team,” according to FAAS.
I wanted to check out the progress of the FAMST project, so I arranged for a tour of the facility with current chief executive officer John Lipp. As it turned out, I got a two-fer in that I was also able to meet incoming CEO Adrien Abuyen who will step into the role when John retires on July 1. The Post staff covered this event as well.
My tour started with a formal introduction to Adrien, and I welcomed him to Alameda and his new position with a gift of my favorite squirrel toy and a pig’s ear.
Once the festivities ended, we met Leslie Denham, the project manager. He is with Sustainable Urban Neighborhoods and is in charge of the overall project.
After reviewing the site plan, we started our tour of the several containers that will house the multiple services being offered. This particular container will house the Treatment Area and Surgery Suite.
Mr. Denham explained the interior construction and all the work that still needed to be done before the Campus will open.
I took the opportunity to sniff around the grounds and check out the ground plumbing.
When this project is completed, it will provide essential services not only to the animals from Alameda, but also to animals housed in the other shelters in the area at a reduced cost, which will allow more animals to receive vital care at critical times.
According to FAAS, “Currently FAAS has to secure spay/neuter appointments with vet hospitals which involves longer wait times, driving to the hospital, and while many hospitals provide discounted pricing, the cost of patient services continues to rise.”
Like most major projects, FAMST relies on community support to become a reality, and additional funding is needed to bring the project to completion. As shown on the thermometer, the total project cost is $2.6M, and FAAS still needs over $1M to finish the campus.
In addition to making a straight donation, one can also buy an engraved brick to memorialize your favorite animal or human companion.
My HC bought a big brick that will have the names of all the dogs that have contributed to his quality of life over the years. He said, “It is a very small price to pay and a great cause to support for all the wonderful time I have enjoyed as a human companion to all the canines I have had in my life.”
I hope you will take this opportunity to help out all the animals that find their way into our city by making a donation to FAAS or purchasing a brick.
In service to my community,
Mouf, Roving Reporter
Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda
Mouf and his human companion can be reached via [email protected]. Their stories are collected at AlamedaPost.com/Jeff-Cambra/. All photos and videos by Jeff Cambra.
