JAMESTOWN, Tenn. (WVLT) - Volunteers at Jamestown's Best Friends Sanctuary are looking forward to relief from overcrowded homes and dog pens as walls rise as their soon-to-be shelter.

The organization started up a couple of years ago when Judy Wallor and several friends wanted to rescue the stray dogs that roamed town in large packs.

They house the dogs in their own homes. Judy usually keeps around 16. One volunteer keeps up to 70 on acreage.

With no true animal control unit of its own, the city and county have both supported the group's efforts.

"We've had problems with the dogs... stray dogs.. for years, and they've helped tremendously like I said previously. But, now that they're getting a building we'll be able to do a lot more. They'll be able to help the county and city a lot more," said city recorder Gail Dishman.

Fentress County donated land to the group and the city's promised to pay utilities for the next few years. But now, the group's waiting on donations or a grant to finish construction.

"Right now we've got enough funds for the block and hopefully enough funds to put insillation in the walls, but right now we need donations so we can keep going," said Wallor.

80 animals can be moved in once the building has a roof, but the group still needs about $10,000 more to finish construction.

If you want to help or want information on donating a dog, call the Best Friends Sanctuary at 931-397-0116.