WESTPORT -- While North Country SPCA Shelter Manager Pam Rock attempts to work at her desk, frisky kittens play with her papers, paw at her pen and walk across her keyboard.

In the cat area, rows of cages are stacked with two or more felines per cubicle in order to house 50 or so cats there now.

Some 20 dogs in their pens bark whenever a car drives up.

The Westport shelter is small and crowded, but there's hope for the future.

The SPCA purchased an 18-acre parcel of land in the Town of Elizabethtown that will be the site of a new shelter.

Located on Route 9N, about a mile west of Northway exit 31, the new site should be more convenient to people throughout Essex County, shelter officials say.

Areas of woods, a small stream and acres of open meadows will allow room for a large shelter, with dog and cat exercise areas.

"The acquisition of this property marks a bright new chapter in the history of the NCSPCA," said Board President Margie Reuther of Willsboro.

"The current shelter is nearly 40 years old, and it's far too small for the hundreds of abused, abandoned and surrendered cats and dogs cared for by the NCSPCA each year.

"However, much more work must be done to realize our dream of a state-of-the-art facility," Reuther noted.

Funds will need to be raised to bring the facility to completion.

"We will be doing a needs assessment," Reuther said. "The opportunity to buy this property was so perfect. We will do our homework as to what we need and then announce a capital-gains campaign.

"We hope to break ground in about two years."

Board Vice President Patricia Radcliffe of Keene Valley said they "would not have been able to reach this important milestone without the help of many generous and kind supporters. These friends and neighbors understand that our work is essential for a vibrant community."

North Country SPCA is a non-profit, no-kill shelter.