April 1, 2003 was the first day our shelter was officially in business. On that day, we received a visit from the local animal control agent with five dogs and seven puppies for us to take in immediately, or he would be headed to the vet (and not in a good way!). All the students called their parents and we found temporary fosters for every animal and we never slowed down from that point on!
April 1, 2020 is a much different world. Being an essential business with more than 200 dogs in our care, every day is a workday, facing new challenges. We soon discovered there was a tremendous need in our community for dog houses and food. We started delivering houses on Saturdays and food on Mondays and Fridays. We had been blessed to receive a shipment of food from the Garth Merrick Family and were able to share it locally and still provide for the dogs in our shelter.
There have been so many animal surrenders from people who cannot care for their pets now during the quarantine. Many had to move in with relatives or move out of the area. We offered “long-stay holds” for these families, whereby we would keep their pets until they could be reclaimed. Sadly, everyone wanted to let their pets go rather than make them wait, not knowing if they would ever be able to take them back in. Fortunately, we have some great receiving shelter partners who had openings. We were able to move all the animals within a few weeks. Today, they and so many others are in their new forever homes!
Thank you for being part of our journey, for loving animals and for your caring and kindness. Please stay safe!
