The coronavirus pandemic is not only a story of fear and suffering, but it’s also a story of hope and inspiration and this was put on full display for one Wisconsin animal shelter.
The Wisconsin Humane Society found itself in a “tough situation” as the coronavirus pandemic is impacting their ability to operate. So they put out a call for help and less than a week later, every single animal under their care, hundreds of them, had either been adopted or fostered.
“Absolutely incredible. We’re near tears,” they wrote on Facebook. “On March 15, we let our supporters know we needed help to get as many animals out of our shelters as possible so we could be ready for whatever challenges tomorrow throws at the communities we serve.”
“Despite the chaos and uncertainly of a global pandemic, you adopted 159 animals and took home 160 foster animals, all in just 5 days – and while three of our campuses were closed, no less!” they added.point 283 |
“Take a moment to let that sink in… 319 animals are snoozing on couches instead of sitting in kennels.point 88 | We couldn’t possibly express how grateful we are.point 132 | ”point 135 | 1
Although there were no more animals up for adoption by March 20, a situation the humane society described as “the most wonderful sight we could ever hope for at a time like this,” they said that they remain ready to receive more animals.
“You’ll see more listed as they arrive, but for now, we celebrate this tremendous bright spot during an exceedingly difficult time,” they continued. “We’re so grateful to our community for taking all of these changes in stride. We wish we could thank you all in person, but for now, we send our love virtually ❤ You. are. Amazing.”
Other animal shelters have also sounded the call for help. They are concerned that the coronavirus outbreak and the lockdowns would affect their ability to care for the animals with foot traffic, donations, and volunteers slow down to a trickle.
“Animal shelters across the country are having to deal with an increase of dogs and cats in need of homes because fewer people are visiting shelters right now, and in some cases, shelters are having to temporarily close to the public,” Julie Castle the CEO of Best Friends Animal Society said.point 378 |
“Some animal shelters are already seeing an increase in intake, and many are bracing themselves for the possibility of fewer adoptions and fewer foster homes, and are concerned about limited space.point 169 | ”point 172 | 1
“If you don’t have a pet and are thinking about getting one, now is the perfect time to ‘try it on’ by fostering from your local shelter. Shelters and pet adoption facilities nationwide need people to foster pets on a temporary basis,” she added.
The Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the American Veterinary Medical Association have assured the public that pets cannot get infected with COVID-19 and a lot of studies have also shown that pets help make people feel healthier and happier.
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