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Pet Service Review
Wahs
6 months ago -- Monday, November 12, 2007
6 months ago -- Monday, November 12, 2007
Pros: No Kill Shelter
Cons: So many homeless animals they can't take them all in.
I have been a volunteer for the shelter for close to 3 years now. I have seen a lot in those 3 years and know we could really use a makeover so that the money we raise could all be used for the animals and so that they can get the absolute best care around. The shelter should be all about the animals and not worrying about fixing leaking roofs, furnances, etc. The cat castle is closed because the repairs it will take to fix it we can not afford. With the makeover we could give the cats the space those need and deserve and also improve the space for the dogs.
-- additional:
[updated on 2007-11-12 21:36:45]:
We really need a makeover. Come on everybody. Don't give up. It is not over till March 2008. Keep bugging people. If we want to win we gotta fight for it.
[updated on 2007-11-15 14:24:40]:
The Washington Area Humane Society is a no-kill shelter, funded solely by private contributions, takes in more than 4,000 animals and investigates 700 abuse cases annually.
The No Kill Shelter Conundrum
When people find out that this is a no kill shelter they sigh with relief. The reality is that what makes this a feel-good public policy is also what makes it even more difficult to maintain.
The shelter has 36 kennels for dogs and when overcrowded, dogs have been temporarily corralled in the office, the supply room and even the bathrooms! When our animals are not quickly adopted and there is no more room at the inn, deserving dogs like Randy, the cocker spaniel whose owner died, or Bear who was adopted a year ago but came back because his owner suffered a stroke cannot be taken in. As a result, good Samaritans who pick up a stray or rescue an animal from a neglectful home find that they have to turn the animal over to an alternative shelter where their existence has a time limit.
Ours is not a haven for pets … it’s a humane prison. Please understand that without your help in adopting these pets, and in donating money and supplies for their ongoing care that the consequences for many other animals are grim.
Of course, the best of all worlds is if pet owners everywhere would commit to neutering and providing responsible care and training for their pets. That would reduce the burden on all shelters and the payoff is a long, satisfying relationship with their loyal, loving companions
-- additional:
[updated on 2007-11-12 21:36:45]:
We really need a makeover. Come on everybody. Don't give up. It is not over till March 2008. Keep bugging people. If we want to win we gotta fight for it.
[updated on 2007-11-15 14:24:40]:
The Washington Area Humane Society is a no-kill shelter, funded solely by private contributions, takes in more than 4,000 animals and investigates 700 abuse cases annually.
The No Kill Shelter Conundrum
When people find out that this is a no kill shelter they sigh with relief. The reality is that what makes this a feel-good public policy is also what makes it even more difficult to maintain.
The shelter has 36 kennels for dogs and when overcrowded, dogs have been temporarily corralled in the office, the supply room and even the bathrooms! When our animals are not quickly adopted and there is no more room at the inn, deserving dogs like Randy, the cocker spaniel whose owner died, or Bear who was adopted a year ago but came back because his owner suffered a stroke cannot be taken in. As a result, good Samaritans who pick up a stray or rescue an animal from a neglectful home find that they have to turn the animal over to an alternative shelter where their existence has a time limit.
Ours is not a haven for pets … it’s a humane prison. Please understand that without your help in adopting these pets, and in donating money and supplies for their ongoing care that the consequences for many other animals are grim.
Of course, the best of all worlds is if pet owners everywhere would commit to neutering and providing responsible care and training for their pets. That would reduce the burden on all shelters and the payoff is a long, satisfying relationship with their loyal, loving companions
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Discussion
28 comments found.
The fact that WAHS is a no-kill shelter makes people feel good about the shelter, but as a volunteer, I wonder how many dogs WAHS has had to turn away for a lack of space and sent to other shelters. There are so many dogs who just need a little more time to find the right home, but they eventually do. But because they take a little longer to find that home, there is not space for other dogs because the shelter is full. It would be so great if WAHS won the money and could expand the number of kennels to give more dogs a chance to find a home.
I concur! I have said repeatedly that it would be terrific if the WAHS shelter were able to expand, given the amount of acreage available at the site. It would be phenomenal if monies were available to excavate the property and provide expansion for more animal space and dog runs/socialization areas. With the right materials, we could make more walkways, suitable for inclement weather. This would be particularly helpful. given the very poor drainage of the existing property and its topograpy. We would benefit from someone able to brush kill large areas so that we could expand without having to worry about re-growth of tree roots and briar bushes, which injure the dogs when they wander into those areas. It would also lessen any potential for walkers to trip and fall on tree roots which could be hidden in the snow. Jet had done an incredible job of securing volunterrs to assist in clearing the property. We must now continue to maintain those areas, while seeking volunteer assistance for more intensive maintenance of the grounds. We appreciate the time and materials donated by members of the nearby communities. Please continue to demonstrate your support for this very important endeavor!
I got my cat Jonesy from the Washington Humane Society when he was a kitten, and looking around I felt so bad for all the animals because they deserved a better facility to stay in until adoptions. It just broke my heart to know of the struggles with money those people must deal with day in and day out.
I also agree. We have been getting so much support, it is just wonderful. Anyone that has come to our shelter just one time knows just how hard the people work to keep it up and take good care of the animals. They also know how badly we are in need of a new building.
I also agree. Anyone that has been to our kennel just one time knows how badly we need a new building. Everyone has joined together in this effort to try and win this. It makes you feel so good to be a part of this outpouring of support.
I also agree. Anyone that has been to our kennel just one time knows how badly we need a new building. Everyone has joined together in this effort to try and win this. It makes you feel so good to be a part of this outpouring of support.
I don't live in Washington Co, but several years ago I took my dog to have his picture taken with Santa at the shelter. We got a great picture, but the thing I walked away with was knowing that shelter really needed some help. I saw the article in the newspaper on Sunday about the contest and signed up immediately. I'm trying to get other friends that I know are also animal lovers to sign up, too. I'm hoping so much that this shelter wins.
As I read the review and all the comments it sounds like your shelter is so much like ours. Wanting to take every animal in, giving all you can a second or third chance at a good life, and working for the animals in our care. I want to think every state has at least a few places like these where animals have a chance to be rehabilitated and find homes. I just read a story about your cat Babygirl. Hope her surgery goes well and she finds a good home.
Your shelter sounds like you really care, and is in as bad of shape as ours. I am so sorry about your cat room - but I am wondering - how did you get so many people to help? I've tried so hard around here. I wish you well. I love the animals with all my heart and soul no matter what state they are in - whoever wins - it thrills me - the animals are in need EVERYWHERE - but, you guys - over a million points - you did good! BEST OF LUCK. I hope your cat room gets back up and running - and thank you for tending to so many abuse, and neglect calls - that is what got me involved in the first place - 10 years ago - I can't watch the abuse and neglect. For so long, I was so naive - I thought all dogs and cats slept on the bed every night just like they did in our house !!! I was stupid, yes - but at least I stood up and did something about it when I realized the truth. It must be stopped. Good Job. Debbie
I really want my shelter to win too! I'm 54 and its been in my lifetime I haven't seen anything changed in this shelter as for a much needed makeover. Its in need of so many things for the homeless, special needs animals medical drop off animals, Needs a much BIGGER building so badly. Please give it your all so we may win this makeover. I'm doing what I can on this . A simple thing as taking the time to do reviews, post comments, placing your photos on here every little bit helps. If you have an animal you know how what they mean to you and me. HELP!!!!
