Difficult times make other difficulties

Things are getting harder and the mixed messages about open, limited admission, and now sometimes open admission shelters is making it even more confusing.

“The recent movie, 'Hotel for Dogs', pushes the message "No stray turned away." Unfortunately, shelters are finding this philosophy exceedingly more difficult to follow as they become inundated with relinquished animals. The Humane Society of Genesee County is constantly full. Their doors open at 8:00 a.m. and on most days the shelter is full by 8:30 a.m.

An enlarged animal population is not the only effect shelters are experiencing in the continuing economic downturn. Shelters have also seen a decline in donations. The low donation rates affect the entire shelter including staffing, supplies and the process for handling increased animal populations.”

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/02/prweb2187164.htm

The shelter down in Salem, which is very progressive in a lot of their programs and does some truly amazing work has had to cut its hours of service now.

“Dogs, cats and other furry residents at the Willamette Humane Society will soon see a decrease in visitors as the building will be closed to the public two days per week.

The facility, which is now open seven days per week, will keep its doors closed to the public Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning March 3.
The Humane Society has reduced hours at the main shelter to decrease expenses, said Executive Director Susan Carey. She said labor is the greatest expense for the organization.”


http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20090226/NEWS/902260357/1001

I know it is happening all over, and happening not just to the pets, but I am beginning to worry where we’ll all find ourselves when this is all done.

My thanks go out to all of you that volunteer and work in the animal welfare industry for keeping on!