Thursday, Nov. 05, 2009

Homeless pets welcome donations, adoption

Our pets are not just cats and dogs; they are well-loved members of our family. Quite simply, they touch our hearts.

With the economy today, however, more pet owners than usual are finding it harder to afford the care their animals need. This is one reason that right now, you can find 140 cats and 120 dogs at the Grand Strand Humane Society in Myrtle Beach.

With 260 animals, this is well over their capacity of 200, and they need the help of the community.

In today's economic climate, the Grand Strand Humane Society is seeing an increase in animal turn-ins and drop-offs. With more people along the Strand losing their jobs or taking pay cuts, they are unable to continue to care for their furry family members. As heartbreaking as it is, it is a reality for many pet owners. The end result is that many dogs and cats that once had loving homes are now spending their days and nights in cages.

Although surrounded by 10 full-time employees and six part-timers who love and care for them all, it is a far cry from a real home that they deserve.

If you find yourself unable to adopt an animal but still want to help, the Grand Strand Humane Society has many ways to better the lives of the animals in their care.

They have a volunteer program, which begins with volunteer training sessions the first Saturday of every month. There are opportunities such as dog walking, playing with and grooming cats, bathing animals, greeting customers in the lobby, office work, fundraisers, and working at off-site events and adopt-a-thons. These are all areas that are vital to the care of the animals and to their eventual placement.

Of course, many of us are pulled in so many different directions these days we find it difficult to add another activity to our schedules. If you would still like to help, there are many items the Humane Society needs on an ongoing basis.

Of course, as with any nonprofit, monetary donations are always needed, but that isn't the only contribution you can make. Dog and cat food, cat litter, cleaning supplies such as paper towels, Windex, bleach, etc., cat toys, treats, newspapers and office supplies such as paper, pens and Sharpies.

Cara Gibbs, marketing and public relations manager for the Grand Strand Humane Society, said, "Right now the biggest thing we are in need of is a new van to transport our animals." If you have other items to donate and want to know if they are in need, call 918-4913.

There are many events held throughout the year in which you will find volunteers out with animals from the Humane Society. These events often have animals on hand for the public to meet, and others that provide information so people can find a new addition to their homes.

Recently there was an adopt-a-thon at PetSense and, according to Gibbs, "three dogs were adopted into new loving homes."

To find out about upcoming events, visit www.grandstrandhumanesociety.com/eventnews or call the society.

For those who are looking for a new dog or cat, Gibbs asks that you "please make sure you understand a pet is a long-term commitment."

She also says that she "encourages everyone to please adopt from a shelter. Shelters are filled with amazing, loving animals that need and deserve loving homes." Gibbs adds, "I guarantee if you visit a shelter you will fall in love with one, maybe even two or three animals. There is no love like the unconditional love from a rescued animal."