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Pandemic Ups & Downs for Pets
Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: 2020/06 - June
During these times of social isolation and high anxiety, more and more of us are turning to pets for emotional support and companionship.
So it’s no surprise that one beneficiary of the coronavirus pandemic has been pets in shelters. With everyone truly physically isolated, many people are discovering that pets can be physically present in a way that other forms of social and emotional support are not, and are becoming first-time pet owners.
After all, there’s something to be said for having that tactile satisfaction of petting an animal. Across the country, the ASPCA has seen a nearly 70 percent increase in animals going into foster care. At the Cashiers Highlands Humane Society, foster homes have tripled, and adoptions are up 24 percent.
And that’s the good news – the happy part of this two-part story. The sad parts are the financial losses. As elsewhere, multiple events have been cancelled due to the pandemic.
Take for instance the annual Pawsitively Purrfect Party, hosted for two decades, and the society’s largest fundraiser, now called off.
Only launched last year, Critter Camp was already the single most important event in the 33-year history of the society – the week-long day camp, an education for children that taught an appreciation of and for all animals had already been expanded to seven weeks. But this year only the March camp was held before the rest of the program was scratched.
And there’s more – additional programs that ensure the well-being of our animals are at risk – including a low cost (or free for those who can’t pay the low fees) a spay/neuter program; rabies vaccinations, and a free food pet pantry.
Animals at the 10-acre facility in Sapphire Valley are never caged, and the dogs are allowed to play outside – the 10-member team ensures that the well-being of their residents is the paramount concern.
Fellow Plateau animal lovers can support CHHS and contribute by going to the website: chhumanesociety.org or calling (828) 743-5752.
