A challenge to help
I am writing this on the behalf of the Clarke County Animal Shelter, whom I feel has been unjustly criticized due to decisions that were made regarding euthanasia.
The point is not who to blame, but rather the question is what can be done to change the situation. For those that are angered by the euthanasia result, I challenge you to volunteer, donate, or get involved in helping.
The community can prevent the euthanasia of shelter animals by supporting the shelter. If you are unable to donate your time or money, what skills or resources do you have that can benefit the shelter? For example, I enjoy taking pictures and have computer skills to manage a website for the shelter along with a Facebook page. I want to increase public awareness via internet sources and advertisement. If the public is not informed, then how can they know what is needed.
For those of you who are angered at the animal shelter board for the euthanasia decision, I am sure they were not happy to be put in that situation and to have to make that resolution. If the board members did not care about the animals’ well-being, they would not be on the board.
Perhaps a public notice and time frame prior to carrying out this ruling would have been better received. However, hindsight is always 20/20. That being said, the board members are donating their time and resources to assist the shelter. They are not out to bring harm to these animals.
Stray dogs and cats come from uncontrolled breeding. The very fact that the shelter has been full from the start shows that the community has not done their part in having their pet spayed/neutered. The shelter provides these homeless animals with the care they need. The adoption fees they charge are less than the cost of their vet procedures which includes a veterinarian exam, current vaccinations, and being spayed/neutered which is to ensure that the cycle is not continued once the animals are adopted out.
I empathize with the volunteers that feel betrayed and were denied the chance to try and save the lives of the animals which they had cared for numerous times. This is not a time for volunteers to give up on the animals; it is a time when they are needed the most. As with most organizations, communication is crucial. Teamwork a must.
I challenge you to search your hearts and for the sake of the animals make a commitment to become a resource to the shelter. Volunteer your time, skills, resources, or money. If you are in a position to advertise, then do so. If you have a place in your home, then adopt.
Ninety percent that read this will think about contributing, but only 10 percent will actually put their thoughts into actions. Become an advocate, go beyond your comfort zone, and make a difference!
Nikki Collins, Clarke County Animal Shelter Volunteer, 2555 210th Ave., Osceola, Iowa 50213
