Friday, August 15, 2014

A Huge Disappointment for the Coastal Humane Society


In the beginning of the summer, I was watching my local morning news and saw a segment about the Coastal Humane Society in Brunswick Maine.  They were chosen to compete in the 2014 ASPCA 100k Challenge. They were challenged to break their own records for lives saved during the summer.  For the months of June, July and August in 2013 they adopted out 411 animals.

It was a huge undertaking and they decided they wanted to double that, so the "Rescue 822" project was born.

They had a wonderful start, with one of the dogs they brought to the news channel to highlight their efforts was adopted by one of the on air personalities (prior to the kick off of the event - I wonder if they got to count that)

We got another update in July, they were doing well and well on track to exceed their goal. However to reach that goal they needed to import dogs. Dogs and cats from Alabama were brought up and sadly five puppies were found to have been infected with ringworm. The State of Maine Animal Welfare Program recommended as a precaution to spreading the fungus that they close their shelter for adoptions. The dogs in question are isolated in a separate building, but due to exposure they feel the need to treat all of the animals, not to mention discard a great deal of supplies; bedding, toys, etc.  As a result their status in the challenge is at  risk. A complete shame since they were first in their division and sixth nationwide at the end of the first month of the challenge, and they are anticipating similar results when July's numbers are finally announced.

Will it be enough?  Probably not.  And not only that they have the added expenses of caring for animals while the shelter is closed and there are no adoptions and the treatment of the animals.  The Coastal Humane Society does accept online donations if you are so inclined to give.

My heart goes out to the staff at the shelter, they were so excited for this challenge and doing so very well, this must be a huge blow for them. I know they will continue on and will do great things once the doors open again

8 comments:

  1. That's awful that had to happen to them... it's so good, and so important, to see the kind of spirit they showed for this campaign.

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  2. I'm dealing with ringworm right now - It is a SNOT to get rid of. Damn you, ringworm!

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  3. oh no - and worse cause they were reaching out to help others and got it. we hope they can reopen soon and get back on track - and that their adoptions continue to soar

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  4. What a bummer. We hope once their doors reopen, the adoption pace will pick up and they'll be able to get back on track.

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  5. Oh what a heartbreak!!!!

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  6. Heartbreaker indeeed. Purrs.

    emma and buster

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  7. Oh, what a disappointment for them. :(

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  8. That is so very sad, but they do love the animals and have the dedication to move past this.

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