The kennels were quiet at the Wisconsin Humane Society on March 20. No barking, no meows, just the sound of sweeping floors and cleaning kennels.
It would have been eerie if not for the happy reason the shelter was empty of animals — they had ALL been adopted or taken for fostering prior to the state’s coronavirus lockdown.
The staff wasn’t sure what it was going to do on March 15 when it posted a plea for help. There were too many animals and not enough staff who could take the risk of coming in amidst the novel coronavirus pandemic. It was safest to stay at home, but the homeless animals would need care and feeding.
That’s when they posted a plea on Facebook and the good people of Wisconsin SHOWED UP.
The response from the Humane Society was one of overwhelming gratitude.
“Absolutely incredible. We’re near tears. On March 15, we let our supporters know we needed help to get as many animals out of our shelters as possible so we could be ready for whatever challenges tomorrow throws at the communities we serve. Despite the chaos and uncertainly of a global pandemic, you adopted 159 animals and took home 160 foster animals…”
If you think about it, it’s a great time to foster a pet (or adopt one if that’s something you’ve carefully thought over).
Many of us are home, we have the time and energy to take care of a cat or dog in need and get to know their quirks (and maybe even train them), and animals provide great companionship and even stress relief for humans. It’s a win-win.
Now, hundreds of animals are being given dedicated love and affection instead of being crated in cages waiting for their next walk or meal.
Employees wanted citizens who were kind enough to take animals from their five kennels in Milwaukee, Saukville, Racine, Green Bay, and Sturgeon Bay to know what a great thing they had done.
“Take a moment to let that sink in… 319 animals are snoozing on couches instead of sitting in kennels. We couldn’t possibly express how grateful we are.”
But as we all know, new animals find their way to shelters every day. This merely made space for others in need — but it was much-needed space. Any animals that come in from now on will be transferred to the Milwaukee or Green Bay shelters where people can make appointments to adopt or foster them.
Not only did kind fosters and new families post heartwarming photos in the comments of the cats and dogs they took home, but some shared stories of the loving pets they had adopted from the shelter over the years.
Most importantly, the viral post helped raise awareness that there would be more opportunities for people around the country who are home to take in a shelter animal in the coming weeks. They simply have to call and make an appointment in Wisconsin.
Of course, not every shelter has such a happy story to tell.
Many rescue organizations are concerned that there will be a steep decline in adoptions as people stay home and that donations and volunteers will dry up as people turn their attention to riding out the pandemic.
More animals are coming in and some facilities will be overflowing.
“Animal shelters across the country are having to deal with an increase of dogs and cats in need of homes because fewer people are visiting shelters right now, and in some cases, shelters are having to temporarily close to the public,” Julie Castle, the CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, recently told PEOPLE.
As of April 10, there are already 17 cats, 6 dogs, and 5 birds available at the formerly empty Wisconsin Humane Society shelters. The need truly never ends.
But that doesn’t make the kind-hearted actions of Wisconsiners any less extraordinary.
Be sure to scroll down below to see last month’s celebratory post from the Wisconsin Humane Society.
For the latest on the COVID-19 pandemic, remember to ALWAYS consult expert resources such as those provided by the CDC.
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