Recently, Lawrence Humane Society staff arrived at work to discover a cat left outside the shelter overnight in the rain.
The scared cat was in a box, along with a note asking the shelter to “please help our 18-year-old cat, Aggie.”
The note stated the family could no longer care for their cherished pet due to the loss of their job and home.
One can only imagine the emotional trauma experienced by Aggie’s family to make the decision to leave her outside the shelter in the middle of the night.
And Angie’s owners are not alone. The LHS Pet Resource Center is receiving an spike in the number of calls for pet surrenders due to financial hardships than received prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The CPR Fund will provide resources to pet owners experiencing crises relating to job loss, houselessness and poverty.
LHS recognizes the bond people have with their pets and is working to keep pets and people together forever.
“We understand the love and care you give your pet has little to do with your bank account,” said LHS Executive Director, Shannon Wells. “The last thing someone needs when facing a life crisis is the prospect of losing their beloved family pet. And the last thing a dog or cat needs is to be sent away from a home that cares for their needs and offers them unconditional love, just because the family has fallen on hard times.”
LHS expects to help hundreds of local families keep their furry family members in their homes thanks to the new CPR Fund.
The CPR Fund will offer the following services to Douglas County families:
- Pet deposits/pet rent
- Essential pet supplies including food, crates, collars, and flea/tick preventative
- Emergency veterinary care
- Wellness medical care including spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations
- Temporary boarding
- Behavior consulting
- Connection to other supportive human services
“We want any Douglas County resident struggling to provide veterinary care for their pet, finding pet-friendly housing options for them and their pet, or affording pet care necessities to reach out to the Lawrence Humane Society,” Wells said. “We can help with our new CPR Fund.”
And if you’re interested in helping families and pets stay together in the face of adversity and emergencies, you can make a gift directly to the LHS CPR Fund here.
