ID 56040092 © Konstantin Tavrov | Dreamstime.com

By Josh Ryan

Help for furry friends

Battlefords Humane Society relying on fundraiser, foster homes during pandemic

Apr 20, 2020 | 2:41 PM

After adjusting the adoption process for shelter animals, staff are looking at more creative ways to help animals find their forever homes.

The Battlefords Humane Society is moving forward today with a new fundraiser, the XDream Sleepover. Four staff members will stay with the animals in the shelter starting today until Friday, April 25. Those who raise $500 will use that as ‘bail’ to leave the shelter.

“We know that times are hard for everybody,” Executive Director Michelle Spark said. “So every little bit helps.”

During the coronavirus, donations and adoptions have slowed, but the bigger reason for the sleepover is a loss of fundraising avenues. Spark said they cancelled their gala, Easter bake sale, bingos, and more.

“In total, we’ve lost close to $40,000 in fundraising,” she said.

Helping hand

Big red sleigh brings holiday spirit to kick off Battlefords Empty Stocking Fund

20h ago

Battlefords North Stars

Big performance from Maric ends Red Wings win streak

21h ago

Riderville

Shades of 2007

Nov 15, 2024

During the event, staff members will document their experience through Facebook live feeds and vlogs during any awakenings due to the animals at night. Viewers will have the opportunity to interact with the participants directly.

“They can phone us and just chit chat and see how we’re doing,” Spark said. “Ask any question they want to ask.”

In order to manage the number of animals coming in and out of the shelter, the Humane Society is relying on foster owners and prospective owners who take an animal home for a short trial period. Mary Mann, who has fostered dogs for seven years, said it’s life changing for any canines that require rehabilitation.

“They get a good balance of what it’s like out in the real world, instead of being kept in a cage at the shelter,” she said.

Because of social distancing restrictions during the pandemic, transferring animals home to home is delayed. Mann said it’s critical to supply certain pets with a temporary home for later this year.

“You can get it ready for when this social distancing is done, then they’ll be ready to go to their forever home,” she said. “Which is what every animal deserves.”

Several dogs and cats are currently enjoying a foster, or trial, home, but with more than 20 felines needing care, that is the primary focus for this week’s fundraiser.

“We’d really like to showcase those cats and get them out the door if possible,” Spark said.

Donation options for the XDream Sleepover are available on the Battlefords Humane Society website.

—

josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports