By Robert Albrecht
Sedona AZ (April 16, 2020) – As many of us are sitting at home wondering how long the current situation is going to affect our lives; it gives us an opportunity to maybe do a little “reset” on life priorities. Hopefully, many will return to their jobs, but others may search for something new in their life.
The Humane Society of Sedona has been deemed an “Essential Community Service Provider” and we are currently functioning with a reduced staff at the shelter to provide care for our animals. Many of us are working from home. Our Thrift stores are temporarily closed, and we are accepting only those animals that are in “dire need” at this time such as those that are sick, injured, pose a danger to the community or are in a life-threatening situation. We are helping whenever needed to re-home healthy animals via social media.
As this need continues to grow; and it will, our “Foster” program moves to the forefront. Our current fosters already have many animals in their care, but we need more people to come forward for us to meet this challenge. We will need homes for dogs, puppies, kittens and cats. “Fosters” help overcome the anxiety and fear that many of these animals have experienced. It has been shown that many animals in even the best-run shelters will show signs of stress and depression after a time. A foster home provides security, love and attention necessary to help overcome these feelings and promote health and socialization so important for an adoptable pet.
Also, kitten and puppy season is right around the corner and who can resist a batch of newborn puppies or kittens? Again, to start these “little ones” in a loving, secure home environment just enhances the chances of a healthy, happy adoption down the road.
Please consider becoming an active “foster parent” with the Humane Society of Sedona. We can match you with the time you wish to devote to this so everyone will benefit. Also, inquire about our highly successful “Foster to Adopt” program. Call 928-282-4679 between 10 am to 4 pm, seven days a week for more information about fostering. If interested, a “Prescreen” session can be done on the phone to see if fostering would be a good match for you.
If fostering is not a good fit for you, volunteering at HSS may be just what you are looking to do. Volunteers are 90% of our workforce and we are always looking for qualified individuals to work with our animals. We receive animals in many ways, but all need our love and attention. Working with animals is one way you can achieve instant gratification for what you are doing as they will quickly let you know you are appreciated for the attention and love you give them.
Here are some of the volunteer opportunities:
- Our wonderful partners at PetSmart in West Sedona where we hold “Adoption Events” throughout the year. Also, our in-store Cat Adoption Center operates seven days a week and has volunteer shifts available.
- Our Thrift Store in Harkins Plaza in West Sedona and our Thrift Store in the Village of Oak Creek (VOC).
- Dog walkers, dog and cat socializers, and general shelter operations, just to name a few. Once we have normal operations running, there is an Orientation Program, dog and cat handling training and on-going training in specialized areas.
Even though our needs exist today, we are abiding by the constraints currently imposed but we are staying ahead of the curve in finding those individuals that will be a perfect fit for us when the time is right. Become part of a wonderful organization and work alongside of other caring people and feel the pride of accomplishment in a job well done. A volunteer registration form is available online at our website www.humanesocietyofsedona.org.
In addition, monetary donations are always welcome. To learn more about us, please visit our website, our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HumaneSocietyofSedona/ or call us at (928) 282-4679 between 10-4, seven days a week.