Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/dog-shelter-loses-power-heatwave/
Across the country, communities are being issued warnings over extreme temperatures and heatwaves. In many areas, people are being advised to stay indoors and avoid the 100+ degree heat.
Some people and businesses are hit harder by heatwaves than others, including animal shelters. Having to keep animals, like dogs, exercised, cared for, and comfortable in extreme temperatures isn’t always easy and it’s definitely not cheap.
But what happens when a shelter loses power during a heatwave? That’s the exact situation the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center in Colombus, Ohio found itself in on Tuesday, June 14.
Staff at the shelter needed to act and they needed to act quickly if they were going to save all the dogs. It doesn’t take long for kennels to heat to unbearable temperatures and for dogs to overheat and suffer.
Without working air conditioning or anywhere else for the dogs to go, the shelter decided to put out a plea for help on Facebook. They wrote: “We need your help. The power is out here at the shelter, and our pups needs ice to keep cool in this blazing heat! We’re calling for the community to donate bags of ice to the dog shelter. Let’s keep our furry friends cool today.”
Thankfully, the local community rallied around the shelter and it wasn’t long before donations of ice began pouring in, along with kiddie pools and frozen dog treats.
People donated hundreds of pounds of ice and many volunteered to help care for the dogs and work to cool them down.
The shelter even shared that a group of veterinary students got involved and helped take the dogs for walks and bathe them in the kiddie pools full of ice.
In the end, the power ended up returning and all the dogs and staff survived the ordeal thanks to the generous efforts from the community.
The shelter wrote on Facebook:
“When the power went out on the hottest day of the year, and the shelter lost all air conditioning for the dogs in our care, we turned and asked our community for help. Within the hour, hundreds of community supporters filled the shelter’s parking lot with bags of ice to help keep our pups cool and comfortable, while many also staying to volunteer their time to help in the blazing heat.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support that was shown during our time of need this week. Your compassion for animals, the love for your community and your generosity and kindness are inspiring. From our family to yours, thank you!” they added.
You can watch the sweet tribute video they made below:
Having a strong community, makes all the difference ✨ When the power went out on the hottest day of the year, and the shelter lost all air conditioning for the dogs in our care, we turned and asked our community for help. Within the hour, hundreds of community supporters filled the shelter’s parking lot with bags of ice to help keep our pups cool and comfortable, while many also staying to volunteer their time to help in the blazing heat. As the situation changed, so did the immediate needs of the dogs. Once the power came back on, we knew it would be hours before the building would be cooled down and days before laundry was able to be caught up. We asked the community for donations of bedding, kiddie pools and peanut butter for frozen dog treats. The donations once again began pouring in from dog lovers near and far! Several members of the community generously donated water, Gatorade, pizza and snacks for the dedicated staff and volunteers, who continued to work tirelessly around the clock in shifts caring for the dogs. Special thank you to AEP Ohio who donated several cases of water, Gatorade and coolers full of ice while stopping in to check on us several times this week. We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support that was shown during our time of need this week. Your compassion for animals, the love for your community and your generosity and kindness are inspiring. From our family to yours, thank you!
Posted by Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center on Thursday, June 16, 2022
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
