Overcoming the odds

Millions of pets enter shelters and rescue groups each year. The reasons are as varied as the people who give up their pets: too big, too old, too much energy, too expensive, divorce, moving, allergies, new baby, too much shedding, or not enough time.

The Camano Animal Shelter Association (CASA) hears these reasons and many more on a daily basis.

The American Humane Association and the Humane Society of the United States, agree that slightly more than half of the pets relinquished to shelters don’t make it out alive. While some are euthanized because of physical and behavioral problems, the majority die because no one wants them.

The task of finding suitable homes to adopt healthy pets from shelters can be daunting, but CASA is beating the national trend by leaps and bounds.

As of Oct. 2009, 366 pets have come into CASA’s care. All but 16 were returned to their owners or adopted into new homes. These statistics are cause for celebration and reason for supporting the efforts of the Camano Animal Shelter Association.

A benefit auction was recently coordinated by volunteers and held for CASA at the Camano Senior and Community Center.

My wife and I were among the many guests who were treated to complimentary appetizers while bidding on numerous silent auction items that were donated by individuals and businesses.

The evening concluded with a live auction. In all, a total of $33,119 was raised due to the generosity of caring people who remain committed to helping homeless animals on Camano Island.

These funds will make up a large portion of the annual operating budget.

In addition, they will allow for purchasing items for needed improvements and repairs to the shelter facility.

Several ways exist for people to support the local shelter throughout the year.

Volunteers are needed to walk dogs, care for cats, provide janitorial help, office assistance, transportation, or make repairs.

Foster homes are also needed as a temporary residence for pets awaiting a new family.

Tax deductible donations of cash, pet food, grooming and pet care supplies like cat litter, laundry detergent, bleach, paper towels, and other items, are in constant demand.

Memberships can also be purchased at $15 for an individual, $25 for a family, or $100 for a business. Anyone can offer assistance or inquire about current needs by calling CASA at 387-1902.

Together we can continue to overcome the odds and provide for the homeless pets of our community.

Tony Cloud is the owner and principle trainer of Cloud’s Canine, a business member of CASA.