HELP WANTED.  We see those signs everywhere as our society tries to return to some semblance of normalcy in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. We know that businesses are short-staffed, that we may have to wait longer to get our cup of coffee or get a hair appointment, and some supply chain issues still exist. But, do you know how much the pandemic has affected animal welfare overall?

I had the opportunity recently to talk with Duane Adams, the executive director of the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, who shared that the pandemic has taken a terrible toll on the availability of affordable spay/neuter procedures. Most clinics offering these surgeries are backlogged, on average, 4 to 5 months. Other subsidized or low-cost services have also been affected.  And, just yesterday, one of the veterinary clinics we have worked with for many years, announced that it can no longer be open on Saturdays due to staffing shortages.

How have things affected Harley’s Hope? Well, quite frankly, we’re drowning in a sea of applications for help. In the 2022 calendar year, we assisted with 64 major veterinary or emergency boarding cases, not counting the almost 1,600 animals fed through the emergency pet food program. Since January of 2023, we have handled 55 major veterinary cases, 2 emergency boarding cases, and a pet deposit case to keep three cats together following their person’s sudden death. Over 125 animals were fed during our March pet food pantry, and we expect as many for the May pantry. So, while our pet food numbers are down, our veterinary cases are through the roof.

I understand that times are tough — we’re experiencing that first-hand in the drastic increase in applications — but, if you’re one of the fortunate people who are not scrambling to survive and can afford donations throughout the year, please consider helping Harley’s Hope help pets in need. If you can’t afford to donate, can you volunteer? Can you share this e-newsletter with friends and family who may be able to help? Can you share our Facebook postings of animals helped or upcoming fundraising events? Can you purchase items off our Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3TNM9EKHMSPKS/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1? Do you work for a company that matches your donations or that would be willing to hold a pet food or pet supply drive? There are so many ways to help! Can we count on you?