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Tough economy adds to animal-rescue needs
(by Joan Demirjian - February 17, 2010)
Tough economy adds to animal-rescue needs
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village and the Geauga County dog shelter are seeing more animals being given up and left as a result of the economy and home foreclosures.
"More people feel they have to surrender their pets because they have lost their jobs or their homes through foreclosure," Hope Brustein, director of Rescue Village, said.
"They don't want to give up their animals, but they have no choice. They cannot afford the food or veterinary care."
As an example, two dogs were abandoned by their owner and left tied up at the Geauga dog shelter. The owner had fallen on hard times and left them. One of them had health issues.
Dog Warden Matt Granito turned them over to Rescue Village, with the hope of having them adopted. Rescue Village put the dogs, Missy and Bear, in the "Lonely Hearts Club" and through its "Saving Animals with Veterinary Emergencies" sought care for Bear's medical conditions.
The fund receives donations for shelter animals with serious medical conditions, Ms. Brustein said.
The Rescue Village staff worked to have the two dogs adopted together and finally found that person in Adrienne Trimpey, Ms. Brustein said. "To find someone to love both of them was a miracle," she said.
"They capture our imagination on what is possible." Bear has since died but spent his last days happily in a home, she said.
Missy and Ms. Trimpey will be guests of honor at the humane society's "Mardi Paws" fund-raising event Feb. 20 at the Bertram Inn in Aurora.
Ms. Trimpey said, while Missy and Bear at first hid in the closet for security when she brought them home, they soon acclimated to their new home. "Now, Missy follows me everywhere. I am so glad I adopted her," she said.
Among the other animals rescued more recently are six dogs from Trumbull County that were scheduled to be euthanized, Ms. Brustein said. Four had medical problems. They also were helped by Rescue Village's special fund for animals in need of medical care.
A black Labrador mix was set to be euthanized because of hip and knee problems and received surgery through the fund, Ms. Brustein said.
Not all of the animals affected by the economy are dogs and cats. Farm animals are impacted as well.
A horse named Crystal is now living in the barn and pasture at Rescue Village. A hen named Hannah was rescued by the society's humane agent. She was emaciated, without food or water.
Local veterinarian Sharmyn Clark treated her and the hen now is in stable health. "She is very sweet and let's herself be bathed," Ms. Brustein said. "She's one spoiled chicken now."
And there is Wilma, a white rat that was abandoned at Rescue Village. They fattened her up and "she loves people," Mrs. Brustein said. "She climbs on your shoulder and is very well behaved."
Rescue Village's work is accomplished with the support of the community, she said. "We're able to save a lot of animals' lives."
The Mardi Paws event Saturday will include casino play, Southern fare at Cafe du Mutt, dancing and silent and live auctions. Geauga County Sheriff Dan McClelland will be there with canine deputy Midge.
All proceeds will help provide care for sick, injured, abused and abandoned animals. To purchase tickets, call (440) 338-4819, ext. 19.
The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $85 and includes casino money. Patron tickets are $125 and include a VIP reception and casino money.
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