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Animal shelter adoption weekend goes well
The Saipan Mayor’s Office, Humane Society International, and Saipan Cares for Animals held a successful free adoption for dogs this weekend at the mayor’s office’s animal shelter in Lower Base.
Saipan Cares for Animals volunteer Jason Hudy said about 12 dogs were adopted last weekend.
Prior to Typhoon Soudelor and after the spay/neuter program last May, there were about 57 dogs at the shelter, which actually can only accommodate 40.
After Soudelor, a few of the cages were destroyed, leaving several dogs housed in temporary transport cages.
With no water, power and half a roof, the shelter became unfit for dogs to live in. However, the dogs were still watched over by both the staff of the dog control program and volunteers from Saipan Cares for Animals.
“A total of 36 [have been adopted] since Typhoon Soudelor. We only have 10 dogs left in the shelter right now,” Hudy said.
Hudy said that Pam Dickens of HSI and a veterinarian who visited Saipan helped the shelter get back on its feet after Soudelor.
Dickens left yesterday morning.
“She was an unbelievable help the last two weeks. Not only did she help the shelter get back on its feet, she went way above and beyond, made incredible connections for us, and left the shelter in better shape than ever before,” Hudy said.
He also said that although 10 dogs are manageable, help from volunteers would be great if it continues.
Aside from dogs that need to be adopted, kittens are also available at the animal shelter.
Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang said they have sought Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance to help for repairs for the dog shelter.
Aside from FEMA’s help, thanks to the Saipan Cares for Animals, a GoFundMe page (http://www.gofundme.com/3u3u8gubes) has been created to raise funds to help the animal shelter. So far the group has managed to raise more than $4,800 online from 44 donors.
The dog control program staff is also still doing its duties. Apatang said that aside from taking care of the public kennel, his staff has also taken part in post-Soudelor cleanups and road clearing.
Dogs at the animal shelter are in still need of homes and anyone interested to adopt a dog can visit the shelter in Lower Base.
