Warning: Undefined array key 0 in /home3/wvdispat/public_html/wp-content/plugins/seo-optimized-images/seo-optimized-images.php on line 154
Deprecated: pathinfo(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($path) of type string is deprecated in /home3/wvdispat/public_html/wp-content/plugins/seo-optimized-images/seo-optimized-images.php on line 154
by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.
Did you know each shelter has its own set of protocols for doing adoptions, surrenders, visits etc. including the schedule for open hours. Since all shelters are independent of each other, these protocols are what works best for each. We are not one size fits all but rather how each fits the communities we serve. During Covid we changed from open 12 to 4 daily to by appointment only to limit the number of visitors to the shelter at any one time. A decision was made by our Board of Directors to continue this practice as it affords each visitor a better opportunity to visit with the animals and/or choose their next companion after spending the needed time to make that choice allowing the staff to share their experiences with that pet during its shelter’s stay. Less commotion keeps the pets more relaxed too. Several years ago we stopped allowing visitors into the dog kennels because these visits drove the dogs crazy. The dogs would jump up and down, spin, bark, growl, and carry on for four straight hours. It wasn’t fair to the dogs and created behaviors not well received by potential adopters. Keeping the pets on a set schedule with less stress is for their well-being and our first priority. I tell you this because we sometimes receive push back from those that want what they want when they want it. Our doors open at noon, and despite the signage, someone will inevitably ring the doorbell at 10am. We may not be able to answer the phones at 8:15 in the morning while feeding and medicating. The stray dog you found earlier in the day but decided at 7pm that it should be picked up by animal control is now an after- hours call out after a long day and overtime for our organization. Recently a person came to the shelter to adopt but wanted to see the cats first without an appointment. Not the worst thing, of course. When a blank application was offered the person stated that they had no interest or patience in spending any time filling out an application and abruptly left. The first thought that crossed my mind is that this person would not have the patience to acclimate a new pet into the home if filling out a 10 minute application was too much trouble. I may be wrong. Perhaps that person didn’t have time that day? But attitude tells you everything especially when we were told that we should change our protocol. Walk a day in our shoes if you must, to better understand why we do what we do for our homeless pets. Suggestions from our volunteers who help us in the mornings with cleaning and feeding and understand what happens on a daily basis are welcome and implemented if beneficial for the animals. I can assure you if there is a better way for the animals we would willingly change our procedures. Care to volunteer??
Pet of the Week:
Great Pyrenees by nature have a calm and patient demeanor and are fiercely loyal and protective of their family while being distrustful of strangers. They shed and need weekly brushing and plenty of space. Max is not a farm dog. He prefers to lay at your feet and have his head scratched. He’s lived with a cat and female dog and tolerated the small children. Older kids and an attentive family with a large yard to watch over is ideal for Max.
