Lowell, MA Animal Shelter Needs Your Help

Ruff, Ruff! Meow! Sniff, Sniff! Those are calls for help from the needy animals at the Lowell Humane Society in Lowell, Massachusetts. The holiday season is the perfect time to give to those less fortunate, including those with paws, whiskers and a tail!

As a result of the difficult economic conditions in the United States, most animal shelters are seeing a decrease in their donations and an increase in the number of surrendered pets, which is not a great combination. There are some animal owners who can no longer afford proper care and feeding for their pets. And, with more jobs being lost every day and fear of future layoffs, consumers are keeping tight reigns on their non-essential spending.

I recently caught up with Jill O’Connell, the Executive Director of the Lowell Humane Society.

This Lowell landmark, on 951 Broadway St., has been serving needy animals in the greater Lowell area since 1873. 135 years of service! Their website is: http://www.lowellhumanesociety.org/

1) Jill, how is your shelter different from some of the other shelters in the New England area?

“The Lowell Humane Society’s animal shelter fulfills a unique need in the Greater Lowell community for people and animals. Whether a person is unable to keep an existing pet, looking for resources for their pet such as low cost spay/neuter services or wishes to adopt a pet, the Lowell Humane Society’s animal shelter is there to help.

Conversely, the shelter offers a safe refuge for homeless animals while providing for all aspects of the animal’s care while matching them to new life-long homes. In 2007, the shelter provided services to over 3,000 animals from local communities.”

2) What impact has the bad U.S. economy had on your shelter?

“There has been a dramatic rise in pet surrenders to animal shelters as a result of their owners struggling financially. Foreclosures, down-sizing, veterinary and food costs - many pet owners have come to the Lowell Humane Society with great sadness, forced to surrender their dogs and cats when faced with financial hardship.

In recent months there has been an influx of surrendered pets requiring immediate minor and occasionally major medical attention. Prior to being placed up for adoption, pets are evaluated, vaccinated and treated medically. Unfortunately the economy has also affected the amount and size of donations to the shelter.”

3) How does your shelter fund its care and adoption services?

“The Lowell Humane Society does not receive any local, state or federal funding and relies upon the public to operate and is hoping for your support.

We know how hard it can be to donate your time and money during these times. Please know that when someone is able to “spare a dollar” for the animals at the Lowell Humane Society, you can truly make a difference. Yes, $1 helps – especially when those $$ add up! “

The Lowell Human Society has set up a website to accept online donations. Again, no donation is too small. Please click here to donate.

4) If people would rather donate items instead of money, what do you suggest?

“If people would rather donate goods vs. money a wish list is available on our web-site. The most needed items at this time are: Bleach, stamps, paper, gas cards, laundry detergent, clay kitty litter, trash bags, hay and rabbit and guinea pig food.” http://www.lowellhumanesociety.org/

5) Is there a specific adoption success story you would like to share?

“Most recently the shelter adopted IPod, a stray kitten that was brought to the shelter in terrible shape. Upon her arrival, she needed immediate vet care, which included the removal of her eye. It was evident that IPod had encountered some sort of trauma, but the extent of the trauma was not visible until weeks later when she began to develop lesions on her back end while being fostered by a veterinarian.

It was the vet's conclusion that IPod had been severely kicked. The force of the impact caused the displacement of her eye and the necrotic tissue on her back end, which didn’t become evident until weeks later.

After 2 surgeries and her spay IPod was ready to be adopted. The shelter received many applications and a wonderful match was found for her.”

The holiday season is the perfect time to give to those less fortunate, including those with fur, paws and a tail! Visit the Lowell Humane Society website today or donate to your favorite shelter in your geographic area. Happy Holidays!

http://www.lowellhumanesociety.org/