Greetings Volunteers,
Ever thought about fostering? Well, no time like the present, right? Charlotte, one of Marin Humane’s Dog Pet Pals, offered to foster when we closed the shelter way back in March. Learn a little about the 18 animals (yes, 18!) she’s fostered for us … so far!
“We started fostering the first day of the shelter-in-place. I’m usually a dog pet pal and come 2-3 times a week to be with the dogs, so when shelter-in-place started we reached out to Marin Humane to check if they needed help with the animals. All the dogs were already in foster so we got a rabbit (Sky); after 3 weeks she got adopted and we started fostering dogs. We are at number 18 in this short period of time.
They stay with us anywhere from two days to two weeks, depending on the dog, his/her story, personality, etc. We always try to do fun activities and get them as comfortable as possible. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey seeing all the dogs and their new families happy. A lot of people have said, ‘it must be very hard to let them go’ and of course it is not easy, but we know that we are a part of their journey to happiness and their forever homes.
My husband has been incredibly supportive and has become the “master cuddler,” and the dogs love him!
We feel that giving our feedback to the staff and future adopters really sets the dog up for success so the new families know what to expect. I work very closely with Catherine (in adoptions) and we’ve become “specialized” in the shy dogs. It is incredible to see them blossom in a few hours or days. For example, we fostered Stella a super shy Maltese who was found as a stray. In the shelter she was incredibly shy and only one staff member was handling her. We picked her up and within hours she was playing with toys and running around the house super happy. Our “lucky” number 13, Miles, is our longest resident and has been with us for 1.5 months. Miles came to us super shy and in evident pain distress. After many exams, the vet figured out that he had a broken pelvis and broken ribs. He is enjoying his recovery at home and we hope he finds an amazing home as soon as the fractures are better. We encourage everyone to foster, it is such an amazing, fun and rewarding way to help the dogs, set them up for success and see them happy with their new guardians.”
Shelter update: We currently have 96 animals in our care: 45 in foster and 51 in the shelter. the Shelter population includes 18 cats, 18 kittens, 6 dogs, 2 puppies, 1 iguana, 2 turtles, 2 guinea pigs and 2 parakeets. FYI — since March 16th, we have transferred- in 460 animals!
Adoptions update: Since March 16th, we have done 743 adoptions! For this week’s adoption slideshow, click here.
Tails of Marin: This week’s column takes a look at how life at Marin Humane had changed in the wake of the pandemic. Enjoy this special edition.
The Thrift Shop is looking for volunteers! As we reported last week, the Marin Humane Thrift Shop reopened last week. They could use some help in the shop so if you’re ready to get back to volunteering, consider joining the wonderful Thrift Shop volunteer team. We’re looking for folks who enjoy warmly engaging with members of the public as they seek treasures in the store. If interested in learning more about this volunteer opportunity, please contact Emi Leeds at emeline.leeds@gmail.com. Update: the Thrift Shop is not accepting donations of items at this time; we’ll update you when this changes.
Join the Community Engagement Department! We’re currently accepting applications through August 28th for a full time (32 hours/week) Humane Education Coordinator. Read the Job Description For The Humane Education Coordinator for more details. To apply, please use this link and create an applicant account, complete an application and upload a resume
There’s a bun in the run! A few of the dog adoption condos have residents, but the “dogs” look, errrr … different. When one of the B&T staff walked up to the dog run, she saw a bunny instead! When it came right up to the door, she stopped in her tracks and thought, “should I harness him/her up and walk over to the field for some fetch?”
Lives Made Happy: Formerly known as Animal Chronicles, Lives Made Happy is a fun, practical, and information-packed magazine about animals and the people who love them. Published twice a year, it reaches more than 25,000 Bay Area animal enthusiasts. Click here to read all the recent editions.
Be well, be active and stay healthy!
Anne and Candace
