Photo provided.
Embracing the essence of the season, our local animal shelter is embarking on an inspiring mission: to create a ‘Silent Night’ this holiday by finding all of their dogs homes. The transformation at the Clermont County Animal Shelter reflects an unwavering dedication, propelled by a flourishing volunteer and foster program. Join us on this journey as we explore their efforts to ensure every dog finds its ‘fur-ever’ home this holiday season, spreading joy and warmth throughout our community.
At the beginning of 2023, the shelter found itself beyond capacity, with many dogs confined to pop-up crates due to limited space. Like numerous shelters across the tristate area and the US, Clermont was in the throes of an animal crisis. Dogs, confined to their kennels for an average of 23 hours a day, struggled to thrive in such conditions. However, through the collaborative efforts of volunteers, fosters, and the power of social media, the shelter underwent a remarkable resurgence. Our goal transcends merely placing dogs; it’s about finding the perfect match and minimizing the likelihood of dogs returning to the shelter system.
The growth in our volunteer program, spearheaded by Rescue Me Animal Advocacy over the past year, has been monumental. This surge has led to an increase in fosters, expanded aspirations, and a higher tally of lives saved each passing month. What began as a small band of volunteers walking dogs and organizing enrichment activities has burgeoned into a dedicated team of over 100 individuals, investing monthly hours to ensure the well-being and care of Clermont County’s dogs. Their diverse strengths and unwavering commitment make the dream of a Silent Night all the more achievable.
With the unprecedented growth, we needed to ensure we had the right teams in place. Every individual in our organization plays a key role. Our foster coordinators work diligently to find the perfect foster match and provide resources and any help they need while fostering with us.
As of Nov. 27, some 51 dogs have found solace in foster homes. Among them is Blanche, a long-time resident who, after 479+ days at the shelter, relished her inaugural weekend slumber Pawty. Or CCAS Holly Berry, who arrived Christmas Eve of 2021 who will get to spend her first Christmas out of the shelter while looking for her fur-ever home.
Since July 1, our team has successfully placed over 182 dogs, and fostering played a key piece in this puzzle.
But what exactly is fostering, and why is it crucial?
Recent studies by researchers at Virginia Tech and Arizona State University revealed that brief outings with shelter dogs increased the likelihood of adoption by 5 times, while temporary fostering boosted adoption chances by over 14 times!
Fostering takes various forms, from overnight stays to weekend getaways, spanning short-term to long-term commitments. The shelter provides medical care, food, and necessary supplies, offering dogs a much-needed break from the clamor and commotion of shelter life. This respite also allows us to glean invaluable insights into each dog’s behavior in a home setting, guiding us in making intentional placements to ensure they flourish in their new families.
Fostering is a gift in itself that teaches our youth how to treat animals, the responsibility of pet ownership, boundary setting, and doing good in the community.
Join us in making this holiday season truly special for our furry friends. Whether it’s opening your home to foster a dog for a night, a weekend, or longer, donating to support their care, or simply spreading the word about our cause, your contribution matters. Together, let’s ensure that every dog at Clermont County Animal Shelter experiences the warmth of a loving home this season. Reach out today and be a part of our mission to create a ‘Silent Night’ for these incredible dogs.
By Megan Dashley, Volunteer and Advocate at the Clermont County Animal Shelter