By Emma Squires
On November 1st, Katherine Gale, Erin Rodgers, and I visited the Tri-Lakes Humane Society, the animal shelter in Saranac Lake. We went to take pictures of their animals to create posters to advertise our animal shelter donation jars. We left with stories and memories which tugged at our heartstrings and left us all wanting to adopt dogs and cats. We arrived at the shelter and the women working were all busy taking care of patrons as well as the animals. It was a constant flurry of movement. Dogs kept being brought in from their walks. The washing machines were all on. The narrow hallway was filled with people walking back and forth from the animals. When it was finally our turn we explained our purpose for being there that day. Thrilled at the generosity of the school to raise money for them, we were given a tour of the shelter so that we could take pictures of the animals, as well as learn some of their back stories.
The Tri-Lakes Humane Society does not let animals which have not been “fixed” get adopted. This is due to the overwhelming amount of cats which have feline leukemia virus, which is transmitted from mother to child, as well as sexually. These feral cats continue to spread the disease, as well as have more and more litters. With the large number of animals without homes, this is an attempt to correct the feral issue as well as reduce the amount of diseases.
All of the proceeds, which we have collected through our donation jars around campus, will go to the spay/neuter fund at the animal shelter. This will allow for animals like Tito, a rabbit who was never fixed, find their forever home. Tito ended up in the animal shelter after his owner did not know how to take proper care of him, and only fed him things like celery, which does not provide many nutrients. In addition to having to be fixed before he is adopted, the workers at the animal shelter are going to make sure that he is healthy first as well.
Madison is a dog at the animal shelter who is waiting to be fixed as well. She currently has to wait for her procedure, and is unadoptable, ast she is currently on heartworm medicine. Madison and Tito both have some years on them, but there are plenty of animals at the shelter who are still babies, but need the procedure. There is a cage full of kittens who were rescued the wild. Their mother was infected with feline leukemia virus, so, unfortunately, they all have it as well. These five kittens were so adorable and energetic; it was heartbreaking to hear that they have this disease. Feline leukemia virus affects the immune system and can make these cats more susceptible to fatal diseases, which is why it is so important to fix the cats, especially the feral ones, to help stop the spread of this disease.
Our trip to the animal shelter was eye-opening and heart touching. It reaffirmed my belief that the cause that we were working for is right and just. Katherine, Erin, and I thank all who have put money into our donation jars the past month. With the money we have raised so far, the shelter will be able to pay for 3-4 procedures. Hopefully those animals will then be able to find a home soon, and improve the lives of the lucky person who got to adopt them.
Emma Squires
My name is Emma Squires. I am a Natural Resources Management and Policy major with a double minor in Environmental Science and Biology. I work in the Counseling Center as a Peer Educator, as well as in the TRiO office as a Peer Mentor. I am also a proud member of the Paul Smith’s Woodsmen Team.