Pet Pals help provide safe haven
The Euclid Animal Shelter, located at 25100 Lakeland Blvd., is a community asset that relatively few suburbs can boast. Last year, the shelter cared for more than 400 dogs and nearly 200 cats. Approximately 75 percent of the animals are eventually adopted out, while others are returned to their original owners. It is the shelter’s policy to keep the strays that Euclid Humane Officer Ann Mills brings in for at least three days before making the animal available for adoption. The three days gives their owners a chance to claim a lost pet.
The shelter has faced numerous financial hurdles over the last decade from reductions in staff to temporary closure. Animal lovers established Euclid Pet Pals to provide volunteer staffing and fundraising, all of which help keep the shelter open, explains treasurer Patti Burlingham. Faced with a serious financial crisis earlier this year, the group issued an emergency plea to its supporting membership. Members opened their checkbooks and donated more than $10,000 to keep the shelter program afloat, and 19 people paid $200 a year to be a “cage sponsors.” “I know there are a lot of animal lovers out there. But it was truly heart-warming to see how many people responded,” said Fay Miller, a former Euclid city councilwoman who has been Pet Pals’ chairman for the past six years.
To support the shelter, the group raises money through membership dues, donations and special fund-raisers. Upcoming fundraising events include participation in the East 200th Street Stroll, June 5, car washes in the shelter parking lot on the last four Saturdays in July from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a clam bake in the fall. The array of yellow recycling bins located at the east side of the shelter’s parking lot support the group’s recycling program. The bins accept paper, phone books and cardboard. There is also a large round barrel near the front door for aluminum can donations. The shelter also recycles used ink cartridges in a container inside the shelter.
The funds raised pay for veterinary services and medicine (over $39,000 last year), and operating expenses. Supporters also help by donating needed items on the group’s wish list, such as cleaning supplies, postage stamps, dog treats and blankets. For a complete list of needed items, visit the website at www.euclidpetpals.net. Euclid Pet Pals also has an on-line store at www.cafepress.com/euclidpetpals.
Beyond financial support, the shelter also needs additional volunteers to help feed and care for the animals, give them medicine, clean the cages, and launder blankets and sheets. Youth volunteers must be at least 14 years old. Prospective volunteers can obtain an application form either on the Euclid Pet Pals’ website or at the shelter. Membership application forms are also available on the website.
The shelter is open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.