The needs at the Estevan Humane Society are growing in lockstep with the rest of the city, so the Aug. 23, Table Top Sale and Open House at the society’s shelter was aimed at directing some much-needed cash toward a few additional projects.
The garage-sale atmosphere on the shelter grounds just south of the city, attracted dozens of potential customers and animal-lovers.
“We have some animals in here who require extra attention from a veterinarian. One dog needs some dental work; we have a cat with one leg that is damaged; another kitten came in with a big gash on its side; another cat needs some optical work,” said Terry Williams, president of the Society’s volunteer board of directors.
“None of these problems are life-threatening. They’re not going to die without this medical attention, but they also won’t get adopted either unless the problems are looked at,” said Williams who estimated that just three of the procedures listed
will involve a vet bill of about $2,500, so the need to raise additional funds is obvious.
Of course having the animals spayed or neutered is also a requirement that carries a price tag and all procedures mean there is follow-up care to be provided by animal healthcare professionals or shelter staff members.
Williams said the shelter is currently housing about 40 cats and kittens and eight dogs. Some of the dogs are currently placed with foster families.
“We even have Estevan’s famous ghost dog with us now,” she said with a smile.
When asked to explain that moniker, Williams said this particular mid-sized mutt managed to elude potential captors, including the animal control officer(s) for the past two years, but was finally rounded up and is doing quite well in the more protective environment at the shelter.
“Let’s say he was very agile,” said Williams. “He’s coming around now, he just needed some extra human attention. He’s a little timid, or maybe a better word would be wary. He’s definitely not aggressive, just shy, but then that probably came as a result of living on the loose around Estevan for two years,” she said.
“He’s sort of like the Littlest Hobo,” chimed in board member Dyana Wright, conjuring up a television series of a few years back that featured a wandering rogue-like but well-trained German shepherd dog with finely tuned instincts.
The fact the ghost dog features a mostly white coat, simply added to the story-line.
With a little more re-socializing, the ghost will be ready for adoption soon.
Williams said she understood the dog was left behind by a former Estevanite, and was able to fend for itself efficiently while avoiding capture.
The shelter caters to all kinds of needs, including serving as the city’s animal impoundment centre.
“We have two full-time people and a couple of part-time employees at this stage and, of course, our supporters continue to be very generous with their time and supplies,” said Williams. “There won’t be any problem prioritizing where we’ll spend the money we can raise, there are plenty of needs. Our drainage situation around the shelter needs a permanent solution, it’s still an issue too.”
The contract with the City of Estevan will be up for renewal in 2018, so that will, no doubt, lead to a new round of negotiations, too.
With more fundraising needs in sight, Wright said the annual Dog Jog will be staged once again near the end of September, and in October a barbecue is planned with the lead sponsor being M&M Meats. The event will also pay tribute to former shelter manager and devoted animal lover and volunteer, Judy Martin, who died a couple of years ago.
