GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – Back when The Humane Society of North Central Florida‘s primary kennel area was constructed, weeks- and months-long durations of extreme heat weren’t the norm, even for the 352.
These days, the entirety of the Sunshine State might as well be Wet Arizona for much of the summer, and HSNCF’s main space for dogs just isn’t good for the pups when the mercury climbs and hangs there. So they’ve reluctantly gotta close down a space that normally holds more than 30 animals.
While the animals have been safely located to other, climate-controlled areas of the facility, the situation puts a real strain on the organization’s ability to provide care and housing for all the furry friends in need.
“While all of our dogs are safe, this situation creates a serious capacity challenge,” said Franziska Raeber, Director of Development at HSNCF. “We depend on our foster families now more than ever to help us care for animals through the summer.”
Looking for fosters
The current circumstance has HSNCF looking beyond its usual (and heroic) list of dedicated regular foster homes and asking anyone with the interest and ability to get in touch. Beyond the usual relief a dog gets through a break from the noise and divided attention that’s just a part of shelter life, fostering provides valuable insight into what an animal is really like when removed from a kennel situation, allowing HSNCF to more perfectly pair him or her with an adoptive individual or family when the time comes.
HSNCF provides fosters with everything they need to care for a dog–whether it’s for just a few days or an extended period–including food, toys, bowls, dog beds, leashes, medical care, support and more. All you really need is some experience with dogs and a soft place for them to land for a while to apply.
Other ways to help
If you can’t foster, there are a few other ways to help an organization that helps so many others. The most obvious option is adoption, but if that’s not on the table for you, HSNCF is also looking for folks to take animals on a “Doggie Day Out”–and of course, cash donors.
If you’re able to lend a hand, stop by the shelter at 4205 NW 6th St. in Gainesville, call 352-373-5855, or email info@humanesocietyncfl.org today.