Who
We Are and Why We Exist
It is widely reported that the country's animal shelters are overwhelmed
by the number of cats, dogs, and other companion animals coming through
their doors. Our community is no exception. Inarguably, such shelters provide
an invaluable service to the community - both to the animals they save,
protect, and re-home and to the people that rely on the shelters' services.
However, we believe that something more can be done; indeed, more needs
to be done, to stem the tide of abandoned and relinquished animals in need
of care.
We thus began to ask ourselves: What if instead of providing services
that focus on the already homeless pet, an organization could provide
services to prevent that abandonment in the first place? What if instead
of lamenting over neglected and abused pets and decrying the ignorance
of the guilty, we made an effort to educate? What if an organization focused
on enhancing the bond between animals and humans, thereby improving the
lives of both - and the entire community?
Our answer to these questions is the Companion Animal Resource and
Education Center (CARE Center).
Our Vision
We envision the Companion Animal Resource and Education Center as
providing our community with . . .
A Facility
The CARE Center itself will have space for a humane education library,
behavior classes and consultations, lectures, and seminars.
A Resource
The CARE Center will provide members of the community with information
and training on how to select and humanely care for a companion animal.
The CARE Center will also provide referrals to other sources of support
in our community such as pet-friendly rental properties, veterinarians,
and pet-sitting services.
Education
The CARE Center education staff will conduct programs in conjunction
with area schools in an effort to reach and teach children and young adults
about humane treatment and proper care of companion animals. We will also
provide education programs for adults and will seek to raise public awareness
of humane animal care issues.
Assistance
The CARE Center will coordinate material and financial assistance
for spay/neuter surgeries, unexpected medical expenses, and other services
for people who are unable to pay for them.
Re-Homing Services
Eventually the CARE Center would like to explore alternatives for
re-homing companion animals. We envision a day when, in the rare event
that a pet needs to be placed in an alternative home, we have a system
in place through which we are able to place that pet directly into
a new home. This system would minimize the animal's trauma and greatly
increase the chances for a successful transition.
Your Help is Needed
Please contact us to learn more about the CARE Center and consider
making a donation or volunteering your time to help make our vision a
reality. You choose the level of commitment and previous experience is
not required.
Board of Directors
Susan Helmink, President and Treasurer
Rebecca Buraglio, DVM, Vice President
Pam Lowrey
Anna Lutgen
Pam Wasson
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