COCHRANE— Finding a silver lining in the COVID-19 pandemic, The Cochrane & Area Humane Society has had an influx of animals find their fur-ever homes.
The Cochrane & Area Humane Society closed its doors to the public on March 17, said communications coordinator Lisa Kedian, but the organization remains dedicated to taking in any stray, injured or sick animals in need.
"We've still had an incredible outpour from the community," Kedian said. "The majority of our animals are getting adopted."
The Humane Society is home to 102 animals, including 67 that are currently in foster care.
The organization was unsure how the transition of operations would go in reaction to the pandemic, but Kedian said the outreach from community members looking to support the vulnerable animals in the shelters care has been amazing.
Adjusting to the COVID-19 virus has been challenging she said, but she is grateful to the Cochrane community because so many animals have been able to find their fur-ever homes during the pandemic.
It has been especially heartwarming seeing some of the long-term residents of the Cochrane Humane Society find new homes, Kedian said.
The centre had several cats in their Barn Buddies Program. Kedian explained that barn cats are not always the best fit for family homes because they do not really enjoy cuddling and instead prefer having their own space in a barn or shop.
The Humane Society has been a long-term home to several barn cats for many years, but in light of COVID-19, the majority have now found their permanent homes.
"It's made all of us so happy," Kedian said.
A trio of barn cats Beatrix, Tilly and Echo remains at the centre, Kedian added, but she is hopeful they will soon find new homes.
"It's just unbelievable how many people have reached out to us offering to help, offering to foster," Kedian said. "The amount of people wanting to open their homes and their hearts right now to adopt animals— It's incredible to see the outpour from the community and how many animals have actually gone to forever homes."
It has been heartwarming to see animals find their families, she said, but the shelter is addressing their operations day-to-day to adjust to the new reality of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was difficult shutting their doors to the public but their priority remains to ensure that animals are cared for and can find purr-fect homes.
"Like everybody else going through this crisis we've had to adapt," Kedian said.
A big hit to the centre's funding was postponing their public programming because of COVID-19, a major revenue resource for the shelter.
The Humane Society is starting to move some programs online including several dog training and behaviour consultations that will launch within the week.
For now, the best way to support the Humane Society during the public health crisis, Kedian said, is through visiting their wish list on their website cochranehumane.ca/ and monetary donations are always welcomed for daily operations.
A donation bin is located outside the main entrance of shelter as well for dog food, cat food, treats and toys.
"We weren't sure what to expect when we had to close our doors to the public but it has been a wonderful outpour of help," Kedian said.
