DOGS N’ CATS

Clatsop Animal Assistance works for the betterment of county’s pets.

   In the 10 years since its inception, the non-profit Clatsop Animal Assistance, Inc. has raised more than $250,000 to provide for the homeless and needy pets of Clatsop County.

   The money pays for cat litter, dog beds and toys, vaccinations and antibiotics, veterinary costs and other necessities that ensure a better quality of life for pets-in-waiting at the animal shelter. There is money dedicated to spay and neuter certificates, adoption posters and advertising. The organization also provides help for low-income pets needing care and funds for a promotional Web site.

   Beyond the monetary, Clatsop Animal Assistance volunteers give of their time and energy, working to place animals in loving homes. Board president Rae Zimmerling said it is like a full-time job, but one with infinite rewards.

   “We humans have domesticated and bred these animals and brought them into our homes,” she said. “Now they depend on us for their well-being. With continued support, Clatsop Animal Assistance will provide ongoing complementary funds to our local shelter and aid to needy and homeless pets.”

   In terms of aid, much has been accomplished in the non-profit’s decade of animal stewardship. But, Zimmerling notes, much more could be done with the increased support of the Clatsop County community.

   “Our goal is to provide anything that helps improve their life while they’re staying there,” she said of the shelter animals. “To help the animals alleviate suffering wherever we can. To be able to raise money for the animals and make a difference for all the pets in the county.

   “There is just so much to do,” she added.

   Started by a group of residents concerned funding was not going directly to animal care, Clatsop Animal Assistance now spends between $2,000 and $3,000 each month providing for shelter animals and the needs of pets in low-income families. The funds come entirely from donations, which fluctuate depending on the time of year and the overall economy.

   “We are feeling the pinch,” she said of their current status. “The shelter itself is especially feeling it with the number of animals it is seeing. In difficult and uncertain times, we entreat ‘Don’t forget about the pets!’ It takes an entire community to save the lives and affirm the worth of homeless pets.”

   With the increased number of shelter residents, come increased needs, Zimmerling notes. And the list is long.

   Clumping cat litter, paper towels, bleach, scrub brushes, cat litter box scoops, washable cat toys, large dog Kong toys, brooms, liquid laundry detergent and help — both financial and physical — are all in strong demand at this time. Volunteers to socialize with the shelter dogs and cats, help tidy cages, adopt pets or provide foster homes for sick and young animals continue to be needed. And dog walkers, willing to spend a few hours exercising pent-up dogs, can make a world of difference.

   “Dog walking is very important because these animals are confined to kennels. They really appreciate the attention and exercise,” Zimmerling said.

   Special events, ranging from the annual Halloween and Christmas fundraisers to the Cannon Beach Dog Show on the Beach in the fall, require volunteer support. Plus, there is always the task of updating the Web site and taking photographs of new arrivals. In short, Zimmerling said, there is something for every interest willing to give of their time and effort.

   “I really have hopes that more people will come along that we older people can pass the torch to. I’ve been doing this for 10 years and I sometimes wonder what will happen when I can’t do it anymore,” she said, adding being a “no kill” shelter is great but when there is nobody to take care of the animals and people stop coming to adopt it turns into “warehousing” animals, which isn’t good for anyone.

   Zimmerling said she would like to see volunteers giving presentations in the schools, bringing adoptable animals to more events around the county and walking dogs with their “adopt me” vests at public places where they could be seen, such as the Astoria Riverwalk or the Seaside Promenade. She would also love to see dog trainers donate time to educate volunteers on how to walk dogs properly or to work with animals to better their chances for adoption.

   “Working with other animal people is really gratifying. I used to think I was kind of an oddball but now I’ve met other oddballs! These animals rely on human care so humans have to be willing to step up and respect and help them. So often in our throw-away society people will just throw out or recycle what they don’t want, but these are living things,” she said. “They need our help.”

   For more information or to donate, visit dogsncats.org or send money to P.O. Box 622, Warrenton, Ore. 97146.