Posted on 04/17/2009 6:44:51 PM PDT by JoeProBono
ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- They've become a common sight in Ellensburg: Volunteers walking dogs adorned in neon green vests proclaiming "shelter dog needs home."
The dog walkers are part of an army of volunteers who have made a tremendous difference at the Ellensburg Animal Shelter over the past four years, according to shelter manager and animal control officer Paula Hake.
The volunteer program was established in 2005 when the shelter's euthanasia rate was 70 percent one of the highest in the nation. Now Hake is happy to say that the euthanasia rate is down to 2 percent.
"That is truly astronomical," Hake says. "We started this in 2005 and we were really shooting to just drop the euthanasia rate about 20 percent. But it really took off and we met with some fantastic rescues."
Currently there are about 50 volunteers helping at the Ellensburg Animal Shelter, which copied the volunteer program idea from other shelters. But volunteers aren't the only contributors to this success story. Kittitas County Friends of Animals and Friends of the Shelter are two nonprofit organizations that donated more than $17,000 to the Ellensburg Animal Shelter in 2008, Hake said.
Great idea bump.
I’m going to suggest this to the local, private no-kill shelter and the county shelter. They’re overwhelmed with dogs needing a home.
Just emailed the link to a new shelter. Thanks!
We need to add another doggie to our house - a nice red nose pit bull would do fine - bet I could find one at the shelter too...
Doggie Ping. I’m so sorry guys, I am out of pictures tonight.
<< The volunteer program was established in 2005 when the shelter’s euthanasia rate was 70 percent one of the highest in the nation. Now Hake is happy to say that the euthanasia rate is down to 2 percent. >>
Wow, that is one awesome drop in euthanasia rates! I hope more shelters can continue in this direction...
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