This isn't your typical Catsparella fare, but I felt compelled to post about this story after reading about it in the local(ish) newspaper.
The Sayreville Pet Adoption Center (SPAC), located in Sayreville, NJ has been in operation for the past 18 years, and is one of the few no-kill shelters in the area. However, due to the sagging economy, the shelter has been hit by the double whammy of both accepting more surrenders from individuals who can no longer care for their pets, as well as losing contracts with local municipalities, who previously gave them a monthly stipend for taking in stray and unwanted animals from their towns. As a result, the facility, where every animal is promised a home until they are adopted, is now in dire financial need and in danger of closing its doors, unless something is done to help.
The privately owned, 501 (c) nonprofit shelter does not receive any money from the state, and is owned by Dr. Joseph Chiosi with the Sayrebrook Veterinary Hospital, also located in Sayreville.
One of the most troubling things I read in the article was that SPAC Director Barbara Keegan told MyCentralJersey.com that the shelter lost its contract with their very own town, due in part to their pledge to remain a no-kill facility.
She tells the paper that "In early 2010, the shelter dropped its contract with Sayreville, largely because SPAC was unwilling to euthanize the borough's outdoor cats that were being trapped and brought to the shelter. SPAC believes that trap-neuter-return is a far better option for these cats."
What will happen if SPAC is forced to shut its doors?
What You Can Do To Help
There are several ways the shelter is asking the public to help during this time of need.
* Adopt a pet or help spread the word
The more animals that can be adopted out will help relieve the current financial burden, so from now through January 7th, all adoption fees for cats and dogs is being waived. If you, your friends, or family live in the area and are looking for a furry new family member, please consider visiting the SPAC or check out their Petfinder page to see if they have your new best friend! In addition to all the kitties seen pictured in this post, they have over 70 cats currently listed for adoption, including ones that are young, old, healthy, and special needs.
* Attend an upcoming fundraising event
In order to help boost funds, the shelter is hosting several upcoming events, the first being a "Flapjack Fundraiser" from 8 to 10 a.m. this coming Saturday, January 7th at Applebee's Restaurant in Milltown, NJ. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased in advance at SPAC or Sayrebrook Vet Hospital. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. (I will be attending this event, and would love to chow down on some pancakes with you!)
Other upcoming events include a benefit day at Texas Roadhouse in Old Bridge, NJ on Monday, January 16th, and an Animal Reiki Training Class on Friday, January 20th. For more information on any of these events, please visit the SPAC website, or call them at 732-727-3895.
* Donate
Money donated to SPAC is allocated to three different funds. Monetary donations can be designated for a specific fund, or will be applied where they are needed most.
Sonny's Fund - This fund is designed to help adoptable animals who have severe but treatable medical problems. The fund covers animals who need important surgeries, medications, or visits with veterinary specialists.
Spay/Neuter Fund - pays for the spays and neuters of our adoptable cats and dogs. We strive to have every animal altered prior to adoption; it's the ONLY way to 'fix' the problem of pet overpopulation!
General Fund - supports everyday necessities at the shelter: pet food, kitty litter, cleaning and office supplies, minor repairs, etc.
For more information on how to donate, please visit their website, or call SPAC at 732-727-3895. (Note: If you're having trouble finding it, there is a PayPal donate button all the way at the bottom of the page, under the section that says, "Where do your donation dollars go?").
Thank you to everyone for taking the time to read this, and for anything you can do to help!
10 comments:
so sad - enjoy the pancakes (mom says she wishes she was closer)....we hope they get some help!
Thank you for posting this. I have made a donation--wish it could be more--and passed the link along to my cat-loving friends.
@Random Felines Thank you, I will! :)
@Mrs. Vandertramp Thank you so much for your generosity and for helping to spread the word!
i've made a donation and passed the link to my friends :)
I noticed they also have a Cafepress store (http://www.cafepress.com/spacnj) I wish I lived closer, I'd love to go to some of those fundraisers.
Shared to FB. Even though I live in Ireland I have a lot of family in NJ, hope they can help a bit...
Spreading this post via Twitter and FB. I sure hope they can stay open.
Payday is tomorrow - I'll throw some money into the pool. I hate hearing stories like these, especially when the shelter/group is trying to do the right thing (like following TNR practices instead of euthanizing, which isn't proven to decrease the feral cat population anyway).
@Azazella Thank you, friend!! :)
@Anonymous Thanks for pointing out the Cafepress link! I missed that!
@heretherebespiders Wow, that's amazing! Thanks for sharing!
@Aimee Thank you for helping to spread the word!
@Stacey That is so awesome of you, thank you! I do too :(
Its been announced today that the shelter is closing. So sad, all those animals. My apartment is only allowed 2 cats and that's what I have. If anyone sees this, please pass the word around that they have lots of animals that need good homes before they close their doors on 12/31/12.
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