Operation Noah's Ark Still Needs Help ~ Denver, NC

Update: I made a visit to the shelter today and I have some GOOD news! The good news is that all the cats will be placed in foster care homes by tomorrow. All Huskys' have been placed in approved foster care homes today. The shelter has more than enough food, litter, and bedding. They are hoping that the rest of the dogs will be placed in approved foster care homes by next week, if possible. They are still in need for volunteers to help out.

Operation ‘Noah’s Ark’ Still Needs Help

On August 26th, 393 animals ~ making up 17 different species, were rescued from a house here in Denver. This rescue took over ten hours, during which we were getting heavy bands of rain from the former hurricane Faye. I passed this place twice that day, while this rescue was taking place... what a bitter sweet sight. Just how does someone collect that many animals? How can anyone afford to feed that many?  

You can only image the HUGE task of caring for all these animals; bathing, assessing, medicating, cleaning, walking, and feeding it all takes time, volunteers, and donations.  

Our local Denver Baptist Church has recently purchased a 6 +/- acre track of land that included various buildings (the former R-Anell Company’s general office and manufacturing plant, which has moved to another part of the county) and it is here where the animals are being sheltered. As of last Tuesday it was reported that only a few have passed away, a few had to be taken to a vet hospital, and none have had to be “put to sleep” but this would be an option if it was deemed they were suffering.

Compact Animal Mobile Equipment Trailers (CAMETs) are being used at the Church shelter. CAMETs are stocked with all the necessities to set up an animal shelter; this is the first time for these to be used in North Carolina. All animals have been checked out by Dr. Kelly Farris, of the North Carolina State School of Veterinary School. Area vets are on the scene and are following the directions of Dr. Farris. Also, help teams have flown in from as far away as Colorado and Washington State to help in the efforts.  

Since this is an ongoing criminal investigation it was first thought that authorities could not offer adoptions of these animals, due to legal issues. Now it sounds like they may have found a loop hole and will be able to start finding new homes for them soon.   

Volunteers
Volunteers are needed who have training in animal care. But walk-ins are accepted too. Morning and evening shirts are available. Sign up is at the temporary shelter which is the former R-Anell location at 3549 North Highway 16, Denver, NC; which is across the street from Denver Baptist Church and next to Rock Springs Elementary School (almost in downtown Denver). They have a working calendar to schedule volunteers for feeding, cleaning cages, and washing animals. They will also introduce the animals to leads so that they will be able to be taken out to exercise.

Needs
Clean towels and newspapers are needed. These can be dropped off at Denver Fire Department at 3956 North Highway 16, Denver, North Carolina. So far food has been donated by several PetSmart stores in our area. Due to the humid weather, with volunteers in and out of heat, they are asking for Gatorade and water as well.  

Contributions
Monetary donations are desperately needed. Anyone can make a donation at any First Federal Savings Bank in Lincoln County; North Carolina. 
 

About the author:

Teresa Harris is a Lake Norman Residential Real Estate Broker who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in Lake Norman and surrounding counties. Please visit www.TeresaMHarris.com for your relocation and/or your local needs.

Teresa Harris - Holbrooks Real Estate, Inc. - 704-458-1807 - Teresa@TeresaMHarris.com

Copyright © 2008 By Teresa Harris, All Rights Reserved...*Operation Noah's Ark Still Needs Help ~ Denver, NC*