Staff Writer
With public donations down by more than 85 percent, officials of Caribou Pet Rescue have cut the hours of the seven employees that care for the animals in order to keep the facility operating.
The slowing economy has resulted in significant decreases in donations to the no-kill three-year-old shelter, according to Norma Milton, CPR president. Humane shelters across the state are experiencing the same issue as people make choices between food, fuel and donating to other organizations.
At the same time, people are choosing to get rid of their pets as they cut household expenses, which boost shelter populations, Milton said.
“The first things people cut is their pets,” Milton said Tuesday.
Late last month, the shelter officials decided to cut the payroll by 20 hours a week, according to Milton.
“Closing an hour early each day will save 10 payroll hours,” Milton aid. “CRP will try to fill those 10 hours with volunteer help, for a total of 20 hours saved.”
The shelter has an annual budget of $90,000 per year, with $36,000 of that going directly for medical care for the animals, according to Milton. The shelter also receives funding from seven area communities, including Caribou.
With less than three years of operation, the shelter doesn’t have any back-up funds. Since its inception, CPR has helped more then 1,300 stray, abandoned, unwanted and abused animals.
About $1,700 is needed per week to keep the shelter operating, according to Milton.
The need for volunteer help is urgent at this time, Milton said. Anyone over the age of 16 can apply to the shelter to help with direct animal care, including cleaning cages, fostering a litter of kittens or an adult animal for two to four weeks. The pet shelter provides the food and supplies for animals in foster care, Milton said.
The shelter has more than 100 animals between the 45 housed in the shelter and in foster care. A majority of the animals are healthy cats, Milton said.
Volunteers over the age of 14 can apply to help with “comfort care” of animals, such as brushing, petting and walking the animals. Volunteers can also help with yard work and house keeping chores.
Earlier this week, the Caribou Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a bottle drive to raise contributions for the shelter’s operation. In addition, CPR has received $3,000 in donations since the word went out that the shelter was in financial straits, Milton said.
On Satuday, Aug. 9, several clinics related to pet and children identification will be held at the courthouse parking lot on Sweden Street. A microchip clinic for pets and an eye scan clinic for children will be offered, as well as an adoption fair will be held. The fund-raiser is part of the Caribou Care About Kids annual festival.
The shelter also received a $5,000 grant from a New York charity to be used for spaying and neutering animals, Milton said.
A yard sale on the shelter grounds at 6 Richards Road is continuing, at which Milton is encouraging patronage.
“If you don’t like the price, make us an offer,” she said. “We need the money.”
Milton is asking area businesses to set out collection jars for donations as well.
“Many good people are pulling together to help us during this difficult time,” Milton said. “We are hopeful that many more will do whatever they can to help CPR continue to save lives.”
The mailing address for the shelter is P.O. Box 488, Caribou, ME. 04736.
