The sound of more than 24 barking dogs isn't exactly music to one's ears, but it does represent a job well done by the Glacial Lakes Humane Society.
The animal shelter is currently full and that's not unusual, said GLHS Executive Director Donna Rapinchuk, who has been with GLHS for the past 12 years. The 24 barking dogs are echoed by about 40 cats. "We're obtaining dogs and cats at a higher clip than ever since I've been there," she said. It's hard to pinpoint the reason for this, but it is likely due to several factors including the economy, the good reputation of the local shelter and higher efficiency with the help of a new van. Donors of the Watertown Community Foundation supported the van purchase with a grant of $9,000.
Since acquiring the van in February, the Humane Society has answered 116 calls. "The van makes everything easier," Rapinchuk explained. "It and the shelter are a safe harbor for animal control strays in the city and county. And without the Watertown Community Foundation's help, we would not be able to provide the level of service to the community that we do."
The GLHS is on call 24-7, 365 days of the year. Some animals are merely lost, some are dropped off at the shelter, while others are dropped off in a country ditch. Still, others are picked up to assist law enforcement officials upon making an arrest of a pet owner.
While sad circumstances may bring an animal to the shelter, many success stories can be told.
Rapinchuk recalls picking up a dog on a Wednesday, earlier this year. "I noticed she was pregnant that Friday and by Sunday we had puppies." All, including the mother are now at good homes.
Other happy endings occur almost on a daily basis as a wandering pet is usually unintentional.
"The best part of animal control," she said, "is returning a lost pet to their owner."
While at the shelter, the animals are loved and cared for wholeheartedly. During a typical day GLHS employees take the dogs to the outside kennel during which time the inside kennels and cat cages/area are thoroughly cleaned. All this, including repapering cages, feeding, watering and bathing the animals is done while answering calls and assisting customers.
"We save the fun jobs for the volunteers" said Rapinchuk. They walk, groom or play with the cats and dogs or pass out treats/toys to them. There could never be enough volunteers, she said as Rapinchuk and Assistant Manager Amber Kennedy are the only employees. Rapinchuk treasures volunteers and encourages more dog/cat lovers to visit GLHS. Those without an accompanying parent or guardian should be 12 or older.
