When we think about an animal shelter, we often think of a safe place for animals to stay until they find their forever homes. And while shelters provide safety, food, and care, there is another side that is easy to overlook. For the animals waiting behind kennel doors, each passing day can mean loneliness, stress, fear, and uncertainty. They don’t understand why they are there, how long they will stay, or when someone will finally choose them.
The following was written by: Ashley Peters, Greensburg Decatur County Animal Shelter Kennel Technician.
Endless nights. Countless hours. Sitting, sleeping, eating, drinking and playing in a kennel. Loud sounds not knowing where they’re coming from. Dogs constantly barking, cats constantly meowing. No silence. Ever.
Locked in a kennel for 90% of the time. Not able to get energy out. Not knowing what to do.
To get out of a kennel would be a dream of a lifetime for any animal. They would finally be able to sleep without constant barking and meowing. They would be able to get their energy out and be their true self.
Some animals here have been here for over 100 days. Still waiting for a home.Sitting in a kennel for a week is isolating. Let alone 50 days. 100 days. 150 days. Even more.
Shutting down. Not eating. Not playing. Not excited. Nippy. All signs of kennel stress. Some are not doing well at all. Day after day. Alone. Frightened. Scared.
A list of some animals and how long they’ve been in our care:
Benelli = 13 days
Bolt = 48
Button = 14
Dahlia = 40
Monjie = 172
Piper = 49
Princess Jane = 6
Roger = 183
Roza = 48
Wonder = 118
Daisy Mae = 27
Dixie = 6
Elma = 76
Guppie = 20
Little Baby = 26
Prelude = 83
Solara = 27
Xeno = 15
Alpine = 42
Aspen = 42
Batman = 68
Cake = 20
Larry, Curly and Moe = 13
Skee and Daddle = 14
Dijon = 48
Triangulum = 43
Villa = 13
Drift = 12
Hollywood = 7
Maverick = 36
Tide = 12
And so many more we get in daily.
If you are able to foster, adopt, volunteer or share please do it now. These animals need your help.
Pictured is Kennel Technicians Kasey Cleland and Ashley Peters.
