Animal Humane Society Donates Gowns, Masks to Hospitals in Need
In times of crisis, people and organizations often step up and come to the aid of those in need. The Animal Humane Society (AHS) in Golden Valley is doing just that during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve donated over 2,000 pieces of PPE (personal protective equipment),” said Dr. Angelica Dimock of AHS. “Gloves, face masks, disposable gowns. You name it, we try to send it over their way.”
Like many other organizations, AHS has had to alter the way they normally do things because of COVID-19. Employees and volunteers are getting projects done at their Golden Valley location, while still caring for animals waiting for foster homes.
“We’ve closed to adoption,” Dimock said. “We still are in taking stray and surrendered animals and our vet centers are still open. But we aren’t needing the equipment as badly as human hospitals need them.”
COVID-19 has impacted many people in many ways, but it does mean some pets are getting more attention than usual.
“It might be a great thing for them,” Dimock said. “Dogs are getting walked more. Having more one on one time with their owners. Cats? We’ll find out if they’re happy about this. They might want some more alone time. Who knows?”
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Animals Can Be Therapeutic for People in Isolation
The pandemic also means some people are in isolation and have little contact with the outside world. Animals, such as cats and dogs can be therapeutic for these individuals.
“Oh definitely,” Dimock said. “It’s having another body there that you can talk too, you can cuddle with. Getting outside and walking your dog is quite therapeutic as well.”
A bus advertising the Animal Humane Society’s Walk for Animals, which could be virtual.
Usually in the spring, AHS is gearing up for its annual Walk For Animals event. This is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, but could be another COVID-19 cancellation.
“The Walk For Animals is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year,” Dimock said. We really rely on the walk to help do all the programs that we have here. This year we will probably have a virtual walk. Still fundraising for it.”
To learn more about AHS go to their web page https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/about/hours-and-locations.
