The Humane Society of Harford County has received an outpouring of support from county and state residents in the wake of more than 70 dogs and cats taking up residence at the shelter after they were seized from a Whiteford woman?s property last week.
The support of volunteers around the region has been so overwhelming that Humane Society Executive Director Tammy Zaluzney joked Thursday that the rescued dogs cannot keep up with the numerous walks they are taken for on a daily basis.
“The support has been remarkable,” Zaluzney said Thursday. “We had to open up an auxiliary parking area in an adjacent field. It?s amazing how a community can rally around a cause and, of course, everybody loves animals.”
A nonprofit organization that relies on donations to operate, the Humane Society has seen donations of more food than it can store, all types of bedding for the rescued dogs and cats, and the support of volunteers that simply show up and ask to help. One family even donated a dog wheelchair for one of the rescued dogs that can?t walk.
“We have had so many donations that we are looking for adjunct places to store them,” Zaluzney said. But given that the Humane Society depends on donations to operate, Zaluzney was clear that it was not her intent to discourage the generosity of the public.
With this in mind, Zaluzney said the Humane Society really needs “pop tents,” or material that can be used to roof outdoor shelters, so the animals can “enjoy the grass.”
Money is always something the Humane Society needs, Zaluzney said. Since Friday, approximately $15,000 in donations have poured into the county shelter, but Zaluzney said this was just enough to cover the overtime of her staff.
To learn how you can help the Humane Society of Harford County, call 410-836-1090, or visit www.harfordshelter.org.
