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4 Paws: Helping homeless pets
connect with good humans
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By M. Kathryn Hanberg
April 28, 2008 | Sheri Zollinger, a 4-Paws volunteer
and a foster caregiver for homeless cats, got
her start with adoption and rescue more than five
years ago.
4-Paws is a non-profit organization in Cache
Valley for abandoned and homeless dogs and cats.
Five years ago, Zollinger wanted to get a cat
and chose to adopt. She went to the Cache Humane
Society, another non-profit organization for abandoned
and abused animals, and found Jet Jaguar, a black
kitten that had been found in a field by animal
control.
"I wanted to take care of him and brought him
home. Now he's a big, fat cat and very loving,"
said Zollinger
Zollinger has always had a love for animals
and wanted to make a difference in animal's lives.
About a year ago she decided to do more, and began
volunteering at 4-Paws on Saturdays. This has
led to her involvement today.
There are many homeless animals, yet many people
will only buy from a purebred breeder or pet store.
This is how Jake, a purebred Cavalier King Charles
Spaniel, was bought. He was purchased in a pet
store like many other dogs are. After his new
owner had him for a short time, she learned that
he had bad knees. His kneecaps would continuously
slip out of place, said Zollinger. |
TOP CAT: Sheri
Zollinger with her cat, Jet Jaguar. / Photo
by M. Kathryn Hanberg |
Jake was a result of a puppy mill.
According to the Humane Society of the United States,
"Puppy mills are breeding facilities that produce purebred
puppies in large numbers." Because of the amount of
in-breeding in puppy mills, and other purebred breeders,
there are often many health issues.
When his initial owner took him back, the pet store
said they would give her a new puppy, but the consequence
for Jake would be his life. She did not want that fate
for him, so she gave him to some extended family members
who could cover his medical costs. Soon, however, they
were too old to care for him.
Zollinger said he has now been in her home for nearly
a year.
"He is such a sweet dog. His knees have fused now,
but he is happy and loves people," said Zollinger.
"Beware, purebreds can have health issues caused by
too much inbreeding," said Paul Mueller, Cache Humane
Society's placement director.
You can still get a purebred dog from rescues if you
want. There are many purebred rescues in the nation.
Mutts are another option. They often times don't have
the amount of health problems a purebred can have, said
Mueller.
"The Cache Humane Society often gets purebreds that
are 'turfed' or dumped after they are done with their
production period. They are dumped in the middle of
winter with their teats hanging to the ground," said
Denise Strong, a Cache Humane Society volunteer.
In an average year, Cache Humane Society alone receives
150 dogs and 370 cats. That is approximately one dog
every two days and more than one cat a day. That is
not counting the animals taken to 4-Paws.
Cache Humane and 4-Paws have more animals than they
know what to do with. Often, people will buy a cute
puppy or kitten only to find they chew and can destroy
things. Rather than training them, the animal is given
to the Humane Society or 4-Paws. If the rescue centers
are unable to take the animals, the owner may abandon
them. The animal's future is bleak and often results
in starvation, predation and/or disease, said Mueller.
Housing for the animals currently involves many foster
homes. 4-Paws has two women who house the majority of
the animals, one specifically for dogs, and the other
for cats. The Cache Humane Society is working on opening
a new facility to house many animals, but currently
the animals live with volunteers and foster families.
The new Cache Humane Society facility will be able
to house 60 dogs and 30-50 cats. More animals can be
housed once the humane society can afford more kennels.
The facility also has enough space to house large animals
outside. It can be located driving west from Logan on
200 North, said Nancy Stiles, a CHS board member .
The building has been built but has not opened because
there is no turning lane for those driving from Logan.
On that road, the speed limit is about 60 mph. It is
very dangerous not to have a turning lane. In order
to make the turning lane, approximately 0.18 acres of
wetland will need to be mitigated, said Stiles.
"We've been trying for a long time, but it's hard
because those who are helping are volunteering their
time," said Stiles.
The building is scheduled to open this summer. The
main concern is a possible increase in the price needed
to build the turning lane. Cache Humane has received
many supplies and support from the county, but there
is a chance that the price will increase to nearly twice
the amount they have.
"Last year we were told it would cost about $185,000
but it is now looking like it could cost $300,000,"
said Mueller.
"It has been a very difficult situation. We have had
the building done for quite a while, but the problem
now has been the turning lane on the highway," said
Stiles.
"If you want to give an animal a second chance at
life, then adopting one's the way to go," said Mueller.
Zollinger made that choice when she adopted Jet, and
since has changed her life. Because of her help, many
animals have been saved and fostered.
"When I foster animals, and a lot of them I have been
able to get from the pound, I really feel a bond develop.
I am always so happy when they get a good home. I know
that they will enrich the lives of the people who adopt
them, but also it's so nice to see an unwanted dog or
cat now having a chance at a happy life," said Zollinger.
If you are interested in fostering or adopting an
animal, you can attend Adoption Days at PetSmart every
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are interested
in giving a donation to help 4-Paws and/or the Cache
Humane Society, you can call 435-792-3920 or talk to
the volunteers at Adoption Days.
AND ONE FOR ME: Zollinger's
dogs line up for a treat. / Photo by M. Kathryn
Hanberg
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