Page 6 - Robeson Living Summer 2022

Its Summertime and the Living Is

Far From Easy

By Samantha Bennett,
Director Saving Grace Dog Rescue Robeson County

supporters, but they cannot shoulder the burden alone. Ev-
ery penny helps. No matter if you can give $5.00, $50.00, or
500.00 dollars a month it adds up to lives saved.

Robeson County is highest in euthanasia numbers for several
reasons. Primarily because people do not spay/neuter their ani-
mals. There are other factors. Poverty and limited resources
exacerbate the problem. A lack of knowledge about programs
that help spay/neuter pets may contribute to the number of un-
wanted pets. The Robeson County animal shelter in St. Pauls
distributes vouchers to citizens that qualify. Call 910-865-2200
to find out more information. The Robeson County Humane
Society on 5th Street in Lumberton has a voucher program
as well as a private fund for qualifying senior citizens. The
number there is 910-738-8282. Here at the rescue, we hope to
continue hosting mobile low cost spay/neuter events. The only
way we will make a change for the better in the lives of the
animals and people of Robeson County is by working together
Saving Grace Dog Rescue Robeson County is a state licensed to do so. It will take all of us. Law enforcement, animal control,
501c3 facility with the ability to house dogs/puppies. We in- the shelter, rescues, veterinarians, the Tribe, media, and regular
take animals from the shelter/animal control, etc. and provide animal loving Joe/Joann Citizen. We may not be able to do
basic care before sending them to foster or the main location in everything, but we can all do something.
Wake Forest for adoption into their fur-ever homes.
The problem is huge, and tackling it will not be easy, but doing
Since opening the doors on March 15, 2021, there has been no nothing is not an option. Too many furry lives are at stake, too
shortage of animals in need. As I sat down to write this article many people with pets need help, and there is no time like the
numbers 749-752 arrived (enjoy their cuteness in the photo be- present to start. Please visit our webpage at Robeson.saving-
low). Not two hours ago, a load went back to the Wake Forest gracenc.org to donate or to learn more about our volunteer or
location. Most days it seems there is no time to breathe, or eat, foster programs. Together we can change things for the better.
or stop. The phone calls, emails, text messages, and social me-
dia tags to help dogs in need never end. Vehicles pulling up to Pup Tips: Make sure your fur friend is on a flea/tick/heart-
the gate with a found litter of pups or a dog come and go daily. worm preventative. It is important to treat year-round, but
I’m sure it is the same for all other rescues as well. spring/summer are really prime time for parasites.

Occasionally a car will come bringing a donation or supplies. Be careful of the heat! Dogs/cats cannot cool themselves like
Occasionally a delivery truck will deliver an item on our Wish we do. Keep them off asphalt/cement to prevent burns and
List. These arrivals are far outnumbered by the amount of heatstroke. Leave your pet at home when you jog, etc. DO
help we need. Our medical costs are extremely high and get- NOT LEAVE YOUR PET IN A CAR…should be a no brainer
ting higher every month. We take in many heartworm positive but pets die every year this way. It takes only minutes for an
dogs that must be treated before adoption, dogs with gunshot animal to have a heatstroke and/or die. If you are warm, your
wounds or other injuries requiring amputation, and dogs with pet is hot. If you are hot, your pet is burning up.
mange. Every animal gets basic healthcare entailing vaccines,
deworming, preventatives, and spay/neuter. We do everything Fireworks. Every year animals go missing around holidays that
within our means to make sure the dogs we take in are adopt- involve fireworks. Always leave your pet at home when visit-
able. This comes at a great cost. In order to continue this work, ing a firework celebration. If your neighborhood has residents
we need local support in the form of donations and/or through that shoot fireworks, lock your pet inside in its favorite room,
fostering/volunteering. There is no magic fairy filling the bank in its crate, or in the garage if it lives outside. Don’t take the
accounts of rescues. We need every person doing whatever chance of losing your pet. Make sure it is microchipped and
they can to help us make a difference. We have several faithful wearing a clearly visible name tag with your information on it.
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