It would be shocking to many to learn how much money, and time, it takes to successfully care for and find homes for the many homeless animals that find their way to the Worcester Animal Rescue League. Events such as the one this weekend help raise money and explain how the shelter works
WORCESTER—The Worcester Animal Rescue League was looking for a way to scare up awareness of the services they provide and the need for support.
They decided that dogs dressed in costumes might be a treat for dog lovers that could do the trick.
Canine visitors proved the shelter staff was barking up the right tree. They arrived donned in a range of costumes, including a shark, a mermaid, a large-winged bat, a cow and even the Cowardly Lion, complete with his medal for courage.
Organizers of the Howl-O-Ween Pawty for the Pups, which took place Saturday, Oct. 28 at the league headquarters on Holden Street, asked visitors to bring a treat, in the form of an item needed by the shelter to care for the animals, in exchange for the chance to showcase their costumed critters and check out pet-related items for sale to help the shelter.
Public support is sorely needed, shelter Executive Director Kristin Mullins said. Whenever dogs are adopted out, new ones, either strays found in the streets or canines relinquished by their owners, seem to take their place.
“We’re chasing our tails,’’ she quipped.
She cited three distinct reasons why the shelter is taking in more animals these days.
As housing for people becomes more scarce, Mullins said, many landlords are becoming more restrictive on the pets they will allow in rental situations. While the prohibited dogs were once limited to pit bulls and other breeds some consider aggressive, in many cases now, all dogs are prohibited, which can force owners to make difficult choices.
The increasing cost of veterinary care, which she said has “skyrocketed,’’ also plays a part in people being unable to care for their animals.
The end of the pandemic made a difference as well, she said. During the Covid crisis, more people worked from home and adopted a dog. Some of these people are now looking to add a second dog, Mullins said, but many of the shelter dogs need to be in single-canine families.
No dog is euthanized for space purposes, she said. One dog stayed at the shelter for more than a year until he was adopted, Mullins said.
“We want to keep them here until they find their forever homes,’’ she said.
That all costs money _ for salaries, veterinary care, food, supplies and other items needed to keep the dogs happy, healthy and safe.
Some needs might not be immediately obvious. Laundry detergent and bleach, for example, are always in demand. “We use a lot of it,’’ she said.
Durable dog toys, such as Kongs, also make a difference, she said. “They help us keep our dogs happy here and enriched.’’
Mullins said that events such as the Howl-O-Ween party are “very important’’ to keep finances strong. In the spring, when the kitten population tends to grow, the shelter hosts a kitten shower, which, like the Halloween party, draws visitors and donations.
She described the pre-Halloween event as “wonderful.’’ Some dogs are more willing to wear costumes than others, she said with a chuckle, but all were welcome to visit.
Costumes weren’t limited to four-legged visitors. Shelter volunteer Kevin Downey was brave enough to dress as a squirrel as he was surrounded by energetic dogs.
Shelter staff member Lyn Tozeski, who worked a booth with the oversized squirrel, beamed as she gave her reaction to the afternoon.
“It’s always great to invite the community down to get donations and have a little celebration.’’
To learn more about the shelter and how to help, visit worcesterarl.org.
Sandy Quadros Bowles is a journalist with more than 40 years of experience in print and online journalism. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading and interacting with any and all animals that cross her path. She can be reached at sqbfreelance@gmail.com
