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Community Corner

Sonoma Humane Society Rescues 61 Finnish Lapphounds from Perilous Conditions

A Lifesaving Partnership: Sonoma Humane Society and the Local Community Perform Life-Saving Rescue of 61 Finnish Lapphunds from Perilous Conditions

On Tuesday, January 21, 2014, a team from the Sonoma Humane Society (SHS) and Forget Me Not Farm participated in a large-scale rescue of 61 Finnish Lapphunds from unthinkable living conditions at a private breeding operation. The dogs range in age from puppies to older adults and nursing females, and most have critical health issues that required immediate medical care. Veterinary and shelter care staff have worked tirelessly since the rescue to address the most pressing needs of these animals, while maintaining the same high level of care for the animals already living at the facility.

“Sonoma Humane Society is committed to being a safe Haven for Animals,” said Kiska Icard, Executive Director of SHS. “Our ability to react quickly and compassionately resulted in each and every one of these lives being saved. The community support that we are receiving ensures that these dogs all have bright futures.” The SHS has received an outpouring of support from the local community. The high cost of medical treatment for such a large number of dogs with so many health issues, in addition to the need for intensive staff support, is an expense of at least $1,000 per dog. Monetary donations have totaled over $30,000 so far, which is estimated to offset almost half of the anticipated cost for the care and treatment of these deserving animals. A special restricted fund has been set up to receive the monetary donations earmarked for the care and treatment of the Lapphunds. Local businesses selling pet supplies sold out of many items, due to the demand created by so many people wanting to support the shelter and make a difference for these animals.

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The Sonoma Humane Society is very grateful for all of the donations received to date. Due to the outpouring of support, SHS has received most of the supplies needed to care for the Lappies, with the exception of crates suitable for 40 pound dogs, which can be dropped off at SHS’s Santa Rosa facility at 5345 Hwy 12 West. SHS will need additional monetary donations to cover the cost of treatment for the Lappies. Those wishing to make a donation to help offset the cost of the care for the rescued dogs can specify that their funds be directed to the “Finnish Lapphund Rescue”.  Monetary donations to support SHS’s ongoing mission of ensuring that every animal receives protection, compassion, love and care, are always welcome, and all donors can send their donations to the Sonoma Humane Society at PO Box1296, Santa Rosa, CA 95402-1296 or donate online at www.sonomahumane.org. If you’d like to become a pet parent and adopt one of the rescued Lapphunds, applications can be found online at: http://sonomahumane.org/adopt/.

For more information, please call (707) 542-0882, or visit the Sonoma Humane Society’s website at www.sonomahumane.org.

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 The Sonoma Humane Society’s mission is to ensure every animal receives protection, compassion, love and care. For over 83 years Sonoma Humane Society has cared for homeless, neglected and abused companion animals. The Society depends on local community support to provide quality care and receives no funding from any national organization. The Humane Society’s Santa Rosa headquarters is located five miles west of Highway 101 at 5345 Highway 12 West in Santa Rosa, just past the Llano Road intersection.


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