Ohio County Animal Shelter in Need of Bleach, Disinfectant
The Ohio County Animal Shelter was blanketed with generosity over the weekend, but the facility is still in need of bleach and disinfectant to help keep parvo out of the kennels.
A message posted by Ohio County Magistrate Janine Varner went around on social media Sunday, noting that the shelter was in need of blankets for the animals. By the end of the day on Sunday, the shelter had received “hundreds” of blankets, but can always find room for more, reported shelter manager Lori Russell.
“There was an outpouring of generosity, and now we have a ton of blankets,” she said. “We got a lot brought in in the last day. It’s wonderful how people have stepped up.
“If somebody wants to still bring some in we’ll find some place for them. But right now, we have enough.”
Russell explained not every dog kennel at the shelter has a bed, and in place of a bed two blankets are placed on the floor so the dogs don’t have to lay directly on the concrete.
Over time, the blankets can get chewed up, ripped up and destroyed, she added.
What is most needed right now — and always — is disinfectant bleach, Russell continued. Bleach is used to clean the kennels and help keep them free of disease.
The shelter is presently not accepting nor adopting out any animals — dogs or cats — after two strays brought in after being seized tested positive for parvo.
“This is why people really need to vaccinate their animals,” Russell said. “If parvo gets in the ground, it can stay for years. Then if they walk their dog the way where the parvo is, they are taking a chance.”
Food is always needed at the shelter, and there is a special need for wet food or puppy food at this time, she added. The shelter has among its residents a St. Bernard puppy.
Russell said the shelter frequently receives donations of dog food, and shelter employees are grateful for what has been brought in by the community. But she asks if possible those purchasing any food for the shelter seek out those with no red dye. This is because animals are more likely to get sick when there is red dye in their food.