MEDICINE HAT – An animal rescue organization in Medicine Hat is at risk of shutting down.
Persian Dreams and Canine Themes (PDCT) has been taking in animals of all kinds for the past 11 years.
In 2017, the organization brought in only $6,300 in charitable donations. The rescue said it’s a decrease of 75 per cent from 2016.
During their annual general meeting Tuesday night, it was revealed the organization spent around $16,000 on vet bills to take care of sick and injured animals.
Persian Dreams had to use savings to help cover the costs and are now in desperate need of help from the community or they will shut down.
“The reality is if we don’t have the support from the community, Persian Dreams just can’t exist anymore,” said Vice President Denise Devoe.
“It’s a sad reality and we don’t want to see that happen, but without the help that’s what’s going to happen.”
Last year, Save Old Souls Senior K-9 Rescue had to shut down due to a lack of volunteers.
The rescue focused on the care and adoption of senior dogs. It had been operating in Medicine Hat and Redcliff for over 16 years. Persian Dreams said it doesn’t want to meet the same fate.
Devoe is pleading with the public to get involved. PDCT is looking for volunteers, board members, people to help with fundraising and events, as well as more foster homes for animals.
“Everything is down this year so we really need some help with some people in the community to volunteer their time and to foster some animals,” said Devoe.
“The more people we have and the more money we have in donations the more animals we can help.”
If the rescue does shut down, many of the animals will likely have to go to shelters like the SPCA or the Alberta Pound and Rescue Centre, which could overwhelm the already overburdened organizations.
Anyone interest in joining or helping the organization is encouraged to contact them through their Facebook page, by emailing persiandreams@hotmail.com, or by calling 403-529-2287.
