By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

help needed

Saving Grace Animal Society overloaded, overwhelmed as adoptions drop

Dec 20, 2021 | 9:16 AM

Saving Grace Animal Society, which is based in Alix, is in a state of emergency, officials say.

In a release, a shelter spokesperson says the society has been hit hard this month with an increase in requests to take animals who need care. There’s also been a slowdown in adoptions.

“With no space left to put anyone, we have reached our capacity for care, and it is a sad time for the staff, the volunteers, and animals in need in our province,” they say.

“Last December, we were able to find homes for 123 animals between December 1-17 but sadly this year adoptions are sitting at an all-time low with only 78 adoptions in December to date. With a nearly 50 per cent decrease in adoptions and three-times the number of animals in care, things are not looking good.”

Every dog run is full, as is every cat bank, and officials have brought in overflow crates. Staff have even taken animals home to ensure their care.

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“With 151 animals in foster, 22 mature dogs in care, three dogs at boarding facilities, 42 puppies available for adoption, four hospitalized puppies and 49 cats available for adoption, the shelter is over max capacity,” it’s said. “That’s a total of 373 animals being cared for every day.”

Saving Grace says it is trying to be a safe haven for animals in need, and every time they have to say ‘no’ is heartbreaking.

Daily requests number 10-15, an unsustainable amount.

“With high hopes to get into our own vet clinic next year to ease some stresses on our staff and limited resources, we are worried,” they add. “We just want to help, but we cannot operate at this pace forever. We need to see that break in the horizon.”

Saving Grace is located at 4932 Main Street, Alix, Alberta, More information is at savinggracecanada.com, and they can be contacted by calling 403-741-2014, or emailing savinggracecanada@outlook.com.