Fuchsia Dragon | special to the Fitzhugh
Tis the season of giving – and the overrun animal shelter is in desperate need of supplies.
Animal-loving Jasperite Tammy Vathje has launched a campaign to collect donations for the Hinton and District SPCA here in town.
She said: “I’m asking people to really step up and help them, be it money or food or something else.
“It seems to have come to a critical point this year, it seems worse. It kills me. I feel awful about this.”
Vathje, who has rescued four cats and a dog, said she wanted to start the campaign after reading about the struggles of shelters this year online.
She said: “Every time I log into Facebook I see all the animal shelters are incredibly struggling, they are overcrowded, there’s no more space, and the vet bills are huge.
“People are doing horrible things like leaving these animals out in the cold. Kittens are out of control, there are so many dogs.
“I have been a long time SPCA supporter and I always support them, but this Christmas in particular I wanted to help as much as possible.”
Vathje said because Jasper doesn't have an animal rescue group she chose to support the Hinton and District SPCA who takes care of Hinton, Jasper, Edson and Grande Cache.
There are currently about 50 cats and kittens and 16 dogs at the Hinton shelter.
Cathy Thomas, vice-president of the Hinton SPCA, said: “We have two litters of puppies and some older dogs. It is a lot for us. Cat numbers are very high this year too.
“It has been a difficult year for us financially. We’ve taken a bit of a hit. All organisations are facing a huge financial challenge – we always do but this year is more difficult.”
Vathje’s campaign, called Santa Paws Anonymous, is using Jasper Park Liquor as a donation drop-off headquarters.
There, you can leave donations of money, wet and dry food, treats, leashes, toys and cleaning supplies.
Vathje said: “I will personally make sure all donations are transported to the Cathy Thomas's hands.
“I hope not only to raise awareness but get some donations for a much-needed cause.”
