SANDUSKY Co., Ohio (WTVG) – As many shelters and rescue groups here at home and around the country are bursting at the seams, a local one gets an amazing gift. The Sandusky County Dog Kennel in Fremont just received a donation that will change a lot of lives.
This story is about the best kind of surprise! An anonymous donation designed to help make life better for a group of shelter dogs, as well as the people who love and care for them.
Kelly Pocock is the chief dog warden in Sandusky County. She said it all started with a simple phone call.
“I’m just going to call the donor an angel. He contacted me Friday night and told me he wanted to do something to make a difference. He said he was going to sponsor every dog at the kennel. We have a handful of big supporters we can count on during trying times, but this was really big for us,” Pocock said.
Pocock says the donor covered the $150 adoption fee for 13 dogs.
“We’ve had one dog sponsored before, maybe two dogs sponsored, but never everybody in the kennel being sponsored. It made me cry. How amazing and to not even want to be recognized. Nope, it was all about the dogs. He had pure intentions to help get them into homes. It speaks to who he is. He’s amazing,” Pocock said.
Pocock says she couldn’t wait to share the news with the people who care for the dogs.
“I don’t normally call staff after hours. I called every single one of them. We needed this because shelter work can be tough. You do something for our dogs, we’re all uplifted and it helps us carry on,” Pocock said.
Like many other shelters and rescue groups, Pocock said the Sandusky County Dog Kennel is facing significant challenges.
“We’re in crisis Our dogs are staying longer, we struggle to make room, those kind of issues. A year ago the average time a dog was here was about 3three to five days. We are at about three to five weeks as our average now. And I see that time frame growing. We have one dog who has been here for four months,” Pocock said.
Chico is the dog that’s been at the shelter the longest. Shea Aldrich is the medical lead and kennel attendant at the shelter.
“When Chico finds his forever home, I may just break down and cry. He is our longest resident, he’s been here since October,” Pocock said.
There’s a quote you may have heard that says, “Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”
Aldrich said this donation is an example of turning those words into action.
“It brings tears to our eyes to know someone cares as much as we do when it comes to helping these dogs find homes,” Aldrich said.
On top of covering the adoption fees, the anonymous donor also bought a bag of food to send home with each dog.
There are several dogs still looking for a forever home whose adoption fees are sponsored. If you think one of them would be the perfect fit for you, click here to learn more.
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