The HRA found homes for more than 170 dogs in a week. But, still needs permanent places for most of the dogs.
WASHINGTON — On New Year’s Eve the D.C. Humane Rescue Alliance’s doors opened and potential pet owners poured in.
“I heard (about the crisis) on the news,” Lisa Marley said.
Marley said HRA’s plea to the community got her attention. This New Year’s Eve she will ring it in with a new friend: Fomona.
“She’s lovely and she just she’s playful,” Marley said. “I think she’s very sweet, so we’ll see if she chews up the bed or what happens!”
On New Year’s Day HRA’s contract with DC will end. Before that, HRA must move all of its dogs from the New York Avenue shelter to the main one in Northwest.
That sends around 40 more dogs to Northwest, added to the more than 120 already in the shelter. A facility meant to house around 60 dogs.
HRA sent out a plea to the community to help adopt or foster 115 dogs and for the New Year’s the public answered.
“Our goal was to get down to under 115 dogs total, and as of 10 minutes ago we’re down to 113,” HRA’s Kate Meghji said.
At the end of the day the shelter had 78 dogs. The community stepped up to put 135 in foster care, and adopt 44 dogs.
“We’re in a significantly better place than we were a week ago and it’s completely because of our community stepping up and showing up and we are grateful.”
While the housing crisis was avoided, it’s only a temporary solution. Most of the 115 dogs let out got fostered. Those dogs still need long term homes.
“We’re gonna keep pushing through all of January to find loving homes for all of our dogs,” Meghji said.
But thanks to Lisa Marley, Fomona isn’t one of those dogs. She has a new home for the New Year.
The Humane Rescue Alliance shelter will be closed on New Year’s Day, but reopen on January 2nd.
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