Charleston Women-Summer 2021

www. Char l es tonWomenPodcas t . com | www. ReadCW. com | www. I ns tagram. com /Char l es tonWomen CW - 21 leave and see an animal happy in their forever homes than to think of them being euthanized because a shelter didn’t have a place for them to go.” Pet Helpers’ Founder and President Carol Linville offered further reassurance, stating, “Any reputable shelter or rescue will give you all the info and tools you need to care for the animal you are helping. Fostering can be for days, a week, a month or more, which gives you the chance to train and teach good behaviors, helping to ensure a successful lifetime adoption. With a good shelter or rescue to guide you, you will find fostering is the most rewarding thing you can do.” While all the ladies shared at least one memorable story with me, Laura Phillips, founder and president of Libby and Mace’s Place Animal Rescue, recounted a recent situation. “Hoarding cases involve so many aspects – and it’s a complex psychological issue as well, and not something that some people can help. I helped a lady recently who had gotten in way over her head. Before she knew it, she was overwhelmed and thankfully reached out for help. A few groups got together and pulled over 40 dogs from her house, and they have been doing amazingly well in their foster homes. Showing compassion instead of judgement has allowed us to help more animals, and that is our primary goal.” All these women were able to tell sad stories of abuse or neglect or abandonment and to discuss the hopefulness and inspiration of others. All noted the significance each played in shaping their roles within the animal sheltering community. These leaders of different roles and backgrounds shared similar views of the biggest problems in our community: pet overpopulation, the need for spaying/neutering, fighting animal cruelty and improving owner education. The bottom line is, our community’s animals need our help, and these caring professionals all see eye-to-eye on how the public can support the shelters and rescues, from volunteering and donations to fostering and adoption. Everyone can do something, and these admirable ladies are certainly doing all they can. charleston women