It’s a good news, bad news situation at the Rocky Organization for Animal Rescue (ROAR) Society.
Officials with the Rocky Mountain House organization say while a long-awaited quarantine building is under construction, it also means they’re forced to enact a temporary freeze on rescue intakes.
The organization has been fundraising for the new building for three years, says Lori Gray, office manager with the ROAR Society. The new building will allow it to not only take in more animals, says Gray, but better assist those animals that have serious or fatal injuries or illnesses.
Gray adds in the meantime, the office will be appointment only, and while there will be people in the office daily, it will be closed to walk-ins- and it’s not just because of the construction noise and dust.
“The last week has been atrocious with animals being dropped off, just dumped on us,” says Gray. “We don’t have a quarantine at the moment because we’re building. We are on an intake freeze with dogs and cats.”
Gray adds in the meantime, overflow animals have been put in makeshift spaces out of necessity, and the organization has been reaching out to other central Alberta shelters for assistance.
If anyone would like to book an appointment, Gray says they can message its Facebook page to make sure someone is available.
While the organization is grateful for generous local contractors who are helping to keep costs down, Gray says there has been a concerted effort to raise funds, such as from Rocky Rams 50/50 sales and bottle drive donations from community members, as well as Rainbow Ford and Evergreen Co-op BBQs.
Gray says the goal is to have the approximately $70,000 project serve the Rocky Mountain House area well for 10 to 15 years.
While construction is just getting underway with only the gravel pad completed, Gray says the hope is construction can begin in earnest in July with lots of progress.
During the office closure, Gray reminds residents that the ROAR Society does have a 24/7 secure donation box outside its office (4520 43 St.), and community members are more than welcome to make a donation anytime.
Comments