In 2020 John and I wondered why so many rescue groups focused on getting animals out of South Carolina, West Virginia, Texas, and Puerto Rico, but overlooked the most disadvantaged areas of Maryland.
We thought we must be wrong, so we tested out the notion of Cumberland and Garrett County to various local rescue groups we had worked with. No one seemed interested in taking up the baton. So John and I decided we would do it ourselves, and called Allegany County Animal Shelter.
So began an exhilarating and intense relationship with not only the most disadvantaged part of Maryland, but the 15th poorest city in the United States: Cumberland. Later we allied with Garrett County and Berkeley Springs, West Virginia as well.
While we are proud that we have adopted out more than 375 animals from those areas to the MVDC area, we do not stop with just rescue and adoption.
We spend thousands of dollars each year on veterinary care, training, and massive amounts of food.
We raised the money for Allegany County‘s animal control truck. We raised the money for more sanitary, comfortable cages. We raised the money for surgical and spaying equipment. We raised the money for at least 50 new beds. We raised the money for an agility park. We raised the money for air conditioning at the shelter in Berkeley Springs.
We recruited almost 40 veterinarians to volunteer their time at the Cumberland shelter. We have paid holiday bonuses to shelter staff. We have organized toy drives for the children. We pay half the salary of an adoption foster coordinator.
We try to take a systemic approach to the problems that poverty causes. We offer medical assistance and food for indigent pet owners.
Simply, we do whatever it takes, whenever a problem comes ro our attention. We could say no, but we don’t. We keep trying. And trying.
