Helping those who can’t help themselves

BARRHEAD – A lot of things are still unknown about the coronavirus. For example, are household pets a carrier or susceptible to the illness?

One definite thing that is known about the illness is that it is impacting the way not-for-profit organizations who work with animals operate.

That is what Terry Colborne president and founder of the Barrhead Animal Rescue Society (BARS) told Town and Country This Week.

BARS is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the humane treatment of animals.

Colborne formed the group in 2010 when he noticed that there were several animals in the Barrhead area that needed a good home.

Since then BARS has expanded to include Edmonton-area municipalities such as Stony Plain, Spruce Grove and St. Albert.

"We have a fairly large group of volunteers who are not only responsible for taking care and placement of animals, but organizing fundraising events and that isn't something we can do anymore," he said. "The physical distancing and other restrictions, while necessary, are hitting us especially hard where it counts most, in our pocketbook."

When asked if the society is eligible for the new provincial emergency funding for charities and not-for-profit organizations looking to help residents impacted by the COVID-19, Colborne said they are looking into the possibility, but he is not holding his breath.

On March 17, the province announced $30 million in emergency funding for not-for-profit organizations and charities to support vulnerable populations during the coronavirus pandemic.

"The government has never been very good at supporting animal welfare organizations," Colborne said. "And at a time like this, obviously organizations that help humans get through this scary time take precedence."

The restrictions imposed on businesses are also making it more difficult for BARS to find "forever" homes for the animals, especially cats, in their care.

In recent years, they have partnered with pet stores in Edmonton, St. Albert and Spruce Grove to create adoption centres for their smaller animals, mostly cats.

However, due to the uncertainty caused by COVID-19, BARS has pulled its animals from these adoption centres, at least temporarily.

The pandemic has also meant that BARS has had to curtail its activities.

"There are animals that people call us about and that we would love to help, but like everyone else, we are doing our best to maintain our distance and limiting the time we spend in other people's homes," he said.

On the bright side, recently the society has seen an upswing in adoptions for both cats and dogs.

"People are spending more time at home and they think it is a good time to get an animal companion," Colborne said.

And that could be the case, he said, adding having time to spend with the new pet gives both the animal and its human guardian a chance to bond and adapt to each other.

"My only concern is that when people go back to work or return their normal life their attitude may change and decide the animal is too much trouble. Dogs and cats are often thought of as being somewhat disposable," Colborne said.

To minimize the chance of that happening, he said, BARS does its best to vet potential pet owners.

"It is a big commitment and everyone in the family has to be on board. These animals live for many years and it is not something people should take lightly, or do on a whim," Colborne said.

As for how people can help, Colborne noted the best way is financial.

"I understand that people are in tight spot right now, but any monetary donation, no matter how small, is huge," he said.

Colborne also noted that BARS is always looking for potential foster families as they regularly receive requests from people who are looking to surrender their animals.

"We can't always help, but if we can't we might be able to point them to someone who can," he said.

For more information on BARS visit www.barrheadrescue.org or contact them through their Facebook page.

Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com

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