BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The City of Buffalo came together once again in crisis. This time to clear all of the dogs from the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter. The coronavirus outbreak caused all city buildings to close, which included the shelter. That means no volunteers and no potential adopters coming in to see the dogs.
"We've pulled all the dogs in the last three days to get them out of there. It just shows how the community, Buffalo and the rest of the community in general, can come together," said Molly Webster, a volunteer at the shelter.
There are workers at the shelter to care for the dogs, but the public is not able to come in to volunteer or adopt the dogs. The staff left feed and bathe the dogs, and clean.
"There's a skeleton crew staff there to take care of the dogs but as far as enrichment, being able to get out and go on walks and interaction with people... they knew it was going to be very minimal," Webster said.
Jen Welker, the president of Queen City Pitties, and January Vaughn, the president of Be Their Voice Rescue, stepped up. Their rescues found fosters for some of the last remaining dogs.
"Clearing the shelter just created a miracle," Vaughn said.
"Getting them into a rescue was super important because they're going to be living in homes. They're going ot be getting used to people," said Welker.
They have coordinated a volunteer, Aaryonah Vaughn from Be Their Voice, to run dog food, bones, medicine and other necessities to the fosters. She is also bringing pup supplies to the elderly, free of charge.
"It's much easier for me to go and deliver the supplies," said Aaryonah.
As more strays and surrenders come into the Buffalo Animal Shelter, the rescues, volunteers and staff will work to place those dogs in foster and forever homes.
To take advantage of the services Be Their Voice is offering to seniors in need of pup supplies, message theBe Their Voice Facebook page or call/text (716) 868-9399.
