As the winter's rage descended upon Oregon, the Oregon Humane Society in Portland became a testament to resilience amid unrelenting snow and ice. The shelter, a refuge for 240 animals, has been grappling with severe weather conditions that have not only triggered a statewide emergency but also led to substantial infrastructure damage. According to OPB, the humane society is staring down a hefty $75,000 bill for storm-related damages, highlighting the acute challenges faced by organizations that simply cannot afford to cease operations due to inclement weather.
In a statement to OPB, Sharon Harmon, the president of the Oregon Humane Society, declared, "We don't have an option to shut the doors and turn out the lights." Despite the harsh conditions restricting certain outdoor activities for the animals—including the leisurely long walks that they are accustomed to, Harmon assured that the quality of care remains consistent, stating, "All the animals are getting the same quality of care," He added, "But due to the ice, they may not be getting out for the long walks on the dog path and down the hillside. I think they’re just as bored as we are. But we’ll get through it."
This weekend compounded the shelter's woes as a burst water pipe inundated the food prep and laundry area. KOIN 6 News reported details of the incident from Laura Klink, an Oregon Humane Society spokesperson, who said, "A frozen pipe burst in the building’s food prep and laundry area." While the flooding was significant, it fortuitously spared the kennels, ensuring that the shelter inhabitants remained dry and safe.
Klink provided further relief in her assurances that the flooding did not affect the shelter's ability to care for its residents, affirming to KOIN 6 News, "Luckily, it did not happen in any of our kennel areas, so the shelter pets were not directly affected." The flooding did reach the shelter hospital, yet was swiftly handled by the facilities crew, and veterinary care continues to be provided, "We also had some flooding in our shelter hospital, but it happened after hours so our facilities crew was able to clean things up fast and our veterinary team is still able to provide care to shelter pets," she added. The determination of the humane society's staff underpins their commitment to the well-being of the animals that depend on them—a display of steadfast care through the chill that has enveloped Oregon.
