With New Year's Eve around the corner, Maui's furry residents are facing a predicament that has nothing to do with resolutions or midnight toasts. According to Spectrum Local News, the Maui Humane Society is scrambling to find foster homes for pets as they brace for an anticipated spike in lost, sick, and injured animals due to the distress caused by fireworks.
The shelter, home to about 200 animals ready for fostering, has reached its capacity, leaving dogs to be temporarily housed in office spaces. "That is our biggest stressor right now. Right now, every day I come to work and I'm notified we have one kennel available, or two kennels available," Jennifer Goguen, the Director of Pet Resources at the Maui Humane Society, explained in an interview obtained by KITV.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Maui Humane Society is reaching out to the community for support. They're encouraging everyone to "step up and foster animals now, to provide a safe haven and allow space for the influx of incoming pets in need." Fostering presents itself as a no-cost way to help these animals, with the MHS providing all the necessary supplies, food, and medical care. Those willing to provide a temporary home for these critters can visit the MHS website for more information, as reported by Spectrum Local News.
Realizing that New Year's Eve festivities often lead to pets getting lost, shelter personnel are providing practical advice for pet owners. "If you do not have a name tag and you're unable to get one today, we do recommend that everybody take a few moments and get some duct tape, write your pet's name and your phone number on the tag (collar), maybe your address as well, just so that way, if your pet becomes missing, a finder will be able to reach out to you immediately," Goguen added. The importance of micrchips and ID tags being up-to-date cannot be overstated, particularly during a time when pets are at higher risk of becoming disoriented and lost, as per KITV.
