“Let’s work together and get the animals taken care of,” she said. “That’s the bottom line.”
Geiger is the founder, president and executive director of Pennies-4-Paws Inc. She was in Beaver Dam on Thursday to help the Dodge County Humane Society remove 28 cats from a residence in the city.
The cats were removed after the owner died.
Geiger said she has learned a lot from experiences such as this one. She said things like coordinating the animals, but most importantly, it’s to be compassionate and work closely with the owner(s).
“I let people know that we are there to help,” she said.
It’s natural for people to form deep emotional bonds with their pets and when unforeseen disasters occur, she said, it’s important to inform the family that the animals will be cared and looked after. She is always grateful when people reach out for help instead of going on pretending there is not problem. She said she understands that it’s a difficult process.
Removing 28 cats was a first for Kensie Drinkwine, executive director at the Dodge County Humane Society, who has been with the Humane Society for just two years.
“[These cats] look like they are in good condition,” she said.
Once all the cats were transported to the Dodge County Humane Society building, N6839 State Road 26, the cats were quarantined in order to prevent any possible spread of any diseases. Due to the large number of cats coming into the building Thursday, the humane society closed off a room for the cats and called in all of its staffmembers.
Drinkwine said none of the cats are up for adoption at the moment because they are not up-to-date on their vaccinations. In addition, some will be spayed and neutered next week after the veterinarian stops by to check them all out and clear them.
The cats might be available for adoption by the end of the month, according to Drinkwine.
Once the cats are vaccinated, bathed, treated for fleas and subjected to other exams, the process to find the cats new homes begins.
She said, right now, the Humane Society is over capacity with more than 100 cats available for adoption. Caring for these cats and the other animals comes at a hefty cost. Drinkwine said the Humane Society will continue to seek tax deductible donations as the vetting process and care for one cat can range anywhere between $75 to $100.
“We’re glad to have the facility and the community support to help in these situations,” she said.
Those who want to donate to the Dodge County Humane Society, can visit stop by its location or visit its Facebook page or the website.