All posts are in reverse chronological order.
To: NGPR Adoption Coordinators
Date: 3/19/20 5 pm
NGPR Introduces the Virtual Home Visit
Meeting the Covid-19 Challenge
Read more at https://mailchi.mp/nationalpyr.org/adoption-coordinators-update-3-19-20
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To: NGPR's Foster Family Facebook page
Date: 3/19/20 10 AM
From: Susan DeBili Botte
In this time of uncertainty about the coronavirus, how it will affect all of us and the dogs we are so devoted to saving, we would like to post this update.
The NGPR New Beginnings kennel has stopped meet and greets as of last week, and has continued and upgraded their disinfecting protocols. The dogs have plenty of food and are in good hands.
The virus has hampered home visits and we are offering the option of virtual visits as a substitute when a home visit is not possible. There will be separate posts and emails about this.
As far as transport, we have a volunteer transport scheduled for this weekend. There are some paid transports that are not running, but we have not heard that yet from the regular ones that NGPR uses. That could change and it is being monitored. There are concerns with having enough drivers, staying safe in public restrooms, and even some concerns of crime at rest areas.
In the meantime, NGPR is being asked to help with many dogs in need, and it is puppy season. If you can open your home to a dog in need, please reply below and/or contact your state coordinator.
On a lighter note, congratulations to Wanda and her new pups. Elizabeth Liz Iacoponi DiFrancisco will keep us up to date on their progress.
We thank everyone for your continued support. Please stay safe.
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To: NGPR New Beginnings Kennel
Date: 3/14/20 4:51 PM
From: Susan DeBili
Dear Kennel Volunteers and Staff:
In keeping with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NGPR is continuing policies already in place and implementing new policies that are aimed at inhibiting the spread of the virus. We take the health of our volunteers and workers very seriously and want your experience here to be as safe and comfortable as possible. The following best practices will help keep everyone safe:
- When arriving at the kennel wash your hands in the bathroom with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before proceeding to the NGPR building
- Disinfect all surfaces you touch with the disinfectant wipes and sprays provided which can be found on the table in the kennel.
- There will also be disinfectant outside near common surfaces like gate latches. Leashes for the dogs should be disinfected after use.
- Disposable plastic gloves are available and can be found on the table in the kennel.
- If you are not feeling well, stay home and contact Steve or Connie by phone or text as soon as possible.
- There will be no foster or adoption meet and greets at the kennel until further notice.
Thank you for caring for the dogs through this difficult time.
Susan DeBili
President, NGPR
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To: NGPR's Foster Family Facebook page
Date: 3/12/20 7:51 AM
From: Barbara Mattson
As some of you may have heard, NGPR will not be attending the Columbus Pet Expo this weekend. We will, however, continue with our normal intake, transport and adoption activities for the foreseeable future. We do anticipate a possible uptick in the number of the dogs who will be surrendered to shelters or to us. We will do our best to accommodate them or advise their owners of other alternatives. For individual pet owners looking for guidance, Roman Gottfried (below) has posted some advice on his Facebook page which may be helpful. If you have questions about how to proceed under any circumstances regarding rescue, please contact me or Sue Debili. We will be happy to help.
Today, the WHO has declared COVID-19 a pandemic. In this situation, what do we need to know about our pets?
There are some steps all pet owners can take to plan for their pet’s care, and some things that people with COVID-19 need to know to avoid transmitting it to their pet.” – Zazie Todd Ph.D.
Everyone should have an emergency plan for their pet anyway, even at the best of times (Todd, 2020).
This includes putting together an emergency kit including your pet’s identification details (e.g. microchip), copies of their veterinary records, any medication they might need, and supplies such as pet food, cat litter, cleaning supplies, pee pads, and so on. Download list here: https://spca.bc.ca/…/BC-SPCA-Pet-Disaster-Plan…
Veterinarian Dr. Adrian Walton of Dewdney Animal Hospital told CTV News Vancouver,“If you are quarantined, it’s very likely that they’re going to be quarantining your pet as well, at least for 14 days. So one of the things that they are recommending is making sure that you have enough food and medications to self-quarantine you and your pet for that period of time; but also understand that if you get hospitalized, you’re going to have to have arrangements with somebody to take care of your pets if you do have to spend some time in the hospital. These are things that you should be planning ahead for.”
In other words, you should plan for at least 14days “house quarantine”
Do you have a “pet care plan” for your pet in case you need to go to the hospital? A key safe, crate for your dog, etc.
How do you keep your dogs happy while in lock-down?
Here a link with some great info.
https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/…/six-ways-to…
Is your pet in danger?
No but help your pet by following these simple tips: https://www.facebook.com/…/a.30163…/4033886373291996/…"
