As society grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, we have focused on the most basic survival tools: Stockpiling food and water in our homes, caring for the vulnerable, and giving up the daily pleasures and privileges we once took for granted. Sitting. It's easy to fixate on our immediate challenges and forget that abandoned and abused pets need our help now more than ever. That's why Ferōz reached out to the Animalove Foundation to learn more about how they continue to advocate for dogs and cats in need during this season of crisis. Based in Zipaquirá, this dynamic non-profit organization continues to provide rescued animals with medical care, sustenance, rehabilitation, warm accommodation, and love. We sat down with Johana Pérez, its founder, and found out what we ALL can do to help these furry ones during the crisis.
Some of the dogs rescued from the foundation.
• Tell us briefly how your organization started and its main lines of action.
Fundación Animalove is a family initiative born out of deep love for animals and the desire to help this vulnerable street population. Our mission is to rescue, recover and responsibly adopt dogs and cats that were once abused and abandoned.
• What are your greatest needs for animal care? How can people help your foundation? (For example, donations of money, gifts of food/medicine, adoption of a pet, adoption, etc.)
The greatest needs for the care of our rescued are mainly food, medicine, hygiene items, veterinary implements, and maintenance of the facilities.
La mayor necesidades para el cuidado de nuestros rescatados es principalmente alimento, medicinas, elementos de aseo, implementos veterinarios y mantenimiento de las instalaciones.
There are many ways to help: giving a rescued furry a new chance by adopting; we also have several banking options, Donación y PayPal, where you can contribute the desired amount of money, as well as donations in kind of any item in good condition. that is useful for the furry ones (food, medicine, blankets, towels, etc.) and finally, being an active volunteer of the foundation supporting us in the different events and conferences.
• What are your greatest needs for animal care? How can people help your foundation? (For example, donations of money, gifts of food/medicine, adoption of a pet, adoption, etc.)
The greatest needs for the care of our rescued are mainly food, medicine, hygiene items, veterinary implements, and maintenance of the facilities.
• I am sure that you witness hard situations in your line of work. Are there cultural or economic trends that you have identified that contribute to the mistreatment of animals in Colombia? Can these things be addressed or changed?
Yes, we have noticed that there is still a lack of awareness of the responsible ownership of animals, especially in rural areas where they are still not treated properly. The best way to tackle this problem is by carrying out sterilization campaigns and getting closer to these people to explain the importance of sterilizing, vaccinating, and treating their animals as members of the family.
• Can you share with us the most incredible story of any recovery?
Our flagship store is that of Douglas, a pit bull who is no longer on this plane but who undoubtedly left an important mark on all of us who knew him; Douglas was one of our first rescues; he was a furry who was used for dog fights, they mutilated his ears and taught him to attack. After he got sick and began to have skin problems, they abandoned him to his fate on the street, where we picked him up. With patience, dedication, love, and care, we could rehabilitate his body and his behavior, becoming the most tender and exemplary grandfather of the herd.
• It's wonderful that you find permanent homes for over 100 dogs each year! How are pets related to the right families? Is there a formula?
We are sure that the chemistry between furry and human exists; we have seen hundreds of times how an immediate connection is achieved, reaching happy endings where they complement each other. Of course, the ideal formula is love!
• How has the Covid-19 epidemic affected pet adoptions for Animalove? Are more people looking to bring a pet into their homes during this time of isolation?
The current situation due to the pandemic has greatly affected our successful adoption movement since it is impossible for us to receive visits from people interested in adopting, nor do we have the opportunity to attend the different adoption days that we organize monthly. Due to the lack of visits, donations and aid fell by 90%.
No, we believe that people in this difficult time do not consider it the right time to bring home a new member.
• What are the biggest challenges facing Animalove now due to Covid-19?
The biggest challenge we are going through right now due to the virus is getting the resources and donations to continue covering all the expenses and needs of the pack.
• Share with our readers how their support makes a real difference to your organization and the furry friends you care for!
The support of each person is essential for the health and well-being of more than 300 furry lives rescued from the cold streets; with your help and contributions, we make second chances possible for our best friends.
The Animal love team
If you want to donate, you can do it HERE. Their website is at this link and their Instagram account is HERE. Throughout April, Feroz will donate 50% of the proceeds from the URBAN GLAM collection to this foundation. If you want to make a purchase and support this cause, click HERE.
