For 15 years, the Animal Haven Rescue League (AHRL) has provided care for countless pets that needed to be rehomed.
Some were turned in by their owners, but many dogs, cats, kittens and puppies that came into the League’s possession were abandoned, abused, or stray.
Started by Ruby Starrs and a group of like-minded volunteers, Animal Haven Rescue League was registered as a legitimate non-profit organization in Sept 2008. Starrs had moved from the East Coast shortly before and seen a need for a rescue organization in the Stettler area. Since then, the League has brought hundreds of pets into their care and found them homes.
AHRL depended heavily on volunteers both on its board and its rescue and fundraising efforts. With the animals being taken care of by foster homes before being adopted, and not having an actual facility, it was hard for them to get grants.
It also had never received government funding; instead, it raised money through different efforts and donations from local supporters and businesses. Money raised went towards food, vet bills, and other incidentals that come with taking care of abandoned or abused animals.
AHRL board member and cat coordinator Michelle Fisher says that the organization’s volunteers were “simply wonderful and the AHRL couldn’t exist without them.”
Fisher notes one major project undertaken by the League was in the summer of 2020 where a local farm had been abandoned, and with it approximately 30 cats and kittens left to fend for themselves.
A board member at the time had a heated barn and they were able to set up a temporary kennel there. Some of the cats took a bit of work to capture safely while others were regarded as friendly and were easily put into carriers for transport. Some needed various veterinary attention and volunteers were kept busy checking their food, changing their litter, administering medication and just making sure the animals got attention.
In the end, the less friendly ones were rehomed as barn cats, and the others found homes as house pets. Fisher says that the project made everyone grateful for being able to give back in such a big way.
The League has been struggling for some time now; like many similar organizations, they are having difficulty getting regular donations to cover their costs. Costs such as food and vet bills have gone up over time and they also have been struggling to find foster homes and volunteers to help with the growing number of animals they have taken in. Finding adoption homes for the animals once they are ready has also been a challenge. Despite their best efforts, the group has had a hard time operating, and the unfortunate decision to close its doors was made.
Fisher says since they announced Nov. 15 as its last day, League members have had lots of words of support and appreciation. She says those who are familiar with what is involved in animal rescue have been especially supportive.
AHRL wishes to extend a special thanks to Laura Gamroth at Very Important Pets Boarding Kennel and Grooming Salon.
Gamroth was known to shelter several animals at her facility when foster homes couldn’t be found at times. They also thank local donors as well as the businesses who supported them, and all their volunteers that they relied so heavily on over the years.
They are thankful that they were not only able to help so many animals in need but also to have such a positive impact on the community.