You've heard of the organizations - the Collier County Humane Society, Collier County Domestic Animal Services and Volunteer Services for Animals. Now meet the three woman in charge and hear what they have to say about the biggest problems facing the animal industry today, what goals their organizations are striving for in '98, and upcoming events you won't want to miss.
Collier County Domestic Animal Services
With over 6,000 animals passing through the county shelter last year alone, Director, Jodie Morelock, says their biggest project over the next year and a half is "to provide an efficient shelter that is large enough to handle our (county's) animals."
A new 15,000 square foot shelter on Davis Blvd is currently in the works and will have approximately 100 dog kennels and 70 cat cages. The 10 acre site for the new building was graciously donated to the county by a Naples resident (who would like to remain anonymous) for it's construction.
Over the past three years Morelock, who grew up in Naples, has been working on professionalizing the department. "When we first started we were (known as) 'the dog catchers'" she says, "but over the last 10-15 years the whole concept of animal control has changed." In the state of Florida there is now a mandatory 40-hour course in order to become an animal control officer. When Morelock started 16 years ago, she says such training wasn't available. Additional classes are also required to perform euthanasia, chemical capture and conduct cruelty investigations.
One of the biggest problems Morelock sees locally are stray animals, especially in the Estates area. People buy two acres, then turn their animals loose, thinking they are going to stay on the property, which doesn't happen.
"Part of being a responsible pet owner includes . . . putting an i.d. tag license (on your pet) and making sure that information is kept up-to-date." she said. "So, if by accident your dog does get out, and we do impound it, the animal has a way home."
Event: Jodie Morelock will be part of the upcoming Senior Lecture Series discussing the different aspects of Domestic Animal Service's job. You can hear her speak: Feb. 17 at Veterans Park, 10:00 am, Feb. 18 at East Naples Park 10:00 am, and Golden Gate Park, 1:00 pm, Feb. 19 at Vineyards Park at 10:00 am and Frank E. Mackle Park at 1:00 pm.
Volunteer Services for Animals
This non-profit group works with Domestic Animal Services. It was started 18 years ago by Louise Mard who, last September, turned over the helm to Janice Rudolph, a native of Nova Scotia who has resided in Naples since 1987.
"The county shelter's policy is to minimally maintain the dogs or cats until the owners come to claim them or until they are put up for adoption." Rudolph explained. The 50 member organization provides extra services that are not required of the county like, exercising the dogs, feeding the kittens and puppies a second meal, non-emergency veterinary care, and adoption counseling.
The biggest problem that Rudolph sees is the overpopulation of companion animals. "We're euthanizing too many healthy kittens and puppies." she said. "That's the saddest part, there's just not enough homes."
So to help combat this problem V.S.A is now offering their low-cost spay/neuter program year- round to those who are in financial need. In the past it was only offered for one month during the year. This extension was made possible, largely-in-part, because local veterinarians were willing to offer their services at reduced rates.
"One hundred percent of donations (we receive) go towards the spaying/neutering (program) and veterinary care." Rudolph said. Administrative expenses are absorb by the volunteers.
Event: Easter Egg Hunt for kids on Saturday, April 11 at the Royal Scoop ice cream parlor in Bonita Springs. Dogs and cats are welcome. For more information call: 597-4930
Collier County Humane Society
Unlike the county shelter which deals with stray animals, this non-profit organization established in the early 60's takes in pets that are no longer wanted by their owners. Executive Director and four year Naples resident, Chriss Wiegold, says the main reasons given for relinquishing pets are behavioral problems, like jumping or digging, and moving somewhere that doesn't accept them.
"When it comes to finding housing with pets, Naples, on a whole, is somewhat pet unfriendly." said Wiegold, who would like to establishing a program this year similar to San Francisco's Open Door program, which helps bring landlords together with responsible pet owning tenants. Within the program's first year, rental housing in San Francisco that accepted cats increased from an estimated 33 to 55 percent and for dogs, from 11 to 29 percent.
As far as behavioral problems, a new program to help owners will be starting this month. People who have adopted dogs from the Humane Society will now be entitled to a free basic obedience class which includes an hour long question/answer period.
"Instead of bringing them back to the shelter, we have a chance to intervene and correct those problems so they can stay with that family." said Wiegold, who adds, there will soon be a clinic to help cat owners as well.
Event: Grand opening on February 21 of their new thrift store located next to the shelter on Airport Road. Animal related events will be going on throughout the day. For more information call: 643-1555