The Heaven Can Wait animal shelter in High River is facing an uncertain future as Albertans continue to struggle with hard financial times.
With 175 cats, 32 dogs, over $1,200 in monthly litter costs, over $23,000 in outstanding vet bills and endless kibble requests – the shelter is having trouble keeping up with increased demand.
“We have changes in the economy, so we’re getting way, way more calls for animal surrenders,” owner Kim Hessel said. “It’s just the reality that not enough is coming in and too much is going out.”
After 18 years in operation, Hessel was forced Wednesday to announce the shelter’s possible closure next month.
“I think what pushed us over the edge is that there was no end in sight and there was no money in sight.”
Heaven Can Wait is High River’s only animal shelter. Hessel started it in her old home in downtown High River.
“I saw a need and I thought I would take a chance… on whether we could make a difference in town,” she said.
And it did.
During the 2013 flood alone, the shelter rescued hundreds of animals and took in over 700 pets.
Now, residents like Esposito are hoping to rescue the shelter with a GoFundMe page. The online campaign already raised over $60,000 by late Friday afternoon.
Other fundraisers have also started, including an online auction with donations of Flames tickets, car detailing, pet supplies and more.
“I’m doing the auction to specifically cover their vet bills through the Highview Animal Clinic and the Nanton Veterinary Clinic as well,” Esposito said.
Thanks to those generous donations, Hessel suggested the shelter should have their bills covered for at least the next several months. She said people’s efforts have also given her a new appreciation for the shelter’s worth.
“There is no Plan B for the community and I think the work we do is still really valued and still needed in the community.”
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