Grace Notes: The Milo Foundation Gives Thanks
Redd and Petey, rescued from the Solano County shelter
For so many, our beloved animals have been crucial in helping us through the tumult of 2020. Faced with isolation and lack of human physical contact, we’ve come to realize how precious the companionship of our furry friends can be. But for lost, abandoned, or forgotten animals, the companionship of compassionate humans can be just as important.
From the pandemic to the firestorms, rescuing animals from California’s shelters has been a challenge even for The Milo Foundation with its more than 25 years of experience. In this season of Thanksgiving, we wanted to take a moment to express our deep gratitude to everyone who has made this work possible.
As an animal support organization, Milo was rightfully deemed an essential service in the early days of the pandemic. To ensure the safety of all staff, volunteers, and visitors, our Adoption Center scrupulously follows all CDC protocols. It’s been a tough balancing act and quite challenging at times, but we carry on for the sake of the animals.
We are immensely grateful to our dedicated staff for continuing to provide in-person care for the animals and to work with foster families and adopters. We are also grateful to our many foster families, donors, and adopters who have stepped up to help. These are the folks who make animal rescues successful by getting homeless animals the veterinary care they need, putting them steps closer to loving homes.
Brandy was homeless, living in a car for shelter
Milo rescues many injured and ailing animals, often found lying in pain in shelters, some needing orthopedic surgeries or other veterinary procedures to become whole and adoptable. Thankfully, we have generous donors who support our efforts to save these animals, getting them treatment and into permanent homes. It definitely takes a village, and we are fortunate to have a lovely village of rescue organizations and caring people who make a difference and keep hope alive.
In September, our Sanctuary in Mendocino County was threatened by two wildfires. Evacuating close to 200 animals and moving them to safety for the second time in three years was a daunting task, and it’s frightening to realize this may now be a yearly occurrence. Under spooky, dark orange, smoky skies, volunteers from rescue organizations and shelters appeared in droves at our Sanctuary, 10 miles east of Willits. Many opened their doors to our animals with no idea when they could be returned or even if the Sanctuary would still be standing. In all, we evacuated 82 dogs, 64 cats, 3 horses, 2 donkeys, 2 pigs, plus a number of chickens, peacocks, and even turtles. Thankfully, once again, our 283-acre Milo Sanctuary was spared from destruction, though we’ve been told that fire season has now been extended to the end of November so we’re keeping our fingers firmly crossed until then.
Like most Californians, we are beyond grateful for the firefighters who continue to risk their lives to save property and rescue humans and animals in danger. There are far too many people to thank individually, but special shout-outs also go to Green Dog Rescue and Kings Kastle, Solano County Animal Care, NorCal Shelter in Petaluma, Dogwood Animal Rescue, Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary, NorCal Livestock Evacuation and Support, Mendocino County Inland Humane Society, Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch, Jennifer Coletto, Shannon Jay (the amazing cat guy), Big Dog Rescue, and so many more animal-loving folks.
Bert, from Kern County, needed urgent medical care
As the pandemic continues, Milo is seeing an uptick in owner surrenders, and we are stepping up our ability to rescue from shelters and rehome these loving pets through our Adoption Center in Point Richmond. Although we house more of our “misfit critters” at our Sanctuary, some of these harder-to-home animals will be able to live out their lives happily in an open, spacious setting at Point Richmond. Meanwhile, there are other challenging pets to place at the Milo Sanctuary also awaiting just the right person. We invite potential dog-savvy adopters to apply and make an appointment to meet these special friends.
We look forward to a time when we can all be together to celebrate, and hug people as well as our animals, but until then, we at the Milo Foundation will continue our work to save as many forgotten animals as we can.
In this season of Thanksgiving, we all need love now more than ever. So stay safe and happy with your loved ones - and please see if there is room in your heart to foster, donate, volunteer, or adopt!