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Stanley, grooming two dogs, said the facility recently took in 40 cats and dogs. She blames the economy for people’s decisions to abandon their animals. Staff Photo/ Brittany Huggins
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By BRITTANY HUGGINS
Staff Writer
Many animals are being abandoned by owners hit by economic hardships, according to Doll Stanley, director of the non-profit animal sanctuary Project Hope near Duck Hill.
“The economy has definitely played a role in people’s decisions to abandon and surrender their animals when they move. Many people have found themselves in hard times after the loss of a job, and their first responsibility is to provide for their family,” Stanley said.
Stanley said she can relate to hard times, and recalls when she had to live out of her van until she had enough money from her new job to put a deposit down on an apartment.
“I understand what people are going through, but sometimes a person has to do whatever it takes to make it. Abandoning animals in the woods is inexcusable. Animals are the sole responsibility of their owners and should not have to suffer in such a way,” she said.
Stanley said she has also seen an increase in the number of horses that are being “turned out” by owners who cannot afford to feed them or care for them properly.
“Horses are very expensive animals to care for, and with the economy the way it is, many people are letting their horses starve to death and turning them into the wild. We have a horse named Rodney that has been with us almost a year. He went blind and was ‘turned out’ by his owners,” Stanley said.
According to Stanley, the sanctuary cannot take any more animals at this time because of overcrowding.
“We placed 20 dogs and eight cats on our last trip to the animal sanctuary Every Creature Counts in Ft. Lupton, Colo. A week and a half later we took in 40 more animals. A few days ago we had to turn away two mother dogs and 16 puppies that were abandoned because we didn’t have room for them,” Stanley said.
“Our trips to Colorado have been scarce. Our budget at the sanctuary has been cut $40,000 since last year. On average, we place 50 animals each trip, but because our funds are short and the trip costs $1,200, we haven’t been able to make it as often as we would like to,” she said.
The sanctuary is in need of community support in order to stay open, according to Stanley.
“We are facing an animal crisis in this area. The sanctuary is the only home for many of these abandoned animals, but it takes money to care for them. We have had to get very creative with the money that we have, but in this economy we are blessed to still be open,” Stanley said.
Stanley first came to Grenada 16 years ago to investigate an animal cruelty case. She decided to stay, and since that time has helped shut down puppy mills, a pet shop, hoarders (including one with 86 animals), and a supplier.
Stanley said she has seen some unspeakable cases of animal cruelty and abuse, but very few of those have occurred in Grenada County.
“It’s mind-boggling and even horrifying that there’s still so much to do, and yet it’s even more astonishing what can be achieved by so few people. Currently, we struggle for the time to address cruelty cases, but the may animals that we care for and place absolve us of guilt,” Stanley said.
The Project Hope team is comprised of Stanley, Lauren Herbert, Elizabeth Morman and Amy White.
Everyone participates in rescues, detecting medical or relationship needs, among many other responsibilities, according to Stanley.
“We hustle and bustle and still run short of time and resources on a daily basis. Despite the challenges, it’s nearly magical how so very much is accomplished,” she said.
Volunteers are modest, however, according to Stanley.
“Every single person who aids us are treasured. We all depend upon each other as much as the animals need for us to be a triumphant team,” Stanley said.
All of the animals at the sanctuary have names and stories, and visitors are likely to hear them all, Stanley said.
“The stories are innumerable of each of the animals’ rescue, assist and land at Project Hope. We just have to stick together, kick up some dust and keep this force for change rolling,” Stanley said.
Stanley recalls a couple of the animal’s stories.
“Everett the horse was punished for being the stallion he was born to be. Chained away from forage and water, and rarely fed. He was succumbing to deprivation when he came to us. He has since flourished at Project Hope and has become trusting of people,” Stanley said.
“Annabelle was dubbed the ‘wild dog’ of Vaiden. We trapped the ‘beast’ who sat welcoming to greet us as we removed her from her incarceration. She’s one of our ‘grazers’ (the dogs who aren’t enclosed because of physical or behavioral challenges),” she said.
To make a monetary donation to the sanctuary, send a check or money order to Project Hope Sanctuary/In Defense of Animals, 52 County Road 241 Grenada, MS 38901.
For more information on how to help, contact Stanley at 662-237-0233.
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