As many of you are aware The Ark has been without a veterinarian since the pandemic hit. Due to COVID-19, the US-Canada border has been closed so we have not been able to go to our regular veterinarian.
This loss has been a huge hit to our work and we have had to really limit our intake. Saying “no” to people reaching out for help has not been easy for us. It is not part of our makeup to say no without good reason. We have struggled and there have been days we have felt like throwing in the towel.
Then we have a moment of clarity and say, “Hey wait a minute we are not quitters.” We tried everything we could think of to get vet care for our animals and nothing seemed to pan out, but we persevered. A simple letter went out in the mail from The Ark asking for help, stating our case. That letter was mailed almost two weeks ago.
Yesterday a phone call came, we had a vet clinic willing to help us and take us on as clients. A huge sense of relief came over us. It means no more sleepless nights worrying about what if a cat gets sick or injured; no more having to refuse animals because we could not provide proper vet care. Finally, there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
The pandemic has literally brought our work to a screaming halt, which was very discouraging. While we understand the guidelines and protocol it did not make it any easier. When it comes to animals in need we at the Ark will never give up trying. We will leave no stone unturned. We will do whatever it takes to continue our work. We have come to understand not to take anything for granted and to always have options. When things become difficult, we never give up. Our volunteers have been so great through all of this. They deserve a huge pat on the back.
We are headed in a new direction, with new people, but change is good. This is our new normal — following COVID-19 protocols, wearing face masks and curbside vet care. Actually it is all pretty simple, not difficult, unless we make it difficult. As they say “we are in this together.” When we pull together and help each other good things will happen!
This has been a learning curve for us, a difficult one, but we have weathered the storm and are moving forward. We cannot thank you enough for your continued support. Your support is what makes The Ark successful!
Thank you for reading our column. Everyone please stay safe and healthy.
The Ark Animal Sanctuary is located on 101 Old Woodstock Road. To contact Lorraine Monfils call 532-7387 or check out their Facebook page.
