Ranch Reflections are articles written by students who want to share their experiences, thoughts, and concerns. This is a great opportunity for students to branch out beyond traditional news stories.
Layne Thompson – LRHS News
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – I have always been a lover of animals, I even want to be a veterinarian after graduation, and volunteering at Lakewood Ranch’s Hooves, Paws and Claws Animals Sanctuary of Florida has open my eyes to the unfortunate circumstances some animals have to endure. It’s sad when you know a dog, cat, or even bird has been abandoned and left to fend for itself.
Lakewood Ranch Adoption Center President Betty Ramspeck has been working with volunteers to care for and find homes for many of these animals in the Lakewood Ranch area. Hooves, Paws and Claws provides a safe haven for over 90 animals and gives them a second chance.
Hooves, Paws and Claws Lakewood Ranch started a year ago in March. There are two other locations in Bradenton and Myakka City.
Junior Macy McFadden spends a lot of time and energy volunteering at the sanctuary and even fosters some of the sick or injured animals.
“It’s great to be able to take a step further in helping animals and work to make them available for adoption,” said McFadden.
It’s sad to think that people intentionally hurt animals for their own sick entertainment. Animals cannot use their voices to defend themselves, so it is up to all decent people in the world to help them in tough situations. Animals deserve the best care they can get and I am happy to contribute to that.
Most of the animals at the shelter were destined for some other shelter’s “kill” list or were abandoned.
Sophomore Abigail Vigna also volunteers at the facility and has devoted most of her time in the past month to these animals.
“The best part of volunteering at the animal shelter is being able to discover each animal’s personalities and qualities” said Vigna. “Each one has their own quirks and I love every minute of it.”
One of the dogs, Foxy, just had four puppies Saturday morning. As of now the puppies are not available for adoption due to their age. Anyone interested in adopting one can contact the shelter. They also have an array of other dogs big and small in all different colors. The shelter has many cats up for adoption as well.
The sanctuary is in great need of donations and volunteers. Donors can contribute at their website or donate items to the shelter. They also need sponsors to pay for supplies. All their costs are paid for by the shelter’s owners and staff.
I urge anyone interested in adopting a cat or dog to please consider a shelter like this. You can look at animals to adopt on the website or at one of the locations. The shelter is open Sundays from 9 -12 p.m. and 2 – 4 p.m. It is also open by appointment at 941-356-7285.
Anyone on the LRHS campus interested in helping these wonderful animals can contact Abigail Vigna, Macy Mcfadden, or Layne Thompson. It only takes one person to make a big difference in an animals life and volunteering is taking the first step to doing so.