The Homeless Animal Rehabilitation and Treatment  (H.A.R.T.) Center

In the effort to achieve “No-Kill”, logic only gets you so far.  After that it is pure commitment to each life.  There is always a reason that euthanasia sounds reasonable, even necessary: age, lack of space, lack of financial resources, and contagious (but treatable) diseases.  With the exceptions of irreversible, dangerous disposition and painful, terminal disease, “No-Kill” means finding solutions beyond euthanasia.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world.  Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead

Prior to 2006, many of the animals being euthanized at our shelter were being euthanized for reversible, treatable diseases or immaturity.  Therefore, with the help and enthusiasm of our veterinarian and a network of private veterinarians who have seen what is accomplished and feel the responsibility to help, we decided to expand the program to include treating all reversibly ill or injured homeless animals and fostering all homeless animals that were too young to adopt.

Now, when the Humane Society of the Ochocos or the city or county police, etc. receives an ill, injured or immature animal, the H.A.R.T. coordinator is contacted and in turn contacts the veterinarian and arranges for immediate care.  If the animal is contagious or extremely ill, treatment and isolation is provided at the HART Center.  Although we never want to substitute the HART Center for the care that can be given in individual foster homes, there is a need for strict isolation for some diseases.  The HART Center is directly behind the SNIP Clinic and is equipped with 7 isolation and treatment rooms, a central disinfection system, air exchangers, in-floor heat, and a multitude of ideas garnered from the architect who designed the isolation units at the regional hospital.  It utilizes extensive glass and tile to achieve a bright, cheerful and sanitary environment for the animals.

When appropriate, the animal may be transferred to a foster home equipped specifically for that disease or problem.  For instance, any kitten with upper respiratory disease currently goes to a volunteer who is a retired physician.  This volunteer works closely with the veterinarian but always has appropriate medications, IV solutions, decongestants, etc.  If a kitten or puppy comes in at less than 3 weeks of age, it is sent to the volunteer that bottle-feeds.  If over 3 weeks, a well kitten/puppy home is provided to give it socialization skills and to keep it away from the germs that are invariably present with large numbers of animals.  A more unusual recent case is that of a feral (wild) dog that was live-trapped and is now in foster care with an experienced handler.

The cooperation between SNIP and the Humane Society, including boards, managements, staff and volunteers has been essential.  We are all committed to preventing unnecessary euthanasia and we have found cooperation easy and natural to save each life.

We believe that compassion and caring are contagious feelings. There is tremendous pride in this small town that it has led the way in animal welfare in Central and Eastern Oregon.

more HART pics Bend Bulletin article on HART of 7/28/08 Central Oregonian Article of 12/6/08 "Outstanding Community Service Project" award from the Central Oregon  Association of Realtors