Mac’s Mission deals with no power while caring for special-needs animals
JACKSON, Mo (KBSI) – We know that it’s hard to deal with no power, but imagine having to do that while caring for over fifty special-needs animals?
That is what Rochelle Steffen and the crew at Mac’s Mission in Cape County found themselves doing on Sunday and Monday.
We are talking dogs, turtles and more. All of them, vulnerable to the cold temperatures brought in by the winter storm.
“We have fragile animals out here because that’s our focus,” said Steffen, the founder. “They need us, we can’t miss an hour. We do not get a day off. They must have their medication.”
She says having no power in the middle of a winter storm is no fun.
“When the power goes out, now we have all these dogs and other animals and we have to scramble,” she explained.
She showed us the different pods and described how they handle each species and each unique animal.
“Those two pods, those are critical, the temperatures can dip quickly,” she said.
But she says they make it happen, thanks to a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
“We manage,” she said. “Our staff comes out and they spend the night. When the power went out, our staff members put the animals in these totes and then this time one of our guys took them to his truck and he had to turn on the heat all night.”
Those animals she’s speaking of include giant turtles, an iguana, and a snake, among others.
“We just piled up a bunch of blankets and had to keep everything shut and they faired pretty well,” said Steffen.
She has a message. She wants to stress in these temperatures, it’s not safe to leave your pet outside. She has a strong message for anyone who thinks that that is acceptable.
“I have pulled dead dogs out of houses where they were chained up,” said Steffen. “It’s heartbreaking. I hate it. People know better. I can’t say what I would like to say about people who leave their pets outside, but shame on you.”
She says the answer is simple, keep your animals and pets inside. She also says to keep them groomed so that the snow and ice does not stick to their fur. Rochelle explains just like you, they need to be safe and warm.
“Literally,” said Rochelle. “Use your brain.”
Steffen and pet experts want to remind you that antifreeze will kill a pet. She also says to remember to tap the hood of your car just in case cats or other strays or small animals have crawled up inside.
Mac’s Mission is always in need of volunteers and fosters.
Click here to find out more: https://www.facebook.com/macthepitbull
Contact: 325 County Rd 436, Jackson, MO, United States, Missouri
(573) 275-7039
macsmission2011@gmail.com
