Humane Society without A/C - KVUE
The staff, volunteers and members of the community are pitching in. They're taking extreme measures to protect the dogs and cats at the Austin Humane Society from the relentless heat.
The dog days of summer are taking on new meaning at the Austin Human Society. As the mercury soars to record levels, the animals are feeling it -- especially today.
The building's air conditioning went out early Sunday morning. A Humane Society spokesperson said a city transformer blew out around 4 a.m. It burned out the building's A/C motors, leaving dogs and cats with no way to stay cool.
Shelter staff and volunteers immediately stepped in. Fans have been brought in, and ice is being added to their water bowls.
People are hearing about the calls for help on twitter and facebook.
"I saw it on twitter first, then facebook that there was a call out for ice and fans," said Terry Woodroofe, an Austinite who brought supplies for the animals. "Anything I could do to help -- I want to bring one home, but I can't."
"I just thought about the dogs and cats sweating in the heat, and thought, let's bring some ice -- so glad to help." said Miguel Cabrera, another Austinite who brought supplies.
More than 200 animals are without A/C. Because of that, all adoptions Sunday and Monday are free.
After 14 hours of no A/C, a temporary fix finally clicked on around 6 p.m. A permanent solution won't be in place until Monday afternoon.
"You want to pick them all up, and make sure they get a home and can stay cool," said Amanda Ryan-Smith, the Humane Society's communication director. "We are working around the clock."
Everybody is pitching in to protect the dogs and cats from the scorching heat.
"We're watching out for signs of heat exhaustion -- any panting or extreme lethargy," said Ryan-Smith. "Watch out for all those things to make sure they are safe."
29 Aug, 2011--
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