Melanie Crehan was about four years old when she brought home her first stray animal.
Over the years, the practice continued until finally her mother said in exasperation that she could have as many strays as she wanted when she had her own home.
“Look what she did to me,” said Crehan with a laugh, at her home in Rimbey that she shares with three dogs and just as many cats.
It goes without saying that Crehan, who is the founder and CAO of Serenity Pet Shelter Society loves animals and nothing pleases her more than knowing a homeless dog or cat has found a forever home.
As the name suggests, Serenity Pet Shelter is a safe haven for pets who have, through no fault of their own, been abused and/or abandoned.
The pet shelter provides a safe haven for these voiceless victims.
Crehan, who moved to Rimbey in January from Sylvan Lake says the pet shelter provides lots of support to foster parents who take rescued animals in.
Once the animals to be fostered are rescued he or she is transported to Rimbey Vet Clinic. Foster parents are then encouraged to come to the vet clinic where they will meet a representative from Serenity and follow up vet care will be arranged.
Food support and equipment such as litter boxes and toy crates wherever possible will be provided by Serenity to the foster family. They also provide consultations regarding any issues that may arise.
Anyone who wishes to become a foster parent/family to a homeless pet may call either 403-505-2925 or 403-963-73331 to have a request form emailed.
Those with experience with dog and cat companions will receive first consideration.
Serenity is looking for homes that provide an indoor family atmosphere as well as safe outdoor space. Their foster families are expected to provide compassionate care, patience, consistency, structure and routine as well as positive reinforcement.
Crehan noted that the Serenity Pet Shelter Society is a registered charity and a non-profit organization that receives no funding from outside sources.
“We rely solely on donations and fundraisers,” she said. “All of our adoptions are subsidized.”
The benevolent animal lover was saddened and angered that about $200 worth of bottles she had stored was recently stolen. The money to be made through the bottles was earmarked for Serenity Pet Shelter.
Anyone who wishes to make a donation may do so through donations.sylvanserenity@gmail.com or melaniecrehan@gmail.com