Animal sanctuary seeks donations of money

A Vermilion animal sanctuary specializing in the intake, care and adoption of special needs animals is seeking monetary donations in light of difficulties that have arisen due to the novel coronavirus.

Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary, 12516 Cherry Road, requires special medication, food and other supplies in order to keep the doors open and animals taken care of, said owner Deb Parker.

The sanctuary takes in animals that suffer from deformities, severe injuries and trauma on the local, state and international level and currently is caring for 40 dogs.

The international intake of those animals, however, has been halted by COVID-19 precautions and shut-downs, Parker said.

“Right now, we’re stuck with the coronavirus,” she said.

Since Parker cares for animals that have no flexibility in their diets or medicine intake, she said monetary donations are important now more than ever.

These supplies, as well as surgeries when necessary, are expensive necessities for the sanctuary’s animals, which need exponentially more care than most pets, Parker said.

St. Francis also cannot take bed linen or other material supplies donations due to the spreading of COVID-19.

The sanctuary previously has used a national pet food bank and is able to pick up pallets’ worth of supplies, but Parker said she is limiting travel and unable to utilize the food bank.

To reduce the amount of potential exposure to the virus, Parker said she posted signs at the end of her property warning people not to come any closer.

Pet supply company Chewy has been a huge asset to the sanctuary, with shipments coming in about twice a week, Parker said.

Even then, she said she sanitizes food bags and other purchased supplies before bringing it into the sanctuary.

“We’re also tax exempt because we’re a nonprofit and they deliver to us for free,” she said.

Parker said she has contacted the company and is hoping for some other benefits and help.