The last few months have been extremely difficult on our community, but as I look around at all we have still accomplished, I am filled with pride. I am proud that our community continues to open their hearts to pets in need.
Since March 1, 264 pets have received compassionate care in the homes of foster care volunteers, and 433 more have been adopted into families of their own. Hundreds of caring individuals have reached out to donate funds and supplies to continue saving lives. Our teams have provided 2,216 pounds of emergency pet food and supplies to families facing difficult times. Together we have risen to the challenges of this pandemic to continue to help pets and people in our community.
We are facing a new normal as we go forward and our task right now is to balance your safety and health with the strength of our organization, and the welfare of the animals entrusted to us. “Re-opening” — and I put that in quotes because we have never closed, not in 147 years — has risks. We will be mindful of these risks while keeping everyone safe, delivering our mission, and providing the critical services that the community needs.
Even with so much uncertainty and unpredictability today, here’s what I am certain of: Our future will be different. But the Rochester community is strong, and I know it will continue to come together to keep everyone safe—including our community’s pets in need.
Plans Moving Forward
As we hear the news about plans to open businesses and restrictions lifting, you may be wondering what this will mean for us at Lollypop Farm. We will continue to adhere to local, state, and federal guidelines. For now, and at least through the month of June, we will be continuing to limit the number of staff, volunteers, and visitors in the building to help keep everyone safe. In addition, starting May 18th and moving forward:
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- We will begin same-day appointments for adopters wishing to meet pets looking for homes. Satellite adoption centers will remain closed at this time. You can meet pets looking for new homes here.
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- We will begin same-day appointments for adopters wishing to meet pets looking for homes. Satellite adoption centers will remain closed at this time.
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- If you need to surrender your pet, please visit www.lollypop.org/admissions. We are scheduling animal intake to help the neediest pets first and will work with you to evaluate alternative resources.
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- Humane Law Enforcement continues to investigate animal crimes and is available at 585-223-6500 should you suspect animal cruelty.
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- If you or someone you know is facing challenging times, Lollypop Farm is here to offer support through the Pet Food Pantry and other community resources to help keep pets with the families who love them.
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- If you are facing a difficult end-of-life decision for your pet, we are here for you. Please visit www.lollypop.org/services/end-of-life-services/ to review your options and connect with us by phone or email.
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- Our Farm Walk and main shelter location will remain closed to visitors, but we are providing new virtual humane education programs and activities.
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- In-person training classes will remain closed; however, our Behavior Team is ready to lend their support through virtual private training classes and our Pet Peeves Behavior Helpline.
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- Our spay/neuter incentive program will remain closed for the time being, but we have high hopes we will be able to resume this service in the near future.
How You Can Help
Thank you to everyone who continues to reach out to support Lollypop Farm. Having had to postpone programs, cancel fundraising events, and turn away donation items from our wish list, we face challenges as we plan for the thousands of pets brought to our shelter every year. We could not be more grateful for your kindness and compassion during this time.
Here are the best ways you can help pets at Lollypop Farm:
- Make a donation to show your support for homeless pets
- Join the Fur-Ever Yours monthly giving program
- Provide critical supplies through our Amazon Wish List
- Make an appointment to adopt a pet
- Start a Facebook Fundraiser
As we continue to embrace and overcome the challenges of this pandemic, I know together we will ensure that the pets in our community are not overlooked or forgotten. Together, we will discover a bright future for Rochester’s pets in need.
With Lollypop Love,
Alice Calabrese, CAWA
President & CEO, Lollypop Farm
