A day after a mechanical malfunction allowed temperatures inside the near-capacity Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) at 7315 Muncaster Mill Rd. in Derwood to rise, the center’s air conditioning system was entirely repaired. The response to MCASAC’s plea for temporary pet foster homes during the problem was astounding.
All expectations were greatly surpassed by the response. The organization said, “You responded to our call for assistance in ways we never could have predicted.” Numerous emergency fosters volunteered to provide safe havens where pets might be cool and cozy during the crisis. More than 40 dogs, most cats, and small animals were placed in temporary homes on Monday night alone, and scores more were placed in caring settings the next day. In a striking demonstration of togetherness and affection for the animals, the line of kindhearted community members stretched from the building’s entrance deep into the parking lot at its height.
Along with homes, numerous supporters flooded the group with messages of support and hope and provided useful supplies like fans and cooling mats. Numerous emails, letters, and phone calls poured in, each one serving as a reminder of the close-knit network that binds people who work with animals. The huge presence of support was regarded as not only overwhelming but also humbling and beautiful; the word “incredible” scarcely adequately captures it.
Despite being a small team handling hundreds of messages and many calls over three days, MCASAC personnel has been working really hard to show their appreciation. Every phone, message, and comment has been acknowledged, and although it may take some time to respond to all of them due to the volume of correspondence, the organization is incredibly grateful for every act of assistance.
MCASAC told the community at the end of this crisis that all animals are cool, safe, and well-cared for because of the incredible human generosity that poured in when it was most needed. MCASAC’s sincere acknowledgement shows a strong bond between the organization and the individuals it serves and serves as a reminder that even the most difficult problems can be handled with grace and solidarity if collaboration and compassion are shown. The entire message is displayed below:
You responded to our cry for assistance in ways we could never have predicted.
We requested emergency fosters to keep our animals comfortable and safe while we worked quickly to fix serious construction problems. We hoped for help. We were confident that this community would support both the animals and us.
However, this? We are unable to respond to this response. For all of you, how can we even begin to show our appreciation?
Along with most of our cats and small animals, more than 40 canines departed the building on Monday night alone. The next day, several more were taken up. At one point, the line of volunteers extended into the parking lot and out the door. People who were unable to foster sent us offers of assistance, shared our messages widely, and contributed fans and cooling mats.
Amazing isn’t even close to describing it. It was too much. It was humble. It was lovely.
Having said that, this is the reason we haven’t had a chance to reply to your message, comment, call, or offer of assistance. Please understand that we do see you; it’s not because we don’t see you. Every time the phone rings, a message pings, or a name appears in our inbox, we know that you adore us.
With only a few employees to handle it all, we have over 150 foster emails, innumerable direct messages to go through, and a phone line that has been busy for three days.
Know that your generosity has not gone unappreciated. We’re making every effort to reply to everyone as soon as possible.
Meanwhile: Because of YOU, every animal is cool, safe, and well-cared for.
Please visit: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/ to find out more about MCASAC.
