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Southern Pines Animal Shelter is proud of the work we are able to do across Mississippi. As an open admission shelter, Southern Pines takes in more than 7,000 pets each year. While this number is overwhelming at times, we are so thankful for community support, a thriving adoption program, and a robust transport program. We are also proud to work with a network of other shelters and animal welfare organizations in our state and nationwide to make a lifesaving difference for thousands of pets each year. This year alone, our transport program has saved the lives of more than 3,500 dogs and cats. While we celebrate these successes with our community, this year, our shelter was rocked by tragedy. An accident claimed the lives of 11 of our dogs who were traveling North to find their new homes. We feel these losses everyday as we search for answers and push forward to continue our lifesaving work. Over the last two months, Southern Pines has worked tirelessly to understand this loss of life and to ensure that our transport program remains safe, continuing to save lives in a responsible way. We hold our transport program—and all of our programs—to a very high standard, and we continually search for ways in which we can improve. We turn to national experts and best practices to strengthen our policies and procedures. And we remain committed to transparency with you, our community, as we carry forward with a promise to always do everything we can to protect the animals in our care and bring them to a happy life in new, loving homes. Below, is an update on the accident and the steps we have taken to strengthen our program. Once again, we thank you for standing by us through this devastating time; for supporting our work; and for helping to make a difference for pets in need. On July 6, 2018, Southern Pines Animal Shelter loaded a scheduled transport of 50 canines. Approximately 4 hours after leaving the shelter, the transport vehicle broke down and 11 dogs and puppies were immediately found to be deceased. Despite some initial misinformation given by observers at the scene, the dogs were found to have become deceased prior to the breakdown of the vehicle. The Southern Pines transport vehicle is a 2016 Ford Transit. The van has a front and rear AC, both with no history of malfunction. The van receives regular maintenance to include oil changes, tire tread checks and alignments, fluid checks, and general mechanical inspection. Upon departing from Southern Pines, the vehicle appeared to be in working order, and both AC units were operational and cooling. Following the incident, the vehicle was moved to a shop for inspection. At that time the mechanics performed a multi-point inspection including checking the gas gauges, the fuel system, the exhaust system, and both ACs. Their report identified no issue with any of these systems. They were able to identify at the conclusion of the overall inspection that the relay controlling the engine cooling system was faulty and had caused the vehicle to overheat and shut off. Once the vehicle was cleared, it was moved back to Hattiesburg for a second inspection. They also could not identify issues with the AC units or the exhaust system. While no definitive answers regarding cause of death for the animals was discovered, it was speculated that the overheating engine could have caused the power to be pulled from non-essential systems prior to shutting off. This may have put strain on the systems or impacted the overall temperature of the vehicle; however, there was no way to determine when or if during the trip that may have occurred. The back AC was functioning appropriately when inspected but was taken apart and cleaned to ensure continued optimal functionality. Both drivers report that during the 4-hour drive, the vehicle remained cool. They also reported that at the time of the breakdown, as they immediately opened the doors, all areas of the van felt cool. Additionally, the drivers did not indicate feeling sick, dizzy, or unwell during the drive. At no point did they see or hear any animals in distress from the time of departure until the breakdown. The July 6th transport included 50 animals of which 21 were puppies, and 29 were adult canines. Each animal was checked prior to departure to insure they were healthy and ready to travel. Prior to departure, Southern Pines staff completed an additional headcount of all animals and observed each animal to ensure they appeared bright and alert and fit for travel. At this time, one small breed, obese dog (not included in the above count) appeared to be very stressed and uncomfortable. The staff removed this dog from the transport for her safety and comfort. All of the other animals appeared healthy and ready for travel. When the van broke down at approximately 5:30pm, the drivers immediately began opening the vehicle doors and removing animals from the vehicle to prevent the possibility of overheating while the engine was off. At this time, they report the vehicle felt cool. Upon unloading the crates, they determined that 11 dogs were deceased and their remains indicated that they had become deceased prior to the breakdown. Two additional surviving dogs were sent to a nearby emergency vet clinic (one for blood in urine, and one for lethargy) to be monitored overnight. These dogs were found to have issues not related to transport. The dog with blood in his urine was thought to have a complication from heartworm treatment, and the lethargic dog was suffering from an unknown GI infection. Both were cleared and released by the vet the following day. We completed treatment for the GI infection and continued to monitor both dogs once they were back at Southern Pines Animal Shelter. The vet indicated that he did not believe either dog was suffering from heat-related or carbon monoxide related issues. They both made a full recovery. The animals that passed away were housed primarily near the back of the vehicle. Two of the deceased animals were sent for necropsy the Monday morning following the transport incident. The reports and follow-up consultations with the performing veterinarian were unable to provide clear cause of death. Heat-related death and carbon monoxide-related death (the two primary suspects) could not be confirmed or ruled out. It was determined by the veterinarian that sending more samples for necropsy would not result in more conclusive results. Results In the absence of definitive results on the cause of death for the animals on board, Southern Pines has made an effort to address all suspected causes and areas of concern as well as to reexamine existing protocols and procedures for transport to ensure safety and success of future transports. New Carbon Monoxide sensors, rear thermometers, and temperature monitoring were installed in the vehicle. These allow drivers to monitor the temperature of the rear of the vehicle at all times. Additionally, Southern Pines purchased a secondary cooling unit which operates independently of the vehicle’s power to be used in the event of a power failure or emergency. In order to better monitor and oversee transports while on the road, Southern Pines is also researching the installation of a device that allows for real-time monitoring of the transport vehicle and issues related to speed, location, stops, and break-downs. This would allow for better control and monitoring of active transports by support staff and quicker alerts and response in cases of emergency. Additionally, we are researching the addition of cameras that will give the driving team a better view of all kennels and animals throughout the trip. We have also reviewed nationally recognized best practice transport guidelines and reached out to transport partners for copies of their transport guidelines in order to make sure that our program is operating at the high standard we expect. We have modified our guidelines to create more safety measures, structure, and accountability during all parts of the transport process, and we continue to work closely with other national transport partners and organizations to find additional areas in which we can strengthen these guidelines. While the transport van has always been equipped with first aid supplies, we have also worked to strengthen safety protocols by ensuring drivers have access to listings of local vets and emergency resources along their travel route. Our transport drivers do have animal care experience and training, and we have worked to insure that they are comfortable with transport guidelines and protocols, especially during emergency situations. Southern Pines takes this accident very seriously, and in the wake of this devastation, we have worked to examine each part of our transport program, identifying and addressing areas where safety measures and protocols could be strengthened. Transporting more than 5,000 pets per year is an incredible responsibility, and one that we do not take lightly. We value the commitment and support from our partners and community, and we are working diligently to ensure that our program continues to be a safe and responsible life-saving effort for the pets and people involved. Thank you again for your support, compassion, and outpouring of love as we have grieved and grown from this tragedy. We look forward to working with you all to continue making a difference for pets in need. For the animals,  Ginny Sims
Director Southern Pines Animal Shelter
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 It only took one look at Zelda to know that her story would be a hard one to tell. She was found emaciated, dehydrated, and wandering alone through the streets. Her white feet were stained yellow, and we could make out the bones along her back and ribs. Her feet were painfully swollen from infection, and we were heartbroken to see that her front paw pads were completely gone. Where the paw pads had once been, it was now a gaping mess of raw flesh filled with gravel and other debris. We don’t know know how long she’d been wandering the streets in this condition, but the damage to her feet was extensive and the pain she’d constantly been enduring must have been excruciating. Despite this, Zelda was nothing but sweet, friendly and hopeful as we hurried to care for her broken body. She seemed to know that she’d finally landed in a safe place and that finally she was going to get the help she needed. We’re not sure what circumstances led to Zelda’s current condition; like many of our dogs her past remains a mystery. However, what we do know is her future is now bright. We know that now instead of uncertainty, pain, and loneliness, she now knows hope, relief, and love. And we know that with YOUR help we can truly make a difference for Zelda, helping to provide her the opportunity to regain her health and to find her forever home. Zelda’s immediate needs are being cared for. She’s receiving food, water, and medicine to help her gain a healthy weight and fight off the infection that is attacking her body. We are helping to manage her pain, and her feet have been carefully cleaned and bandaged. Our veterinarian thinks Zelda’s feet have been in a deteriorating state for a long while now, but we desperately need your help to find out what may have caused these wounds and how to help Zelda heal. In order to get Zelda the additional testing and medical care that she needs, we need to raise $500.
Will you lend a paw? If you're interested in contributing towards the medical care that Zelda and dogs like her so desperately need, please click the “Donate” button attached to this post. Thank you for being the difference for Zelda and for helping her get the second chance she deserves.  Winnie was brought into our shelter last week by a kind member of our community who found him, hurting, injured, and in great need of help. It was immediately clear that this poor dog was in a lot of pain due to a disturbingly large wound on his head that appears like it may have been inflicted by a gunshot. We are treating his wound with the resources that we have, we’re making sure he’s comfortable, and we’ve placed Winnie under close medical observation. Despite the severity of his wound, Winnie has shown a positive, upbeat attitude through it all; he’s definitely showing signs of being the energetic, one-year-old that he is! However, due to some concerns with his behavior and a head tilt, we’re concerned that whatever caused his wound might’ve also caused some neurological damage. To best determine a beneficial course of treatment for Winnie, we need to begin with X-rays to see if in fact it is a bullet wound, and where it may be lodged, or if it’s something else altogether. Whatever the cause of his injury, Winnie will have a long road to recovery until his wound is fully healed.
 Southern Pines Animal Shelter saved a total of 5,997 animals in 2016 and achieved no-kill status for the second year in a row with a 97.9% Placement Rate. This is a milestone in the 65 year history of the organization, making Southern Pines the largest open admission animal shelter to reach no-kill status in the state of Mississippi.
“We are so excited to be able to share this great news with our community,” said Ginny Sims, Director for Southern Pines Animal Shelter. “This accomplishment comes as a result of the ongoing support and dedication of a caring and compassionate community of donors, volunteers, partners, and supporters. It is only through their support that we will continue our mission and grow to accomplish more.” Southern Pines is an open-admission shelter, meaning that the doors are always open for animals entering the program regardless of their age, health, or perceived adoptability. Since 2015, more than 12,000 dogs and cats have received the shelter and medical care they needed to find homes and families of their own. This accomplishment comes through progressive shelter programs and services as well as the dedicated work of volunteers, fosters, community supporters, staff, and board of directors. Adoption programs designed to welcome adopters, create opportunities for support, and provide resources for pet care have helped the shelter to maintain high adoption rates. Innovative programs such as the Barn Cat and Healing Heart programs have also helped at-risk animals find homes through adoption. Southern Pines has also established a transport program which helps pets move out of overcrowded shelters and into adoptive homes in other states. The program has been successful in drastically reducing euthanasia of at-risk animals, and Southern Pines now partners with 15 shelters and rescues across the state of Mississippi to help them place dogs and cats through the Southern Pines Transport Program. During 2016, more than 3,200 dogs and cats benefited from this program. “Together, we have worked so hard over the last several years to really save more lives than we ever have before. We are proud to be a resource for communities around the state of Mississippi, and we have so many ideas and hopes for how to save more lives in the future,” said Sims. Achieving no-kill status does not mean that animals are never humanely euthanized, but that euthanasia decisions are reserved for animals suffering from illness, injury, or extreme aggression which severely hinders their quality of life and the safety of the public. A 90% or higher placement rate is the nationally accepted no-kill standard, and Southern Pines has exceeded this qualification since December of 2014. Other Key Accomplishments for the Southern Pines Organization: The Southern Pines Spay & Neuter Clinic, which opened in 2009, has completed more than 40,000 spay and neuter surgeries to date. The clinic has saved more than 1.2 million lives by reducing the number of unwanted litters being born into Mississippi communities. Last year, the clinic launched a wellness program to provide low-cost healthy pet services to pets in need. The Southern Pines Second Chance Thrift Shop, which opened in 2011, has raised more than $147,000 to save the lives of homeless, neglected and abused pets at Southern Pines. In addition, the Second Chance Thrift Shop is a vital part of the community and has also donated thousands of dollars in clothing and items to organizations assisting homeless populations and local at-risk youth.  Chloe. Back up on her feet and making her comeback. Why is transport so important to Southern Pines? |
 Chloe shows off her new wheels that were made possible thanks to generous donations from our community. | You may remember little Chloe, the determined, opinionated, affectionate little dog, who'd lost the use of her back legs due to a spinal injury? When she arrived at our shelter, her situation seemed pretty hopeless. But with help from the community, lots of love and dedication from her foster family, and an effective rehab regimen, over the course of a few months Chloe slowly got back up on her feet and walking again. However, even with her marked improvement and exposure to potential adopters, Chloe still hadn’t found the home she was looking for. Hoping to find a perfect family for little Chloe, Southern Pines extended the search for her home by contacting our transport partners in Maine, and they agreed to host her while she looked for a home up there. Within just a week, Chloe was successfully matched with her |
loving, forever family; a match made possible by the Southern Pines Transport Program and donations like yours. Our team could not be more thrilled that this sweet little dog that we loved on for months has found her second chance, but for Chloe, this program means so much more. It is a second chance, a warm bed at night, a feeling of love and security, and a promise that she is going to be okay.
| This is why our transport program is something that we at Southern Pines are so passionate about: it gives the animals in our care a greater chance at finding the forever home they all deserve. So far this year alone, we’ve been able to send 3,000 animals to adoption partners up north, to states like Maine, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. | 'Saving more lives than ever before!' is not just catchy phrase. It is the mission that our entire team is dedicated to. |
Why these states? Because these states have stricter spay and neuter laws which has effectively decreased their homeless pet population. In Mississippi, we don’t have these kinds of regulations, and therefore, we have an overabundance of homeless pets. Our shelter and our local partner shelters are always full to the brim with cats and dogs who need homes, and despite completing thousands of local adoptions each year, there are still so many pets without homes. Our receiving adoption partners are committed to finding these pets forever homes, they have room to take our dogs (and sometimes kitties), and they have adopters who’re waiting and interested in the pets we’re transporting up there. Because we have SO many dogs and cats here in Mississippi, it gives these animals who might not have had a chance here, a better chance there.
 Chloe and her new family in Maine. | It is an exciting program… and a necessary one. “Saving more lives than ever before!” is not just catchy phrase. It is the mission that our entire team is dedicated to, but it’s not without it’s cost. Providing our animals with this fantastic opportunity is an expensive one for our shelter: completely vetting the animals, the cost of drivers, vehicle maintenance, fuel expenses, etc. This #GivingTuesday, we’d ask you to consider donating toward our transport program, so that with your help we can give even more homeless animals, like Chloe, the chance at a happy new beginning. |
A second chance. A new beginning.
Thank you for making a difference.
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Blog articles are written by staff and volunteers of Southern Pines Animal Shelter.
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