BY MAGGIE DIGIOVANNI
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Elmore County – Visiting two shelters for animals this week, one a sanctuary and the other a humane shelter, provided stories differing to some degree, but the same in many ways. Today we focus on Lake Martin Animal Sanctuary.
At the Lake Martin Animal Sanctuary, run by Jennie Zinn, I found a building built by those who began saving animals long before realizing this dream. Although Jennie and her husband both work jobs outside the sanctuary, they find it very hard to turn away dogs, cats, or even a pot-belly pig and a horse, when the animals need help.
Within the facility are pens, two completed inside and out, while four more are being built as donated funds allow.
“I began by using my garage as a safe kennel for animals needing care in December 2016. We lived on the lake and saved between 50-100 animals during that time,” Jennie said. “When we sold the lake house, we bought this land about three years ago. Our thought process was that we would build a house, but instead, we built an animal rescue.”
A generous donor found blankets on sale and urged her friends to help her buy them for the Sanctuary. As a result, the Sanctuary received 300 blankets, many of which have been used. Stacked on shelves are beds, food, and other items needed to welcome newcomers.
The pot-belly pig ended up at Jennie’s mom’s home as too many seemed to think it was a food item instead of a pet. The horse, after being considered unsalvageable by one vet, was brought back to health, and now resides in retirement in a lovely field.
Jennie talked about volunteers and donations.
“Prior to Covid’s arrival, volunteers came to help as needed. However, after being separated from the many tasks any shelter requires during the pandemic longevity, the numbers dropped off. Now, there is one couple willing to foster pets when needed and another senior lady who comes to help around the sanctuary. Along with a loss of volunteers, donations are not as forthcoming unless we have a specific pet in need. If we ask for help with veterinary bills for a pet, donations marked for it go to that pet and only that pet. When the amount needed has been reached, we let people know.
“The problem is we have greater needs, such as utilities, finishing the kennel cages inside and outside, pet food, and money to pay veterinary bills. Castaway Animal Clinic is a tremendous help with shots, spaying or neutering, and other health problems. One woman is helping us with a truck to pick up needed items. Of course, a truck, new or used, standard or automatic shift, is another item on our wish list.
“We also stay in touch with other rescue havens, not only in Alabama but up north, too. We may ship an animal to another rescue that could offer help we cannot give. Usually, that is after we have gotten them their shots, etc. They will find homes for them, but when that happens, we do not recoup anything spent on the animal thus far.”
When asked about fees charged for adoptions from the sanctuary, Jennie was happy to provide the information.
“One hundred eighty dollars for adult dogs, one hundred for puppies, and fifty for cats.”
But she said that does not cover the cost the sanctuary puts into health care, spaying/neutering and other costs.
“Often, we can spend between $400-600 before a dog or cat is ready for adoption or even fostering. But we must do what is best for the animal.”
Currently there are not many animals at the shelter, but that is because there is a planned trip coming up, and the animals have been fostered temporarily.
“We are going on vacation for a few days, so they are fostered out. We tried having someone come in to let them outside and feed them, but that did not work out when the person failed to show. My mother dropped by to check on them and discovered them still in their pens and unfed. She took care of it and called to inform me of the problem. We were back home the next day.”
Jennie said the sanctuary works with a gentleman who helps with Trapping, Neutering and Release of Feral Cats.
“It is a most important part of animal care.”
Should anyone wish to help at or donate to Lake Martin Animal Sanctuary, call Jennie Zinn at 334-380-6250 or at Imas2017@yahoo.com
The website is www.lakemartinanimalsanctuary.com
