When GasSearch Drilling Services (GDS) foreman Gino Setta read a call for help on the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter Facebook page, he knew he wanted to help ease the overwhelmed staff. As people go back to work, the shelter has experienced an influx of dogs at their facility in Lackawanna County. The next day, Gino approached GDS operations manager Chad Gorman to see how they could help.
(top, from left) Chad Gorman and Gino Setta of GDS, shelter dog attendant Dylan Metzger, shelter adoptions counselor Catie Haupert, and Jeff Lieri of Western Environmental Liner and Diamond L Supply.
Chad gave Gino the green light to make calls to vendors who previously stepped up during other times of crisis. Within 48 hours, GDS, Western Environmental Liner, Diamond L Supply, Admar Construction Supply, and Kozlowski Oilfield Support came up with over $7,000 of supplies, including 2,100 pounds of dog food and other much-needed supplies for cleaning and disinfecting. 860 pounds of dog food donations came from Western and Diamond L alone.
When the weather called for rain, Jeff Lieri of Western and Diamond L rented a box truck to keep donations dry. They were delivered to the shelter on Thursday morning, much to the delight of employees and volunteers.
Quite literally, every space at the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, including personal offices and community areas, are filled with dogs. Double occupancy in cages designed for single cats has become the norm.
“It’s hard now because every shelter and rescue in the area are filled,” Ashley explained. Citing the ease of the pandemic, she continued, “We’re seeing a rise in surrenders and less adoptions. These donations could not have come at a better time.”
The visitors from GDS remarked at the pace of workers rushing past them in the hallways. “What they do here is amazing,” said GDS human resources manager Luanne White, who noted that the shelter is practically in her backyard.
One of many cats at the Griffith Pond Animal Shelter needing a good home gets the attention of GDS human resources manager Luanne White.
In addition to the rise of surrenders and slowing adoption rates, the number of animals rescued from hoarding cases has skyrocketed.
“We always cringe when we hear that word in the animal rescue world,” Griffin Pond executive director Ashley Wolo remarked. “It’s sad for both the people and the animals involved. They just get overwhelmed. When we step in, it’s usually at the point where there’s nowhere else for them to turn.”
“I think that what keeps us going is seeing the transition in the animals and seeing them find good homes,” Ashley concurred. “There are hard days and there are good days. We have to keep remembering that.”
Chad Gorman credited Gino Setta, whose family fosters animals from the shelter, for spearheading the two-day drive for contributions. “It goes to show that we are more than oilfield workers,” said Chad. “The people that work for us here and in the surrounding counties are members of the community, and we love to give back.”
