Despite the anxiety St. Croix felt after a string of shootings Friday and Saturday that left a handful of people hospitalized and at least one dead, animal lovers flocked to the second Animal Jam Beach Party and Music Fest at Rhythms at Rainbow Beach Saturday to support local organizations focused on animal welfare.
“So far I’m very happy (with the turnout). It’s storm season and we have a beautiful day. The only way to respond to this (violence) is to live beautifully,” said Edmund Davys, co-founder of the event and president of Healing Paws Sanctuary.
The goal of the event is to raise awareness and funds for the homeless and abandoned dogs, cats and horses on St. Croix. Five organizations: Healing Paws, the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center, V.I Humane Learning Center, the Sunshine Foundation and Cruzan Cowgirls Horse Rescue provided literature and talked about their programs to spay and neuter, find permanent and foster homes on and off island and educate school children on pet care.
The AWC announced a special adoption fee of $35 and two-for-one cat adoptions for the next two weeks. According to Moises Carmona, animal control manager, there are around 100 dogs, cats, puppies and kittens needing permanent homes at the St. Croix shelter. Nine dogs available for adoption from the shelter paraded around the beach, displaying good manners and affectionate personalities.
AWC veterinarian Michelle Mehalik said the center has added several services, including reduced rates on spay/neuter and other medial procedures. She suggested calling the AWC for schedule and fees.
Davys and his volunteers talked about finding a new location for a Happy Paws facility as a back up for the animal shelter. They plan to provide rehabilitation services and manage a stateside adoption program, as well. So far, there are 83 partners on the mainland who will find homes for Crucian animals, he said.
Stacia Jung, veterinarian/owner of Sugar Mill and director of Sunshine Foundation, said they are offering to help residents trap, spay or neuter, vaccinate, tag and re-home feral cats. She encouraged residents to take care of their pets and look for a rescue pet when in the market for a new dog or cat.
Cruzan Cowgirls has been rescuing and rehabilitating horses for three years, according to Erik Vogt. The organization has found homes for dogs, cats, chickens and even has a baby mongoose in its care.
Fyah Train and Gato Loco provided live music throughout the afternoon. Brian Deloach and others from West End Water Sports wowed the crowd with fly boarding exhibitions and Crossfit Gym held fitness displays and games.
Raffle prizes included gift certificates from local businesses and gift baskets for dogs and cats.
Davys said there were more sponsors for this year’s Animal Jam than last, including Rhythms at Rainbow, Marshall and Sterling Insurance, the Buccaneer Hotel, Broadband VI and the Blue Mutt.
