FKSPCA: RESCUE TAILS “THE FLYING GERBILS”

BY TAMMY FOX-ROYER
Executive Director Florida Keys SPCA

People often think that small animals like hamsters, gerbils and rabbits are easy pets to take care of. And while they might not take as much time and effort as an active dog, every pet comes with its own set of requirements.

In this story, nature also added to the problem. A family had purchased two gerbils that they thought were both male – but it did not turn out that way. Before too long, they no longer had two gerbils – they had 12. Without the resources to handle their growing gerbil population, they surrendered all 12 to the FKSPCA. Along with four gerbils already residing at the shelter, we now had 16 gerbils to find homes for.

With no adopters in sight, we turned to our friend Libby at Boston-based Shawsheen River Gerbils, a gerbil rescue organization who has been a great help to us in the past.

The stars were in alignment for these little guys – and everything quickly fell into place. Libby just happened to be in the Orlando area before driving back to New England. Jeff Bennett of Pilots N Paws, who was already transporting a dog for us, agreed to fly the gerbils from Marathon to Tampa.

So one morning at 4:30AM, Matt Royer from the FKSPCA, drove the gerbils to Marathon, who flew to Tampa, and then began the long drive to Boston – where Libby already had new homes anxiously awaiting their arrival. SUCCESS!

At the FKSPCA, we work hard to place every single one of our animals in a loving, forever home – no matter what it takes.

For more information about any of the services we offer at the FKSPCA or how you can help, visit our website at FKSPCA.org, call us at 305-294-4857 or contact me at [email protected].

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