An East Bay woman is opening up her home to animals who have been abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year at this time, many people lost their jobs and were forced to cut their spending. For some, that meant putting their pets up for adoption. Simultaneously, there was a great demand for these pets since others started working from home.
"Dogs would be waiting for owners, now they have 50 applications per dog or cat, so people are really desperate to adopt animals now because they’re lonely," said Jyothi Sampat of Pleasanton.
Sampat volunteers at the Valley Humane Society in Pleasanton where they had to scramble to find foster homes for the pets coming in. That’s when she stepped up to offer her services.
"I thought, well I’m working from home, I’m capable of taking care of another dog in addition to my own and I’m fortunate enough to have a yard," she said. "I’m doing this because this is literally saving lives."
Sampat has fostered up to 15 dogs in total this past year. The animals typically stay with her for 2-5 weeks until they find a permanent home.
Her only regret is not starting this work sooner.
"I just get so much out of it," she said.
Some of the dogs come in a trembling state when they’ve been abused, and some have skin problems and health issues.
“It’s so gratifying to see the animal regain its confidence once they stay with me because there’s nothing but love and kindness that I have to offer,” Sampat said.
With her efforts, Sampat has been able to put smiles on the faces of children and adults who can't wait to bring home a new furry friend during these difficult times.
If you know someone who is working to keep us safe during the coronavirus pandemic and would like to nominate them as a KCBS Radio Difference Maker, email us at differencemakers@kcbsradio.com.
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