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Things got heated at the Humane Society of Greater Miami’s Soffer and Fine Adoption Center — and we don’t mean figuratively.
On Aug. 2, the Humane Society staff noticed the temperatures in certain areas of the shelter were slightly higher than usual. They immediately called a technician to look into the issue in hopes that it would be a quick fix, in addition to securing and strategically placing portable A/C units and industrial strength fans. Unfortunately, a quick fix it was not.
The issue was much more complicated than anyone anticipated and it took the technicians a couple of days analyzing the problem to figure out how to move forward. The Humane Society was faced with a decision — fix or replace.
Meanwhile the temperature continued to climb, and the animals were no longer safe with the portable units. The staff worked tirelessly to move over 100 animals into the one area of the building where the A/C was working just fine. Banks of cages rolled through the hallways, crates and carriers were set up everywhere possible, and everyone scrambled to make sure they knew where everyone’s new living quarters were being set up. Additionally, the portable units were not enough to cool down the clinic, so they had to close that area for the time being as well.
It felt like a lifetime, but within just a day it was decided that a new replacement chiller was a better solution than fixing the complex problem that the current chiller was experiencing. Unfortunately, this product (a 57-ton chiller) does not sit on anyone’s shelf waiting to be purchased. Some units had 10-12 weeks lead time until they were going to be available. But, luckily they were able to find a unit that was the size needed and could be delivered within two to three weeks at a cost of $82,000.
It also was decided that they needed a better solution than the portable units during this waiting time, so they rented a 50-ton temporary chiller being brought in from Orlando. Cost is $13,000 for 30 days.
“We worked hard to resolve the issue with our air conditioner as quickly as possible for the safety of our animals and staff,” said Laurie Hoffman, executive director of the Humane Society of Greater Miami. “Although we will not be able to replace the unit for several weeks, the powerful temporary unit will cool the affected areas and allow us to accommodate our pets back into their original locations.”
Once the temporary unit is in place and the temperature in the building is regulated, the animals will be moved back and the building hopefully will re-open to the public.
Now, the Humane Society of Greater Miami needs the community’s help. Between the costs of the new unit, the temporary unit and the several smaller portable units that were rented, the organization is incurring close to $110,000 in unanticipated costs. Not to mention the loss of revenue incurred due to its unexpected closing of the clinic.
If you want to help the Humane Society during this time, consider making a donation at www.humanesocietymiami.org or by calling 305-749-1816.
