*ICEHurtsAnimalsTooMN

Hello Supporters, 

It's been another busy weekend with Ice Hurts Animals, Too MN. 

* We helped a cat get an emergency C-Section. It was very scary to get a message through our website that this young cat had given birth to one dead kitten and had been unable to birth another in over 12 hours. She got to the emergency clinic, got the surgery, and is healing well.  (We offered to spay and neuter the other cats in the home.)

* One of our delivery volunteers, who knows all about rabbit,s went shopping for a nice setup for a bunny who had been living in a bathroom ,and the family was running out of food for her. She bought an x-pen, a hay feeder, a litter box, produce, toys, and more. When she arrived, she and the family set everything up together. This single mom was so grateful for the help and teared up expressing her gratitude. Then one of the kids said to our volunteer, "If ICE takes us away, will you take care of our bunny?" There were more tears and reassurance that she would absolutely take care of their bunny if she ever got a call. Children should not have to ask a stranger questions like this.

* As I type this, we are working to get a dog that one of our dog-walking volunteers worked with into an emergency vet for a major seizure. This dog has been deteriorating for the past two months, and his family has felt helpless about getting him the care he needs. As you may know, there are many people suffering at home rather than risking going to the emergency room for care. While it's not ideal, we are in a position to be able to coordinate rides for animals to get the care they need at animal hospitals, and we're grateful for that. 

* Your donations are also helping us to spread the word with educational materials about how to create a safety plan for your animals and postcards to put in with deliveries at food shelves, so people know they can contact us for help with animal essentials. I have attached one example of the safety plan below (the other side is in Spanish). 

People are still being taken daily, no matter what the national news says. Today, an independent journalist reported on a female ICE agent posing as a distressed motorist on the side of the road with a fake broken-down car. They have shifted their tactics significantly, so they are harder to spot, but they are still everywhere. And the traffic at the Whipple building has not slowed. 

We've gotten three requests TODAY from people in other states wanting to learn about how we have built what we've built. And we will hold trainings on how you can build a mutual aid group focused on animal needs. But for now, I just wanted to thank you again for your support and let you know that it's making a difference. <3

Dallas

Hello Supporters,

Things have continued to be busy for animal support. In the past two days, we have:

* Consulted with a person who has a dog who has stopped eating, and she worries that he's depressed since he cannot get the exercise he craves. It's not safe for his family to walk him outside. (We have people working on this case and will do all we can to get this family what they need so their dog can feel better.)

* Worked with a team of volunteers to help a single mom who cannot safely work get everything that she needs to care for the family rabbit. The rabbit had been living in the bathroom because her enclosure broke, and the people didn't know that the rabbit needed hay and a variety of greens to be healthy and happy. We were thrilled not only to bring the bare necessities, but so many extras to help this family give their bunny everything she needs to be healthy. 

* Reimbursed several people who have been able to do their own shopping for exactly what their neighbors need (specific brands or flavors of food, etc.)

* Got a neuter completed for a cat who had a testicle that hadn't yet descended. (Captain will be available for adoption, along with his best friend Bowerick, soon!)

* Helped arrange for spays for two puppies left homeless due to ICE activity and a kitten belonging to a family sheltering in place. We will ensure that all of these surgeries are paid for. 

* Made many deliveries to people across the metro and the southern part of the state to people who are not able to safely leave their homes. 

* Placed a huge order for pee pads. So. Many. Pee Pads.

As always, thank you for your support. The lasting impacts of this occupation will be deep, and it will take a long time to recover. We are committed to being a resource for impacted people and animals in the ways we can be, for as long as possible. Our intention was never to be a permanent group, and that's still true, but we're realizing that support will be needed for a long time, no matter what happens next. 

And if you're in another part of the country and worried about ICE coming to your area, keep an eye out for future trainings where we will share what we have learned about being a community-run mutual aid group focused on animal care. We have learned a lot, and we're looking forward to sharing that knowledge with you. 

Onward, 

Dallas

PS: Amos' foster mom spoke with a potential adopter today! The next step is for them to meet in person. Please send all the prayers and good juju their way. 

Today's photo is of Captain, piloting his backpack carrier craft home after his neuter surgery. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Captain!

Hi IHAT Supporters,

Last night, I spent the whole of the Super Bowl responding to requests coming in through our website. I literally sat on my friends' sofa on my laptop throughout an entire Super Bowl party. It was our busiest day to date. Luckily, I don't care about football, and I have really supportive friends!

This morning, I sent seven cases over to our veterinary partners. We are in the process of arranging spays/neuters for about a dozen animals, too. 

We sent a dog trainer with an affinity for large dogs a case from a man who said he needs help with a "very large, stressed-out dog who cannot go outside." We are offering him dog walking services and will make sure he gets toys and some indoor games they can play to help ease the stress. 

This morning, I sent the following message to our delivery driver and dog walking team, and I count all of you in this sentiment, too. (The puzzle piece is in reference to my name on the Signal app.)

✨✨✨

I have been thinking about the "why" of this work. Especially as we enter our fifth (or sixth? I don't even know anymore) week of this occupation. 

What you don't see in these requests are the words people are sending along, too. And they're truly heartbreaking. People are terrified and desperate. And while we cannot solve the problem, we can ease a small part of the pain by providing the food and supplies they need to care for their loved ones. We can bring litter, toys, and kindness. It might not seem like much, but it means a lot to the people who are waiting on the other end for aid. 

I trust that each of you signed up to help in this way because you understand the sacred love that can exist between species. That connection that transcends the ordinary and allows us to get right to the heart of what matters in life: Love and presence. 

I chose a puzzle piece to be part of the IHAT name because we are one small piece of this wider story. And our piece helps hold other pieces together. We are one piece, but when that piece fits into the spot it's meant to be, it can strengthen and help hold other pieces together. Let's recommit to laying down another piece of the puzzle for these families today. 

I am grateful to all of you. Thank you for being in this work with me. 

- Dallas

PS
If you happen to be local, we are searching for a very special home for Amos the cat. Amos is the shiest of all the cats who have come through our program. He's working through his trauma the best he can, but it's clear that he has a lot of healing to do. He needs a home with a person who is willing to let him bloom in his own time - winning his trust will take a lot of time. And he needs someone with a huge heart who will invest the time it will take to win his. Please read more about Amos and the other cats we have for adoption at https://www.icehurtsanimalstoomn.org/adoptable-animals-1