Moon: Dogs at Humane Society need air conditioning

You’d be panting too if you didn’t have sweat glands. So while you’re (fortunately) sweating through these brutal dog days, remember the dogs that don’t have any way to expel the heat from their furry bodies.

Sure, your dog is fine, sitting on the couch next to you, enjoying the cooling convenience of air conditioning. But there are 19 big dogs at the Pensacola Humane Society who have been wallowing around in the misery without any air conditioning. Sure, the pampered cats at the Humane Society have an air-conditioned room. And so do the small and medium-size dogs. They’ve got it made.

But the poor big dogs? They’re not playing. They’re not looking peppy. They’re plopped down on concrete floors while a small fleet of fans pushes the heat around.

“It’s so hot they just lie down on the concrete floor because it’s cooler than their bedding,” said Sarah Humlie, Pensacola Humane Society executive director. “We have the fans — but they’re just blowing around hot air.”

I know what you’re thinking. You’re a kind, compassionate person who loves our four-legged best friends. You’re wondering, “How can I help?” You’re just awesome like that.

Well, the Pensacola Humane Society is trying to raise $10,000 for a new air conditioner and electrical system in the big dog kennel. Yes, that’s a lot of money, but all the electrical work at the the indoor-outdoor kennel that houses the big dogs will have to be rerigged and refitted to accommodate an adequate air conditioning system. And 75 percent of the $10,000 has to be paid for installation.

I walked through the big dog kennel on Friday and saw dogs — Nugget and the rest — looking like they were in hibernation. The fans blew the hot breeze as best they could, but the dogs seemed miserable. And who could blame them?

So if you’d like to help, check under the couch for some loose change. Or maybe make your next charitable contribution to the Pensacola Humane Society’s AC fund to help dogs whose lives are still uncertain.

It’s a great place to support. (And plenty do. During Friday’s visit, a half dozen volunteers were walking dogs up and down the road for exercise. Short walks, because, you know, it’s miserable out there.) The Pensacola Humane Society is a NO-KILL facility that serves as a temporary home for dogs and cats looking for forever homes.

The Pensacola Humane Society also has the Barbara Grice Memorial Spay and Neuter Clinic, offering low-cost services. And beginning Sept. 1, the clinic will offer $5 spay/neuter surgeries to qualified pet owners with low incomes.

You love your dogs. But some dogs don’t have people like you to love them back. (If you are planning on adding a dog or cat to your family, please consider adopting from the Pensacola Humane Society.)

Here’s your chance to spread a little more love around our community. To donate, go to www.pensacolahumane.org.