“When the going gets rough, the rough get going,” is a saying many have used over the years.

In light of the horrific discoveries last week at a Summerdale pet boarding facility and the Robertsdale home of its operators, we might borrow that comment, adapt it and say, “When the going gets rough, the volunteers get going.”

Volunteers came to that grisly scene and worked until the wee hours, cleaning up kennels and caring for the animals that remained clinging to life. Veterinary clinics have been inundated to capacity with these animals. Residents across the county, who have been vetted, have stepped up to the plate and taken on the role of providing foster homes for some of these animals.

Baldwin County Humane Society (BARC!) adoption coordinator Deneen Balistere stated in a recent news release that, “People have been donating stuff left and right. Food, water, blankets, everything. We’ve easily collected a ton of food.”

No doubt, volunteers and contributors will be needed for many days, if not months to restore these animals to health and see them safely adopted into appropriate homes with truly caring owners. Monetary contributions will also likely be helpful as Balistere said, “The medical bills are going to be astronomical to get them healthy again.”

We feel sure, Baldwin residents are up to the task.

Leashes, crates, bowls, cat litter, pet food and other supplies can be dropped off at Summerdale Self-Storage, 410 Highway 59 N. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or at the BARC! office, 306 Magnolia Ave in downtown Fairhope, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information on how you can help, contact BARC! at 251- 928-4585 or visit www.BaldwinHumane.org.