UPDATE 1/11/03 on the Montana Collies
Statement by AWCA President Jean Levitt
*Permission to crosspost*
Prayers
Undersheriff Don Hale reported to me one of the collies is on an i.v. at the veterinary hospital, still suffering from lung congestion. May we ask you to say a little prayer for this collie, and hold very positive thoughts for a complete recovery?
Local Rescues
We have not forgotten collies-in-need elsewhere in North America. Local rescues in other areas need help, too. AWCA Collie Rescue of America has a reserved fund designated for our commitments throughout the U.S. and Canada. For persons unacquainted with how we help local rescue organizations, I’ll explain:
1. When a local collie rescue organization runs out of funds, and
2. Has a collie with medical bills they are unable to pay,
3. They may apply for financial assistance to Lisa King, Director of AWCA Collie Rescue of America.
4. The veterinary bill is reviewed, and
5. Our director of rescue makes a recommendation based on Board-approved guidelines regarding how much AWCA may sent to the veterinary hospital, or public animal shelter.
New Friendships
From this Shelby, Montana, collie rescue have come many new wonderful friendships. It has brought out the best in people devoted to animals. We are working together, although geographically far apart, to bring health and dignity to the collies and their fellow 4-legged passengers on that sad journey. One such special person is Thea Sperline, of the Helena, MT, Kennel Club. Early on in this rescue mission when Judie and Eliza Dunkle were looking for a fast way to deliver the much needed rubber gloves donated by their club, Eagle Rock Kennel Club of Idaho Falls, ID, Judie called Thea Sperline, a fellow collie person. Thea drove to Shelby with the load of rubber gloves for the volunteers to wear while washing the stainless steel. Since that trip, Thea has made many more as an AWCA *Collie Hugger*.
By Thea Sperline
The emotions surrounding Camp Collie remind me of a river that runs wide, deep and swift through the heartland of Montana, the country and the world. Our differences are often as wide and deep as the Grand Canyon, while our common goal binds us together as tightly as the strongest super glue. Everyone seems to have their own ideas about how things should be done, we feel compelled to express those ideas. We all listen and appreciate the contribution. Ideas are tried, some work better than others. In spite of our differences and conflicts, Camp Collie has become a smooth operating and well greased organization that is succeeding at the monumental task of creating a safe haven for 183 animals.
We all try hard to remember that the Harman’s are innocent until proven guilty, that we are the custodians of these animals until the legal system comes to a final determination in this case. But, when we see the scars on the muzzles and tangle of mats and dangling clumps of filth in their hair, the condition of the teeth, their cowering at the back of their pens, we cry and hope that these loving creatures will be fortunate enough to go to a home that will tend to their needs with love and companionship.
The volunteers come from all walks of life, rich and poor, young and old, business executives, office workers, ranchers, students, self-employed, unemployed and retired. We come from distances near and far, from within Montana, out of state and out of country, all at our own expense or on donated funds. It makes no difference – we are all there, to help the animals, to help this small rural, agricultural community. A bond grows between us. The barriers are dissolved. There is no arguing or bickering about who is to do what. We all do whatever task needs to be done. There is peace, harmony and satisfaction.
There are procedures to be followed, you must be 18, sign in and out, show picture id’s, provide name/address information, a background check is done. There are guards at the doors. The morning, mid-day and evening routines are posted on the barn walls in lettering large enough that you can read them from almost anywhere in the barn. It doesn’t seem to matter though, the first thing all the volunteers do is migrate to the noisy, cascade of barking, to see the dogs and say hello. Sometimes there are only a few volunteers to do the chores, at other times there are many, and that is when the dogs get to go for walks and enjoy a fling outside.
A new volunteer arrives, looking dazed and overwhelmed, they intellectually knew that this was a huge effort, but the reality doesn’t sink in until they walk into the part of the barn where the collies are and they are bombarded by the all the barking and the seemingly endless rows of pens. A friendly greeting reaches through the craziness and explains what must be done. The new volunteer, without hesitation, starts the task at hand.
A senior gentleman is standing there with tears in his eyes. I open a conversation with him, he is a retired rancher. His heart aches for the way these dogs have been treated, he doesn’t understand how anyone can impose such neglect upon them. He is ever so grateful for the loving attention they are getting from the volunteers. He hopes the case will be resolved swiftly and that they will go to good homes. Then he wanders off to cuddle the muzzle of a collie who is reaching through the pen for some attention.
Other seniors who are unable to do the hard work arrive to visit with each dog and give some loving touches. They travel down each aisle, some in wheel chairs, some with portable oxygen. But every one of them stops at each and every pen to scratch a head and share loving caresses with these dogs. I see more tears in eyes and the wishes for their well being which go unspoken.
At the end of the day the volunteers look at each other, there is a shrug of their shoulders, a big sigh, a hug. We part company until the next time we can join together in this effort. There is gratification that we made a difference for today. Most of the time the hopes and prayers for the animals remain unspoken, but you can see them in each other’s faces. We impatiently wait for the court dates, we impatiently wait to learn the outcome and ultimately the fate of the animals.
I personally drive 175 miles to spend time in Shelby, to help this community and the dogs. There are others who drive further and many who live close enough to make a daily commute. I feel obligated because the collie is my breed, Shelby is my neighbor, I cannot let a few miles keep me away. But because of the distance I can only help on weekends; this is very frustrating as I am sure you can imagine, I wish I could do more. Like all the volunteers, my house is in dire need of cleaning, my own dogs are going without some of the attention that they dearly crave, and God bless my husband for understanding my absence. I wonder just how long this can continue, I take one trip at a time and do what I can.
I am proud of my neighbors in Shelby who have so unselfishly administered to this task, I am proud of all those who have helped to lighten the load and make it so very possible for Shelby to care for these animals. I am proud of the AWCA for all that they have done to coordinate all the activities surrounding this effort. My deepest gratitude to all of you near and far. Yes, the river of love and compassion runs strong, deep and swift through the state of Montana.
Forever in Collies
Your friend Thea Sperline
Thank you, Thea, I’ll see you again in Shelby.
Calmly,
Jean Levitt, President AWCA
Lisa King, AWCA Director AWCA Rescue
Officers and Members of AWCA