UPDATE 4/27/03 on the Montana Collies
Statement by AWCA President Jean Levitt
*Permission to crosspost*
Folks, Linda Hughes, Director of Humane Society of Cascade County in Great Falls, MT, reports Malmstrom Air Force Base, Red Horse Squadron, commanded by Col. Terry Crummet, is rapidly preparing the new building which will house the animals moving soon from Shelby. The steam cleaning of the cement floors has been completed, and nearly 200 gallons of donated floor sealer will be applied before the new pens are set up.
HSCC has asked AWCA to assist with the purchase of more pens to hold the dogs. This purchase has been approved by the AWCA Board of Directors. We will no longer have to pay for shipping of wood chips every five weeks because towels and newspapers will be used as bedding; therefore, that savings will be applied to the pens. At the conclusion of this rescue mission, we will either retain the pens we purchased for future rescues, or we could sell them. Toole County Sheriff, Donna Matoon, was also asked to purchase more pens with the fund maintained by Shelby. (That fund will be used to pay the expenses related to rental of the building, and salaries of security and Humane Society personnel.) The majority of pens were purchased by Dave Pauli, Regional Director of Humane Society of United States. HSUS will retain those pens for disaster relief in the region.
Originally AWCA was asked to help modify the water system in the building by purchasing a new water tank. Red Horse volunteers - with permission of the city - hooked into the city water supply, saving us that expense. Among themselves, they took up a collection to pay for the necessary fittings to facilitate this hookup. It is amazing and very gratifying how a tragedy of this magnitude concerning animals brings out the best in most people. Many of the Red Horse Squadron - specialists in construction - have recently returned from Iraq serving their country. Now, not only are they preparing the building and grounds in Great Falls to receive the collies, and other animals, on their days off, between five and ten of them drive to Shelby to volunteer at Camp Collie.
Monica Crummet - Col. Crummet’s wife - and Cindy James and her husband Bob - a Great Falls attorney - have traveled to Shelby from Great Falls for months to help the animals, as have many Great Falls residents. I met them on my trips to Shelby. These are wonderful people. Monica and Cindy will help Linda Hughes, the supervisor of Camp Collie II, train and oversee the fresh volunteers who will assume the day-to-day care of the animals once they are relocated.
The core volunteers from Shelby, who have assumed this day-to-day responsibility for the past six months, tell me they will go with the animals for a while to help them adjust to their new surroundings. Barbara Mercer, whom I teasingly dubbed the “unofficial head during the week volunteer,” admits they are physically tired from the six months of five days a week work, but the huge improvements in the condition of the dogs has made it all worth it.
Debi Pace, dubbed the “unofficial head weekend volunteer,” will take time off from work to assist with the packing and transport of all of the AWCA supplies, plus she will help move the animals, as will many of the regular volunteers from the surrounding areas. We are very grateful to Debi for taking on the task of coordinating the AWCA supplies for the move. I always travel to Shelby at my own expense, and this will save me a trip.
The authorities have told us to prepare for at least a year of caring for the animals. Your continued donations will help us do this. We are very grateful for your financial support.
We now present another volunteer story:
By Angie Erickson
I recently returned to Camp Collie for the second time as a volunteer. I had not seen the rescued Collies since December 12th, 2002. During my 10-hour train ride to reach Shelby, I wondered what changes I would see, and would the experience still bring me much sadness and such pride at the same time?
I was greeted at the train station by a very friendly Camp Collie volunteer, and she treated me like dear friend that made me feel right at home. This kind treatment continued throughout my stay.
As I entered Camp Collie I was greeted with a sea of expectant Collie faces and then a thunderous chorus of intense Collie barking, that is beyond anything imaginable unless you have been there.
Noses poking out of pens and joyous jumping all seeming to say “Pick me, Pick me!” After stroking as many noses as I could, and trying not to cry, a patient, experienced volunteer got me started on my duty for the morning, cleaning out pens or “mucking” as it is called.
I would slowly enter the pen, talking to my Collie boy as I went about my task – making sure he didn’t make a run for it. I was sometimes greeted by Collie kisses and some would even jump on me wanting to play! There were a few that still stayed in the corners, fearful of me, but since December I see that is much less, with all the love and attention given by the daily volunteers.
After putting fresh bedding in the pen, I would sit and talk to each Collie boy or girl enjoying a little private time with them. I would kiss each nose, telling him “You are so beautiful” and “Hang in there, Boy – my wishes and prayers for you are lots of blue skies to gaze into and green pastures for you to run in! Your loving master is by your side catering to your every need. No more pain, only Happiness and Sunshine from now on.” Then I see a little hope in his eyes and I am okay.
The Collies are a lot stronger now and I only felt comfortable walking one dog at a time, as I did not want to get airborne. They are nicely groomed and much less fearful. Cleaning/walking routines are much more organized now.
I am so sad that things like this happen in our world, but so happy and bursting with pride to be part of the solution to try and make things better for these innocent animals. I am so proud of the people of Montana, the AWCA and the world...all coming together for these Collies...united in caring!
This experience has taught me each little thing we do for an animal, no matter how small...can make a difference!
The Camp Collie volunteers are dedicated to the Collies, never once did I hear them complain. Thank you to everyone who has helped these dogs in any way. I hope you know how special you are!
Thank you, Angie.
Calmly,
Jean Levitt, President AWCA
Lisa King, AWCA Director AWCA Rescue
Officers and Members of AWCA
If you would like to assist AWCA with this rescue effort, you may send a check to:
Bethany Burke
AWCA Treasurer
2807 Lee Trevino Court
Shalimar, FL 32579
Make the check out to AWCA and in the memo area note: collie rescue-medical, collie rescue-stainless steel, or collie rescue-general.