UPDATE 7/10/03 on the Montana Collies

Statement by AWCA President Jean Levitt, reporting from Camp Collie, Great Falls, MT

*Permission to crosspost*

Montana Collies Adoption Application Process

1.  Application forms are being sent to all persons who have indicated they would like to adopt a Montana collie.

2.  Completed forms are returned to the adoption team according to instructions included when forms are sent.

3.  An adoption committee reviews all applications.

4.  Preference is given to experienced dog people who are willing to come to Camp Collie.

5.  Approved applicants will be notified and invited to come to Great Falls to select a dog and escort it home.

Folks, I’m very sad to tell you a Montana collie adopted by a core volunteer died today at his person’s private veterinary clinic following surgery to neuter him.  He woke up from anesthesia, then succumbed to a heart attack.  Regrettably, we know there is always a risk to any surgery, even under the very best conditions.

May I ask you to say a prayer for this collie and his person at this very difficult time?  Thanks to all of you who have helped AWCA help the collies.  This wonderful collie boy went to Heaven well groomed, well vetted, well fed, knowing he was loved and respected.

We had a real scare at Camp Collie on Friday, although there is a happy ending today.  A sable rough collie bitch had a stroke.  While Sue Dendy, Camp Collie animal care specialist, was carrying her to the vehicle which would transport her to the on-call veterinary hospital, the dog had a second stroke.  I told Sue to be certain she told the doctor to bill AWCA for all medical treatment.  When she returned to Camp Collie, Sue told me the doctor said there would be no bill.

AWCA is very grateful to the doctor for this generosity.  He treated her for five days.  Following a consultation with an associate to determine if she had a chance at quality of life, the doctor released her.  Sue brought her back to Camp Collie where she is established in a private area in a big ex-pen away from the other dogs.  She can walk, although she is weak on one side and her head tilts somewhat sideways.  She is so pretty, very sweet, and we all are so happy she has recovered sufficiently to leave the hospital.  This collie will need a special home with special people who will cherish her.

Calmly,

Jean Levitt, President AWCA

Lisa King, Director of AWCA Rescue

and the Officers and Members of AWCA

PLEASE help us help Toole County Sheriffs Office to pay for Camp Collie until all animals are on their way to loving homes.

Send your donations to:

AWCA Rescue                   

Bethany Burke, AWCA Treasurer                                               

2807 Lee Trevino Ct.                                                          

Shalimar, FL 32579                                                     

and especially                             

Toole County Community Collie Rescue Fund

First State Bank of Shelby

260 Main St.

 Shelby, MT 59474