UPDATE 1/7/04
Statement by AWCA President Jean Levitt
*Permission to crosspost*
Hi! Best Wishes for 2004! I happily spent the holidays signing a few thousand thank you cards from AWCA to send to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2002-2003 Montana Collie Rescue. As the year closed, AWCA continued with our ongoing commitment to the animals and their adopters. Rev Oakes continues to moderate our closed email list for adopters, assisted by Peggi Fulton. Collie veterinarians, Drs. Nancy Kelso, Cindi Bossart, and Sharon Vanderlip, continue to answer privately medical questions of adopters through our closed email list, and AWCA behavorist and trainer Marianne Sullivan; expert Collie trainer, AWCA Secretary Judy Cummings; rescue Collie rehabilitation specialist, AWCA Webmaster Cathy Toft answer questions privately and provide behavioral and training advice on the list.
We continue to provide financial support for the Collies in medical special needs foster care, and yes, a few were returned to the Montana Rescue Collie facility at Thea Sperline’s ranch. We provide financially for these dogs until they are re-homed by Thea, AWCA liaison in Montana. AWCA member Debi Pace will assist AWCA with the permanent Thank You we are planning for Toole County. Most of the dogs have begun to adjust to their new lives. Only a very few remain in special needs foster care.
Sadly, we report the loss of Scruffy to cancer right before the holidays. He was the first adopted Montana Collie to go to Collie heaven and the most seriously ill from the time he was rescued from the truck. Scruffy’s loss was closely followed by another precious dog from this rescue. Our condolences to the adoptive families of these noble Collies.
The enormity of the Montana Collie Rescue took precedence in the news; however, AWCA continued throughout and still continues to financially assist Collies in need throughout the United States and Canada. We never lose sight of the fact that there are Collies everywhere that need assistance from time to time.
We now present articles Thea and Debi have written for you, reporting from Montana.
By Thea Sperline
Well it has been one incredible and memorable year. This year is colder than last year at this time and the ground is covered in a thin blanket snow. All the dogs are tucked into their warm kennels with a full stomach and quenched thirst. Tomorrow will be a day to play in the snow and make tracks where no dog has marked before. It is New Years Eve and I have found myself reflecting on the differences between now and the same time last year. I can’t help but think how lucky we were to have comparatively mild weather.
Last year at this time I was making preparations to return to Shelby to help the incredible team of professional groomers continue the bathing and brushing of all those Collies and to rid them of the horrid filth in their coats. What became known as the Collie Trolley grooming team was there to help hug and love those dogs and cats, it was the beginning of what was to be a long rewarding, challenging, and inspiring experience. Those who knew nothing about grooming a Collie are now experts and can brush out a Collie right along with the best of them.
Those dogs have gone from being sickly, filthy, scared animals to healthy, beautiful and cherished members of loving families all over the country. All who have been involved in this case have found new friends; we’ve learned things that we never expected to learn about our community and ourselves. We have all discovered that there is a loving and concerned community of animal lovers that know no boundaries. Our differences in language, culture, religion, or profession could not keep us from supporting each other or doing what needed to be done. It seems as though whenever one of us was a little down and discouraged someone from somewhere provided the spiritual inspiration that kept us going. Our spouses kept the household running while we cared for the animals. Our friends kept an eye on our homes while we were gone, and our beloved pets seemed to understand that there was a need to be met and loved us all the more when we did come home for a rest.
The closing of Camp Collie came towards the end of a 2-month hot spell where temperatures had been well into the 90’s and often 100’s. The cooler weather was a great relief, but also a reminder that the chores to prepare for winter’s vengeance could not be ignored. There was a massive effort to clean the warehouse that housed the Collies in Great Falls.
For many of the Montana volunteers, there came a void of activities, many of us struggled with deciding what to do with all the free time. It didn’t take long for the void to be filled with activities.
The Collie Trolley grooming team went through what we called grooming withdrawals. We went from spending almost every weekend day at Camp Collie in Great Falls, brushing the Collies most in need to helping out at the Montana Collie Rescue caring for the few Collies that were in transition to their final destination. And they worked at getting our own furry kids back into a well-groomed state.
The volunteers who so lovingly cared for all those animals started filling the new voids in their lives with all the activities that had been ignored. Quilters started quilting again, spinners started spinning, real home cooked meals were being prepared instead of the quick and easy frozen varieties. Those who lived on farms got back to the chores that had piled up, mucking out barns, preparing the ignored fields for next year’s crops, servicing equipment for winter storage. Long-cherished friendships were revived, and we all spent hours upon hours talking about this experience.
The Collie Trolley team is also very active in the Helena Montana Kennel Club and we all just moved, ever so gingerly, though quite exhausted, into the highly busy time of putting on the 3-day dog show where we coordinated all the activities for over 1000 dogs and their handlers, then, within another two weeks our agility trial. Both events were a success because we had all those other club members who were right there doing the work with us.
As the weeks passed, informal Camp Collie support groups started forming. Starting out with two or three adopting families getting together to share experiences and ideas about how to deal with the different behavioral issues of these dogs. Sometimes a group would invite an expert of one type or another to visit with the group. The dogs all seem to recognize each other, they have a wonderful time running and romping with each other, then they seem to stop the game to seek out their persons and get a reassuring hug, then it is back to the game at hand. After a couple of hours the dogs and people are ready to go back to the comforts of home.
Then there has been the Collie list on the AWCA web site for adopting families only. We all share stories and experiences, many of them similar in nature. There have been some expert animal behaviorist and trainers and groomers to offer advice on problems. We all celebrate the smallest victory, taking a treat from a hand, passing through a door without panic, playing with a toy, coming up to you for some lovies, walking on a leash without pulling. We all seem to be extra forgiving of undesirable behaviors, an occasional accident on the floor, a pillow losing its stuffing, a little too much barking, a nibble that leaves a tell-tale bruise. Such simple things and simple joys we share with the dogs and with each other.
The local newspapers have published follow-up articles on the growth and progress of the rescued dogs and their families so that the community can know that all the efforts were well served. For the most part there is no certainty on the age of the dogs; our veterinarians and experts have offered a best guess on their age. We all know and understand that many if not most of these dogs will be with us for less than preferred period of time, and for sure less time than if we had acquired a puppy. We love and cherish every moment that we have our furry kids, we spoil them rotten, and feel blessed for having the opportunity to give these dogs the attention they otherwise would not have gotten.
As when the dogs were all congregated in one location, occasionally an injury or illness comes to one of our dogs. We all grieve quietly for the hardship of the event, but take great consolation in knowing that we have all done our best to make life for that dog the best that it could be. And yes, a few have crossed the bridge and will be waiting for their family members when the time comes for a reunion.
I can tell you that Blue and Liberty are doing well. Blue plays with toys and bounces around like a young pup even though he is 9½ years old. Liberty has turned into a loving cuddle dog, she likes to sleep on the sofa and the cats in her home think she makes a great pillow. BC, our Beautiful Collie, has learned that it is wonderful to come into the house and get cookies and sleep on a soft bed, he plays tag with his person and is learning to walk on a short leash instead of being in a panic on a 30-foot long-line. Sammy, the terribly frightened kennel mate to BC, is responding nicely to the patient training of his very special person, he has 3 other Collie members to play with. Houdini, our escape artist, has turned into the most loving companion. It is interesting to note that there are many Collies named Shelby, one was named in honor of the Collie Trolley, one named Marias in memory of the fairgrounds of the original Camp Collie. Sadie is another popular name for the ladies of the colony. Then there are many who are still known by the names given at the camp, Mr Nibbles, Stumpy, Allie, and of course Blue.
Yes, there have been a few Collies re-homed for a variety of reasons, but only a few. Their original adopting family members loved them dearly, and were ever so sad to return the dog. At least they were thoughtful and loving enough to recognize that things were not working well and were candid enough to share their concerns.
Homes that had the experience needed for those Collies have been found. I want to assure you that each returned dog has been placed in a wonderful home, and I have had reports that those furry kids are doing well.
On this New Years Eve, I am grateful that my life is beginning to return to normal. I pray that there is no dog rescue effort required for many years to come. I pray that all owners of all animals will be compassionate owners and provide adequate care for the four-legged members of their families. But I also know that it is highly unlikely to be the case.
So, I wish you all a wonderful and prosperous New Year, knowing that when the call comes again for help on a rescue, there are many wonderful loving and compassionate people who will answer that call. Give your furry kids an extra scratch and hug from me to them.
By Debi Pace
Scruffy was one of the oldest and probably the sickest collie that was taken off that truck Halloween 2002. A puncture wound on his face had caused a terrible infection in his sinuses; he had awful skin problems, as well as a heart murmur. Scruffy was also one of the three dogs that were shaved as evidence to show their state of emaciation. Because of his poor health and shaved coat he was housed at the Search and Rescue Building in Shelby instead of at the horse stalls. The building was heated and his health needs could be better addressed there.
One woman took him under her loving wing. Patty*, a local gal, would leave her job every day and go to the Search and Rescue Building to take care of the sick dogs, the puppies, and the cats that called that building home. After feeding and cleaning their cages and pens she would walk the dogs to give them some fresh air and exercise. She also let each of the cats out of their cages for a few short minutes of freedom. Over time Scruffy became her “project,” she was determined to try and help him heal. Medication slowly helped with his sinus infection, but his skin and coat were in terrible condition. She started mixing flaxseed oil in his food to see if it would clear up his skin condition. Patty bought him another doggie bed and gave him toys to keep him from being bored, but most of all she gave him huge quantities of love. His medical condition was a source of worry for everyone, but with lots of good veterinary care and TLC from Patty and the other volunteers, his health slowly improved. Scruffy, a rough coated merle, became one of the Camp Collie poster dogs. His patience and sweet gentle manner displayed to all who met him the essence of this wonderful breed.
In May the animals were moved to Great Falls, 90 miles south of Shelby. By this time Scruffy’s coat had grown in and his health had improved immensely. But he was still a fragile dog. We built him a pen outside so that during good weather he could spend his days lying on the grass in the only shady area we had at that site. He also got a lot of attention since everyone had heard about Scruffy and would visit with him while they walked the other collies. Scruffy continued to improve with special food and medication as well as Patty’s flaxseed oil. She bought a large supply for the volunteers in Great Falls to mix with his food since she could no longer tend to his care every night after work.
Patty visited the new Camp Collie site as often as she could and the special bond between her and this sweet old collie was obvious to all. But when the animals were finally able to be adopted out to new homes, Patty told us she couldn’t adopt Scruffy. Many of us, including me, encouraged her to think about giving him a home, but for reasons of her own she had decided not to. We were all disappointed by her decision, but knew that some special person would take him into their heart and their home.
There were many dogs at Camp Collie that had special needs, both emotional and physical, and extra care was taken to find people that would take care of these fragile dogs. The “core” volunteers at Camp Collie were very protective of these special animals and worked hard to find the perfect home for them. In June the adoption process began and I remember chatting with a volunteer, William, about the dogs that had been spoken for. I asked him if he and his wife were going to adopt. His answer was adamant NO. He said he and his wife had cats and that he didn’t want a dog that would outlive him. I immediately said, “Well then adopt Scruffy, he is old and most likely won’t live too much longer.” I also knew that Scruffy loved cats. Patty would put the kittens from the S&R building on his back, and Scruffy was very gentle with these tiny furry bundles. After telling him about Scruffy, I left William to finish my chores and forgot about our conversation. William and his lovely wife Margaret were regular volunteers at the Great Falls Camp Collie. They would show up early to wash the endless food dishes and water bowls and when they were finished, they grabbed leashes to walk the dogs until it was time for the afternoon feeding, where the process would begin again. I didn’t often get to wash the dishes, but when I did, I always enjoyed talking with them in the wash room. So it was really a surprise when a few hours later William came up to me and asked me to point Scruffy out to him. I did and watched as William went into his pen to spend time with this special dog.
A few days later I was back working at Camp Collie when an excited volunteer told me that Margaret and William were going to adopt Scruffy. They had fallen in love with the old dog and couldn’t wait for him to become a permanent part of their family. Scruffy was one of the first dogs to be adopted and leave Camp Collie. As Scruffy left his temporary home for his forever home, all the volunteers lined up to hug him and say goodbye. Our resident photographer took many pictures of him with his very proud mom and dad. Margaret and William beamed as their pictures were taken with this new member of their family. And the tears flowed freely from all of us that afternoon. We knew he was going to be loved and treated like a king.
Scruffy’s new mom and dad continued to volunteer at Camp Collie till the last dog was adopted. It was always exciting to see them and hear stories of how Scruffy was doing in his new home. He seemed to be thriving on their love, and it was so wonderful to see Margaret and William’s faces light up as they spoke about him. Every time someone would tell William that Scruffy was the luckiest dog alive to have found such a loving family, William would be quick to correct them. He would often say, “Scruffy has given me so much more than I could ever give him, I’m the lucky one.” And by his eyes you could see how much he meant it. Scruffy had truly found the home he deserved.
As the months went by the volunteers and adopters made a point of keeping in touch with each other. The friendships that were formed during the difficult emotional months of taking care of these amazing animals were not something we wanted to see come to an end. So collie gatherings were organized and the dogs got a chance to see their pals as their people got caught up on each other’s lives. Scruffy and his people often showed up and he was usually the center of attention.
The last time I saw Scruffy was when he came to Petco to get his Christmas photo taken on Santa’s lap. He looked wonderful! His coat was smooth and silky soft; he had gained weight and was obviously thriving under the love of this special family. His mom and dad were as excited as only new parents can be. Unfortunately, less than two weeks later I got a message on my answering machine that Scruffy had passed away in his sleep. The word of his death was sadly passed from volunteer to volunteer. We all felt as though he was our dog and the loss was so sudden and unexpected. While we knew he was old and in frail health, we all believed that he would have more time with William and Margaret. The short amount of time he had in his new home seemed so unfair. And we grieved for his people who were heart-broken at his loss.
I know their home is empty without him. I only hope they know the gift they gave to him. Scruffy knows it. He knows that his time with them was heaven on earth, and as he passed over the Rainbow Bridge, he turned around and said to his mom and dad “I’m happy and safe; I’ll miss you but know that someday we will all be together again.”
* All person’s names in this story have been changed to protect their privacy.
Calmly,
Jean Levitt, President AWCA
and the Officers and Members of AWCA