CCAC calls on community to help raise funds for pet shelter
By Cindy Gladden, Record Staff Writer
Posted 3/11/16
What happens in the next two years will be critical to Warren County’s homeless pet population. Concerned Citizens for Animal Control (CCAC) was formed in 2001 to help establish a needed shelter. …
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CCAC calls on community to help raise funds for pet shelter
Posted
By Cindy Gladden, Record Staff Writer
What happens in the next two years will be critical to Warren County’s homeless pet population.Concerned Citizens for Animal Control (CCAC) was formed in 2001 to help establish a needed shelter. It has worked closely with the local Animal Welfare Association (AWA) to foster animals, educate pet owners and rescue abused or neglected animals.In 2008, CCAC purchased three acres at the Pendleton exit, four miles west of Warrenton. Its focus now is to raise $100,000 by 2018. Nearly $4,000 has been raised to date.“Our dream is to build a good-sized shelter with outside runs,” said CCAC Vice President Wanda Thomas. “We want to offer training classes, a spay and neuter program and educational programs geared toward the health and well-being of animals.”Thomas said the only way to track lost pets in rural Warren County at this time is with social media, such as Facebook. Microchips placed in some pets will be able to be scanned at the facility with hopes of reuniting lost pets with their owners.One of the biggest problems in Warren County is the large amount of animals dumped in the rural areas, according to Thomas. These animals usually are not spayed or neutered and become a nuisance to homeowners. Some dogs are cast aside as they get larger than expected or have behavioral issues.Dixie, a Shih Tzu mix, is a perfect example. She was adopted twice and returned to AWA both times. She has now found her forever home with Thomas.“She was going to be put down because she growls,” said Thomas. “We have had her 10 years. She still growls, but she doesn’t bite. She doesn’t like to be held, but she’ll sit right by you.”Thomas believes Dixie was with young children who were not shown how to properly handle a puppy. She feels Dixie’s growling is a mechanism she learned for coping.Real HeroesThe real heroes in the sad story of homeless pets are the people who have agreed to foster animals like Dixie through AWA for many years. After being screened and inspected, foster families may house up to five animals.“They socialize them, train them and take them to Petsmart two times a week to try to adopt them out,” said Thomas. “They are really doing all the work.”CCAC now presents a “Shelter Challenge” to Warren County residents. Thomas said the problem is not just for animal lovers to solve. Controlling rabies and keeping the neighborhoods safe from stray animals is everyone’s problem.Thomas said CCAC can’t raise the money alone. It is encouraging people to consider fundraising for CCAC by holding their own events and activities to benefit the organization.Recently, Doggie Banks have started appearing in area businesses. It is just one way to donate.The group encourages people to offer in-kind donations to bring the shelter to the county even sooner. For instance, one company has offered to donate flooring and another will provide the HVAC system. The shelter will need cages, feeding bowls and office equipment.A shoe drive is currently underway to help raise funds for the organization. CCAC is collecting gently used shoes until Dec. 6. Drop-off boxes can be found at Mane Reflections and the Warrenton Veterinary Clinic. Call 636-456-SPAY (7729) to start a collection box at your business.CCAC will also participate in the St. Louis Amazing Pet Expo to be held Saturday, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. Charles Convention Center in St. Charles. Pets will be available for adoption.For those who have lost a treasured pet, a memorial gift can be given in their memory. Visit the pet memorial page at ccacwc.com, submit your photo and memories of your pet.Other ideas for raising money are included on the website, including the quarterly “Dog Days” challenge and “Paws for a Cause.”Thomas said she admires the hard work that has preceded the current fundraising challenge, beginning with the work of Homer and Alice Drew in 1989 when they established the Animal Welfare Association. She hopes the community will help move the shelter project to the next step.
Members of CCAC and Innsbrook residents gathered at a pickleball fundraiser to benefit the future animal shelter in Warren County. Cindy Gladden photo.
