Problems Have Solutions

The responsibility that Rick Moore took on when being placed back as Director is enormous. The prior Director did some not so honorable things while in charge and now, it will take time, strict management and donations to fix it. Truth is, just volunteering there and helping clean cages, brush animals and walk dogs is a HUGE budget saver. Also, if you have any extra 5 dollars, pick up some bleach, mops or cleaning supplies at your local Dollar General. Brushes, flea combs and lots of love is always welcomed as well. Have an old blanket or comforter that you don't need? Well, I can assure you that those animals DO NOT CARE if there are a few snags or stains on them, they love them as a toddler loves their blankey's too.

Rick Moore is an honest, upright man who holds no secret or deception when it applies to how the CCHS funds are handled. I ask you, how much do you think it costs to adopt an animal from the CCHS? Cats, $65. Dogs, $85. What you get for that: spay/neuter, shots, flea free, ear mite free, worming, and for dogs, the Home Again microchip. Call your Veterinarian and tell them you need all that done to a stray you just found and find out the cost. I think you will find it will run you close to if not in excess of $200.

Also, the Veterinarian who selflessly gives of his time to alter the animals and medicate them may donate his services. However, do you think the med's are free? Do you think his surgical supplies and laboratory tests/supplies are free? NO. Now, think for a minute. If the Vet services are donated, but the supplies cost, how much are you REALLY paying? Barely anything for what you get. I hardly think you can get a pedigree ANYTHING for $65 or $85 and if you can? I would be VERY SCARED of where that animal comes from (puppy/kitty mill perhaps?) and who would want to save a few bucks to promote that kind of cruelty to continue? No one.

It's sensible to think that perhaps the CCHS's greatest volume of calls come from within the Brazil township limit. So, they go on the call, they pick up an animal. They have to be medically treated, housed, fed and up kept. Now, even if they are in the CCHS for a week, that cost is WELL over the amount asked for. So who is really profiting? This is a small town so a large volume adoption inflow is simply not there.

On a personal note, I am a volunteer and I have brought home three wonderful cats from there and don't regret a minute of it. I have been there when people have come in with multiple animals that are in need of dire care and even though they are almost full to capacity, you don't see Rick Moore just immediately turn them away. No, he gets on the phone and calls the foster parents to see if they can take them or knows of anyone who can. When the room is gone, it's gone. Then you have the foster folks who so lovingly get up in the middle of the night for weeks on end to medicate and feed these animals that have been dumped or abused.

The loving animals who leap for the chance to be held by you when you come in to peruse, are that loving because hour upon hour of dedicated service and selflessness has been shown to them. Some of these animals are so scared of humans when they come in that it takes week upon week of solid, stable human contact to win over just a simple chance to pet them. That is thanks only to the staff of hourly and volunteer workers who patiently spend time loving and proving to these poor animals, that humans are not cold, heartless abusers as these eyes have witnessed firsthand.

Starving dogs, infested cats and abandoned puppies/kittens are not profit for Rick Moore or the staff and Board of the CCHS along with the volunteers and foster parents. There is not big money to be made. The staff is paid what amounts to in hour's ratio to pay below minimum wage.

So you want a solution? Pick up your phone and call Rick Moore. Ask him what YOU CAN DO to help out. Ask him about donations or supplies needed and stop speculating. Sometimes, change occurs because YOU stepped in and then it began.

I know personally of a local business owner who decided to do a fundraiser for the CCHS and guess what? NO ONE volunteered to participate. So until you are willing to be a part of a solution, you have no right to BARK about the problem. Put your heart where your mouth is and VOLUNTEER or DONATE.

If this upsets you, then maybe it's the sting of truth hitting you where the good Lord put the strongest muscle of the body: Your heart.

You can reach Rick Moore for donation and volunteer information at: 812-446-5126.

Stay tuned…better yet, get off the computer and spend this time giving love for free.

Karen Meister can be contacted at: ksframeofmind@yahoo.com