Thanks to Pet Rescue Volunteers.

In addition to area animal shelters, there are three rescue organizations that are run by small groups of volunteers. “Helping Hands” in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, “Animal Ark” in the Grangeville area, and the “Clearwater Humane Society” in Orofino all locate and rescue animals in trouble, place them in temporary foster homes when possible, and hopefully find suitable permanent homes for them.

Sherrie Chambers, operator of the “Clearwater Humane Society,” was voted “Citizen of the Year” by the Orofino Chamber of Commerce last year. She teaches about the care of animals to grade school classes and will talk “anywhere, to any group who asks.” She is active in working with law enforcement officers to uncover and prosecute cases of cruelty or neglect of virtually any species of animal – including, once, an eight foot boa constrictor. (The snake, after an examination by a veterinarian, was found to be in good shape and returned to the owner. Other animals on the premises were confiscated.) Most of the time and effort expended by Sherrie and her group of volunteers goes to rescue of dogs and cats. They typically have 10-35 pets available for adoption and the fee depends on expenses related to the care that was required for the animal. Sherrie can be contacted Monday through Saturday at (208) 476-9823.

“Animal Ark” is the project of Dorie Dixon. She and her volunteers mostly cover Idaho County, including Grangeville, Kooskia, and Kamiah. The animal shelters in these areas have limited space. If a lost pet is not claimed after 4 days, Animal Ark saves them from euthanasia by placing them in foster homes. Dorie says her organization could not function without the help of her fifteen volunteers, doing the leg work and providing foster homes. She is also very grateful for the help of a separate fund raising group called “Friends of the Ark.” There is no set fee for adoption but Animal Ark does ask for a donation.

“Helping Hands” in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley (www.helpinghandsrescue.com ) was founded ten years ago and focuses on rescue and adoption of dogs and cats. Helping Hands cooperates with other organizations to place pets as far away as Seattle, Portland, and Salt Lake City, often arranging transportation as well. Before releasing a pet for adoption, they require a site-visit to be sure the pet is going to a good home. Helping Hands also uses donations and grant money to arrange for financial aid, when needed, so that people can afford to have pets spayed or neutered. You can usually see the pets they have available for adoption on Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM at PetCo in Lewiston. You may contact Helping Hands, Monday through Friday from 9-5, at one of the following: “Ellie” at 798-5031, “Polly” at 743-3157, “Sandy” at 746-2777, or “Mary” at 758-0681.

All these groups ensure pets are spayed or neutered and vaccinated before adoption. I asked the representative of each of the groups what they would like to have me say about their organization. The answers were all pretty much the same. Most of all, they were very grateful for the volunteers that provide foster homes, transporting animals, providing food and veterinary care. They were also grateful for donations of money and other material goods.

Another common thread I noticed was each of them said they are not in competition with each other. They all have a common goal. When we humans domesticated animals we incurred a collective obligation to care for them. The goal of these people is to make sure that debt is paid.