On Monday
August 15, the
Pike County Dog Pound
experienced
a devastating
storm. The front
row of outside
dog kennels was ripped off of their pads and blown across the dog pound. While
there were many precautions to
keep the kennels
in place, none of them could withstand the 55 mph wind that came across the field. The kennels were a complete loss and cannot be covered under the pound
insurance policy as
they are outside of the building. Thankfully no dogs were hurt during
the storm. However, t
wo dogs escaped during the storm. One returned shortly afterward,
and the other was
found about a mile away in Omega a few days later. The lady who found him has decided
to keep him.
After dealing with the shock of the storm the next step was to get things back on the track. Kennels were taken down and parts were sorted. Dr. Beth, of Chillicothe Animal Clinic,
came down on her day off to check the dogs and help haul off broken kennels. Bill Klinker,
of Klinker's Lumber of Waverly, worked to get new kennels on order. Even though he was leaving on a business trip, he made sure they were ordered before he left. Abby, our rescue coordinator, worked finding rescues to take our dogs to safety. In three days, fifteen adult dogs left the pound. Chillicothe Animal Clinic agreed to take in three dogs to be neutered before departure.
Thanks to the help of Klinker's Lumber, Chillicothe Animal Clinic, and the support of the Pike County Commissioners, Harry Rider, Fred Foster and Blaine Beekman the pound is preparing for these much needed dog kennels. Several of our volunteers changed appointments and cancelled plans so dogs could be transported. The Diversion Program
came out and stacked kennel panels and mowed. Volunteers have been at the pound
several days this week cleaning up the grounds and power washing kennels pads in prep
for the new kennels.
At this point, everything is prepped for the new kennels and they should arrive soon.
This is an unexpected expense for Pike Pet Pals and while the kennels are being replaced,
the cost will affect the ability to continue pound improvements and help the dogs.
There are several ways the public can help. Pike Pet Pals has a Go Fund Me account and donations can be made there or sent to Pike Pet Pals at PO Box 1239, Waverly, Ohio
45690. There is also a raffle for an American flag pallet at Klinker's Lumber. Tickets
are $1 and all proceeds will benefit Pike Pet Pals and the Pike County Dog Pound. The drawing will be held on August 31.
