Clearwater Humane Society News, Sherrie Chambers

This past weekend we were participating in an adopthathon. We left Orofino at 8:30 a.m. with all the things we take to do this. This included one of our dogs named Sam. It was already getting very warm out.

Trish and I were discussing who was recently adopted and our hopes for all the cats and dogs to be adopted that day. We were between Peck and Lenore when all of a sudden this roaring pop happened. I had one of my back tires blow out.

Fortunately, just one hundred feet ahead there was a pullout. I eased my SUV over to the side of the road. Poor Sam jumped when I had the blowout, but in his typical easy manner looked around and wasn’t fazed. A piece of my tire was in the middle of my lane. I ran to get it out of the road so that cars wouldn’t swerve trying to miss it. We thought, ok, soon one of the state troopers would be by to make a call for towing. No such luck. We got out, with Sam in tow, to look at the damage. Sam thought this was a great idea. Many bushes to sniff and a great potty break!

Within five minutes a very nice gentleman, Chris Wilman, stopped and asked if he could help change the tire. I was so upset I told him I didn’t have a spare tire. So he offered to go to the Thunderbird shop and make a call for us. I asked him to call one of our local shops, pretty much knowing they were closed on Sundays.

Our cell phones didn’t work in the area where this happened. Unbeknownst to me, he also called Lloyd to let him know there were no shops open. About three minutes after he left we saw a red truck pass by. That truck went around the corner heading toward Orofino. Within a minute they pulled up behind us. These folks, Keith and Melissa Chandler, asked what happened. I told them I didn’t think our local shop was open. Keith said, without me asking, he would just change the tire. Keith asked me where the spare tire was. For the life of me, I couldn’t remember.

I look at it every time I put one of my dog crates in my SUV! Needless to say, I didn’t need any coffee for the rest of the day.

Keith set about finding the tire, jack, and handle. I didn’t know where they were either! While Keith changed the tire he suggested Melissa drive me up a subdivision to see if I could get any cell service. I had explained to Keith and Melissa that one of our volunteers, Christine, would be waiting in Lewiston for us to show up and would be wondering where we were. Keith mentioned he was on his way to a meeting.

So there he is, getting dirty and dusty, and not a word of complaint. While Melissa and I went to see if I could get cell service Trish stayed at the car with Sam. Sam really enjoyed the outing! No service where we went. Keith finished changing the tire. We thanked him profusely but he really didn’t want any thanks. It never ceases to amaze me how many great people we meet while working with our animals. We can’t thank you enough Keith and Melissa Chandler and Chris Wilman.

As soon as we rounded the bend at the Thunderbird I called Lloyd to let him know what had happened. He was just going out the door to come change the tire. Chris had called him to let him know that there were no shops open. Trish called Christina to let her know what happened.

When we got there, Christina had everything set up! Who says people and animals don’t go together? In our journeys with animals we are fortunate to meet the best of the best in our community.

Duncan, one of our rescues and now in his forever home, has the best humans there are! When we adopt, our adopters always stay in touch. Our most recent email from Duncan’s guardians, Jodi and Eric said they went on a hiking trip, climbed a 5,500-foot mountain.

Eric and Jodi say Duncan is great and wonderful and happy and amazing. Duncan loves walking in the woods and hiking and he really loves camping. He loves sleeping in the tent, getting up early to hike, and laying by the fire. They keep Duncan on a 30’ lead so they can be sure he doesn’t chase a squirrel or get onto the road. He especially enjoyed situating himself where he can watch everything. Says Jodi, “He’s just...well? The Best Dog Ever.”

All stray dogs and cats are vaccinated upon arrival for their safety and the safety of the other dogs and cats. They are also neutered and spayed on the sixth (6) day. All costs are the responsibility of the owner claiming the dog. Strays are held for five (5) days and then are for adoption.

***We need large stainless steel bowls for water.*** We also need treats for training. Small milk bones and other tasty treats are great.

**Please donate kitty/cat food.** We have 11 cats/kittens now. Dry kitten food, Purina kitten food is ok. Friskies canned food, ground only, is also greatly needed! Please help us help them.***

We really need canned and dry cat/kitten food and litter right now. We also need small ceramic bowls for the kitten and cat food. We also need covered litter pans.

We need towels to bathe our dogs and cats. Please don’t throw your old towels away—we will put them to good use.

***We need nylabones and tug toys for the dogs/puppies and toys for our cats/kittens right now.***

You can drop all donations of food, toys, blankets, etc. at Orofino Builders Supply. Steve and Leila Crockett continue to be animal lovers and great supporters.

Remember, your donations are tax deductible. Thank you for thinking of us!

Our mailing address is: Clearwater Humane Society, P.O. Box 2063, Orofino, ID 83544.

For any information on any of our animals, call 476-9823. Please leave your name, telephone number, and the reason you are calling. Please speak clearly and slowly.

If you find a stray dog, please contain the dog or cat, if you feel it is safe to do so, and then call. Many times I get a call from someone that has a stray but by the time I get there the person calling says the dog ran off.

Please contain in a yard or tie the dog until I get there. We want to keep these poor dogs safe and either find their owners or get them a wonderful lifetime home.

All stray dogs and cats are vaccinated and wormed upon arrival for their safety and the safety of the other dogs and cats. They are also neutered and spayed after a five (5) day waiting period. All costs are the responsibility of the owner claiming the dog or cat. Strays are held for five days and then are up for adoption.

If you recognize any of the above strays and know who the owner is, please call. We want to get these wonderful dogs and cats back to their homes. Call 476-9823.