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Shermansdale residents Jonette Zeigler and husband Bob with a smiling Reggie.
____ When most organizations announce expansion plans, it's happy news, but when an animal welfare organization is forced to expand out of necessity, it's a sad reflection on how many animals are tossed aside.
____ Since 2002, the Dillsburg-based Canine Rescue of Central Pennsylvania (CRCPA), along with a dedicated group of volunteers, has come to the aid of the many four-legged friends who need assistance.
____ What They Do
____ The non-profit organization, comprised of a core group of 50 volunteers from around the region, has adopted out more than 100 dogs over the past several years, according to President Kristen Acri. “We help many more. Some people contact us when they are having problems and we refer them to our training coordinator to educate them on working with the dogs, providing them with information and referring them to trainers,” she said.
____ The no-kill rescue works with dog wardens and other organizations. Sometimes the animals have been abandoned, abused or surrendered. “When a stray is found, we make every effort to first locate the owner, reaching out with ads and through social media,” said Acri. If that effort fails, the group concentrates on finding forever homes for the canines. On adoption day, pre-screened owners are provided with a packet of information containing valuable advice on “chipping” the dog, introducing their new family member into the home and other tips to assure a smooth transition.
____ For those who are concerned about adopting and facing unforeseen circumstances, the rescue organization promises to welcome the dog back into their care if the need arises. “After the animal has been adopted, our dogs can never be given away, nor adopted out to anyone else. If the adoptee has to surrender the dog again, the canine comes back to us to ensure the animal has a safe place to go for the rest of its life,” said Acri.
____ Reggie Smiles
____ Just last year Jonette Zeigler and her husband Bob adopted Reggie from the CRCPA and it's been a match made in heaven. “We lost our black Lab last March and began looking for another one in August, but had been turned down due to not having a fenced-in yard. I gave up temporarily, but then one night I had a dream,” said Zeigler, who woke up to tell her husband about a smiling dog. “The next day I received a call from Canine Rescue. We talked for about 40 minutes and arranged to meet Reggie the next day.” Reggie, who is estimated to be six or seven years old, has settled in nicely and is a “daddy's boy.” When the organization snapped the picture for the Facebook page, Reggie appears to be smiling. So, not only did Jonette's dream come true, it appears Reggie's did as well.
____ Onward and Upward
____ Since its inception, the CRCPA has leased a boarding kennel in Dillsburg. “The owners have done so much for us over the years and for that we are extremely grateful, but it has always been our dream to build our own facility. We are currently under contract to purchase land in Cumberland County,” said Acri.
____ Throughout the years, the group has raised money with a series of fundraisers, including an annual golf tournament, a picnic, raffles, and other smaller events.
____ This year, they're adding to those fundraising activities. To achieve their goal of $1.4 million, the CRCPA will jumpstart a “Raise the Roof” campaign with a comedy show to be held on November 1 at the Carlisle Theatre.
____ The group's fundraising work has only just begun. “We don't just want a kennel; we would like to have room for a sanctuary type area so when older dogs are surrendered and they're low key, they can have a comfortable place to stay where they're not living in a kennel-type situation,” said Acri, of the many plans for the future facility.
____ How You Can Help
____ There are many ways to help the CRCPA. Volunteers are needed for the numerous jobs which range from walking dogs to cleaning kennels, stuffing envelopes and helping with fundraisers, to name a few.
____ Acri encourages readers to visit the organization’s website at CRCPA.org, to learn about the many ways they can be of assistance. Those who aren't in a position to adopt may prefer to donate, or consider enrolling in the “Be a Buddy Program.” For $25 a month, participants can adopt a pet. “They can join for just one month, or as long as they want, and it's really cute. The sponsor's name is listed on the website beneath a picture of the dog they are sponsoring,” said Acri, adding that dogs need so many services, from spaying and neutering, to medical care and vaccines. “There's just so much; think of all the things you have to do for a pet; we need all those,” she added.
____ Enjoy an Evening of Laughs at “A Night to Howl”
____ Join your friends at the Carlisle Theatre on November 1 for the CRCPA's kickoff event, the “Raise the Roof” campaign. The comedy show will begin at 7 p.m. and will be hosted by Valerie Pritchett from ABC 27 and Jenna Clay of WINK 104.
____ The event will feature RC Smith, who currently works as the warm-up comic for ABC's “The Chew,” Phil Hogan, who has appeared with Carrot Top and Jeff Foxworthy and Christina Irene, a local comedian who has appeared nationwide.
____ Tickets are $20 apiece and $10 for college students. A VIP ticket can be purchased for $45.
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