It has been a long and steady climb that has taken PAWS from a rescue of an injured man’s dogs in 1996 to an animal shelter and more on Lower Wynndel Road.
Today, Creston Pet Adoption and Welfare Society operates a animal shelter and rehabilitation centre on land purchased in 2003. The property also features a caretaker’s residence, outdoor runs and training facility, and a memorial garden where pets’ ashes can be interred.
The society has grown from a dream by founders Claudia Grimstead and Bruno Schultz, their spouses Bob Grimstead and Marion Schultz, and Thelma Corner. PAWS got its start when a man Bruno Schultz knew who lived a mountain man’s life was injured. Several dogs were left alone and Schultz recruited friends to capture and care for the organizations first “mountain dogs”.
Early efforts included securing a remote access telephone answering service so that people with animal care concerns could call in. More than a thousand calls rang through in that first year, and the group was soon advertising for permanent homes for abandoned and unwanted pets.
Five years into their efforts, Claudia Grimstead was killed in a car crash—along with her beloved dog—and more volunteers were recruited to carry on the dream. Vicki McDonald, Lee Kitto and Dianna Miller were among those committed countless volunteer hours and their own money.
In 2002, a massive challenge faced PAWS members. On a mountainside near Topaz Creek, 64 dogs were found, many of them in poor health and running wild. Jim McDonald provided on site care while the others worked to secure homes for them. It was an event that put PAWS at the forefront of news stories in the Creston Valley and throughout the province, and it offered proof that a facility was needed.
The current PAWS property was purchased with a $64,000 donation in 2003 and another $51,000 contribution was used to develop the property and construct the shelter now known as Claudia’s Place Animal Care and Rehabilitation Centre, which opened in 2010.
A team of volunteers cares for dogs and cats, primarily, but other small animals have found refuge in the centre. Outside, a space is dedicated to holding larger animals. The commitment by the founders not to kill animals remains as the philosophy of PAWS today. When no permanent homes can be found, animals remain in the shelter or are fostered by volunteers. A seniors’ foster program helps connect pets with older citizens, offering free food and veterinarian services in cases of financial need.
Maintaining an animal shelter is a massive undertaking for volunteers. All animals taken in get medical attention and are neutered or spayed prior to going to new homes. New owners pay a fee to help cover costs. Fundraising is a never-ending challenge, with grant writing, donation solicitation, bake sales and raffles taking time and energy. A dedicated fund in the Creston-Kootenay Foundation allows for large donations—from individuals and estates—to be held in perpetuity, generating interest on an annual basis. An account at Creston & District Credit Union allows donors to set up monthly donations, which are tax deductible.
The most recent change at PAWS has been construction of a pet memorial garden, which helps ease the pain of loss for grieving pet parents. Ashes can be interred and memorials in the form of brass plaques and engraved stones are available. The quiet arbour sanctuary offers a peaceful resting spot.
To celebrate the evolving dream that started 20 years ago, the public is invited to visit the PAWS shelter at 2005 Lower Wynndel Road on Saturday, October 1st from 10 am to 2:30 pm. Games for dogs and their people are planned and activities are scheduled throughout the day. A free barbecue will be offered as thanks from 12 to 1 pm. Of particular interest are a parade at 10 am and dog trick showoff at 1 pm.
(With thanks to Signe Miller and I Love Creston for details.)