News, Spring 2007, page 4

When the WideAwake Rescue began, in late May of 2006, we knew it would be a major challenge. We did not know however, exactly how massive the challenges would be and how fast new ones would be thrown at us. If you did not get to read that story and would like to, see our Spring 2006 Newsletter - click.
The Original Goals
1. Get the animals to safety in Colorado, 2. Match them with companions they were close to in Wisconsin, 3. Help them heal both physically and emotionally, 4. Get them sterilized and vaccinated and then, 5. Place them, in pairs, at other sanctuaries across the country.


How to Accomplish These Goals
1. Build temporary enclosures large enough to allow them to feel at ease and not ever have to be chained again. 2. Know which animals were already paired companions and how the others were arranged at their old location. 3. Have medical tests performed as quickly as possible and as non-invasively as possible. 4. Establish a protocol, for their care, that would foster calm and non-threatening interaction with humans. 5. Determine how quickly it would be safe to perform spays and neuters. 6. Network with other organizations around the country and determine fundraising methods to help them accommodate new residents.

Miracles Happened and More Are Required
Miracles were performed by our volunteers and supporters. Land was located, funding received and a facility built (in just five days). The challenges were suddenly magnified as we discovered that 15 out of 18 were heart worm positive, many were suffering from raging infections, several had physical injuries, and all were severely dehydrated and emaciated. It was also very clear that they had all suffered from severe emotional trauma. All of these maladies would require an extensive amount of medical care, time and money before they could be returned to health. They would not be able to be placed. We needed to get them relocated to the Sanctuary and into permanent size habitats. Plans were made to reapply to our county for permission to increase the numbers at the facility. New habitats would be needed as well. Fund-raising for this challenge might even be more difficult than getting the necessary county approvals.


Progress Is Good
Outside of the deaths of Jack, from heart worm, and Love Girl, from neurological damage, the animals are improving. On average each of the them has gained 40% of their body weight since they arrived. Each is much calmer and some are even inviting humans to touch them. Many have been observed playing with their companion and interacting with those in enclosures next to them. In short, they are all starting to act and look like normal healthy individuals. Moving them into large permanent habitats will expedite their recovery There are a few health concerns, however. Although healthier and heavier: Gead (18 years old), is having much more difficulty with her hips and some sort of neurological issues. At her age there is nothing remedial to be done. Hammer likewise has good days and bad days with his lower spine. We are confident that with your help they will continue to progress and heal -- THANK YOU! [