Students host carwash to help abused dog

By Sterling Rouse

Students in the ResCare Residential Program organized a car wash to help an abused dog in need of an operation.

(Greencastle, IN) Students with the ResCare Residential Program earned a small fortune to help a mistreated dog live up to his fortunate first name.

The young people organized a carwash to help raise money for Lucky, a St. Bernard mix in need of an operation.

Acting on an anonymous tip in September, workers from the Humane Society of Putnam County (HSPC) discovered the dog, which had been shot five times and then mutilated.

The dog was taken to the HSPC animal shelter, where workers named him Lucky because of he survived the horrible experience.

A story about Lucky ran in the Greencastle newspaper and caught the attention of 10-year-old Trevor Tate, a ResCare student.

"When I hear bad stuff about dogs, I really feel sorry for them," said Mr. Tate. "I don't like dogs to be abused."

Shortly after arriving at the shelter, Lucky underwent surgery to repair some of his injuries, but another necessary operation was put on hold because there was no money.

The Humane Society established a special fund to help defray the medical costs for Lucky and other animals in need of serious medical attention.

Mr. Tate said he suggested to ResCare administrators that he and his fellow students should do a fundraiser to help Lucky. The suggestion received overwhelming support, especially since the shelter holds a special place for the students at ResCare Residential. Each week, a group of students helps staff at the shelter for an hour or two cleaning cages, filling water bowls and playing with the animals so they build a trust for humans.

Trevor Tate's suggestion turned into the carwash that raised $124 for Lucky.

"(The success of the fundraiser) meant a lot to me because Lucky looks like a special dog," said Mr. Tate.

Since establishing its donation fund, the animal shelter has raised nearly $2,000 and Lucky has undergone a second surgery.

Lucky is currently in foster care while he awaits placement with a suitable owner, said Lisa Baker, manager of the animal shelter.

"He needs to go somewhere local to someone who can spend a great deal of time with him," said Ms. Baker.

Ms. Baker said animal shelter employees and volunteers were excited to hear that ResCare students had done their own fundraiser for Lucky.

"We had no idea they were doing anything like that," said Ms. Baker. "That shows these kids come here for a good reason."

"They really do a lot for us," she added. "They are a huge help."

Not surprisingly, Mr. Tate said he especially likes playing with the dogs at the shelter.

"I like the dogs there, they are all very nice," he said. "Dogs are my favorite species."