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Cottrel: Rescue Me helps abandoned pets, plans fundraising event Nov. 21

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By Pam Cottrel, Contributing Writer 11:06 PM Saturday, November 7, 2009

One night Maggie Bollar heard mewing sounds coming out of a storm sewer in Bethel Twp. A flashlight revealed five tiny abandoned kittens.

“I didn’t know what to do,” said the New Carlisle librarian. “I have so many cats already. I couldn’t adopt any more. Then I remembered Belinda.”

Since 1972, Belinda Thomas, veterinary technician, has been rescuing cats and dogs. When she realized she could not save all abandoned pets by herself, she helped to organize Rescue Me Inc.

Rescue Me Inc. is a group of volunteers who care for homeless animals. Abandoned animals, like these kittens, are kept under a two-week quarantine to guarantee health. Some require veterinary care and most need shots. Dogs get heartworm checks, and preventative care. Cats are checked for feline leukemia and other cat problems.

Since the group’s focus is finding new homes, adoption fairs are held most Sunday afternoons at PetSmart, 8282 Old Troy Pike, Huber Heights, and every other weekend at the U.S. 40 flea market. (No pun is intended since all available pets have already been given preventive to AVOID fleas.)

One last step, according to the Web site, is that new owners must agree to micro-chipping then spaying or neutering pets as soon as it is appropriate.

“Abandoned pets are a growing problem in this economy,” Thomas said. “Pets are being left behind when homes are foreclosed, and the owners have to move.”

This is creating the need for more volunteers, new homes and more people willing to support this animal-rescue organization.

Financial donations are welcomed. Volunteer and supply needs are listed on the group’s Web site (www.petfinder.com /shelters/OH138.html).

On Nov. 21, Rescue Me Inc. will hold its main fundraiser, a Fish Fry and Monte Carlo Night at AMVETS Post No. 99, 1123 S. Brown School Road, Vandalia.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Call (937) 846-0757 for more information.

Organizers hope proceeds will are enough to feed the animals for an entire year.

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