The Collie Nose

Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2013

A very small group of volunteers

puts in a tremendous amount of

time on day-to-day operations to

rescue our wonderful collies. I’m

referring to the CRGI Board of

Trustees, a group dedicated to

keeping this organization running

like a finely tuned machine.

We have the typical organization

positions, including president, vice

president, treasurer and secretary.

But more importantly, we have an

intake coordinator responsible for

finding collies in need and arrang-

ing transportation and medical

treatments. Our foster home coor-

dinator is responsible for placing

the collies with a well-trained

fosterer and our adoption coordi-

nator helps to find a perfect

forever

home. These positions work

closely

together to make the entire pro-

cess run seamlessly.

Without funding, CRGI could not

help collies. That is where the

skills of our fundraising/events

coordinator are needed. This per-

son is responsible for planning all

the events that you, the collie

community, enjoy and support.

There are so many other jobs that

happen in this organization, such

as website and database manage-

ment, contracts and communica-

tion, that I can’t list them all. This

is a fine group of individuals who

sacrifice a great deal of time to the

mission of CRGI and I want to

thank all of you.

John Cymerman

By Ellen Keirnan

Now that the Midwest is thawing, it’s a good time to be aware of

pet dangers in the yard.

Plants, fertilizers, pesticides, compost and tools pose risks for

pets.

Mushrooms, sago palms, rhododendrons and azaleas can harm

dogs. If ingested, plants can cause vomiting and even liver dam-

age.

Besides the danger of fertilizer in your yard, be cautious of neigh-

bors’ yards during walks. Watch for the use of cocoa mulch. A dog

may be attracted to its smell and eat it. The mulch may upset a

dog’s stomach.

Blood meal is another common fertilizer that can cause a pancrea-

titis attack if too much is ingested.

If your dog eats bone meal, a blockage can occur. Because it is

ground bone, a concrete ball can form in the intestines.

Iron is common in fertilizers and can cause vomiting and diarrhea

and lead to cardiac and liver damage in extreme cases.

Be aware of what you are using and be sure to monitor your dog

closely when he’s sniffing around.

Mouse, rat, snail and fly baits can be poisonous. So use them

sparingly and maintain a vigilant eye so your dog can’t get near

them.

When compost decomposes, it can create molds and gases that

may be toxic. If mycotoxins are present, they can cause vomiting

or even seizures.

Unattended tools can cause puncture wounds, scrapes and infec-

tions if they are left in places that your dog enjoys exploring.

The presence of blue-green algae in a stagnant pond or pool can

be hazardous and neurotoxins can cause death if a dog swims in

or drinks the tainted water.

Hazards in the Garden

See GARDEN, page 2

Behind the Scenes

Bowl Supporters

The Animal Poison Control Center is a phone call away if your pet

shows symptoms of poisoning. The number is 1-888-426-4435.

There may be a fee associated with its services, depending on the

type of assistance.

A little knowledge goes a long way in protecting your pet against

outdoor hazards. Be an alert pet owner and realize that vomiting

or other signs of sickness may mean that your dog has ingested

poison.

GARDEN, from page 1

Support Rolls in During Crystal Bowl

Thanks to the following gener-

ous families and businesses

that sponsored a lane at the

Collie Crystal Bowl.

Aichinger family

All Pet Pantry

Artistic Creations Salon, Inc.

Baker family

Butler family

Diedrichsen family

Glen Ellyn Animal Hospital

Kozy’s Cyclery

Narnia Pet Behavior and Train-

ing

Newberry Electric Co., Inc.

Pet Supplies Plus

Schwans Home Service

Woody Buick GMC

Yorkville Animal Hospital

Zwirn family

Thanks to the individuals and

businesses who donated raffle

items for the Collie Crystal

Bowl. Your donations added so

much to our fun and funds!

Michelle Hirsch

Tina Kiselka and family

Caroline Lewis

George and Karen Hayes

Mary Zwirn

Nina Biddinger

Melody Reinsdorff, Princess

House

Jody Wilson

Reflections Metro

Kim Nelson and family

Carol Foster

X-Nails

Susie Moncek

Gail's Groomerie

Sherylee Dodge

John Cymerman

Dick’s Sporting Goods

By Kym McNabney

With the help of about 130 supporters, sponsors and raffle

donors,

Collie Rescue of Greater Illinois raised $2,226 at the second annu-

al Collie Crystal Bowl.

CRGI volunteers bowled in February at Lisle Lanes for one cause:

to ensure CRGI will continue to provide for collies that have been

abandoned, lost, mistreated or surrendered by their owners.

For $20 a person, everyone was treated to a fun day of bowling,

which included sitting on the floor, bowling between your team-

mate’s legs, bowling backwards and hopping on one foot.

Shouts of excitement could be heard as raffle ticket winners were

announced. A few of the great raffle items included an assortment

of goody bags, collie knickknacks, a professional drawing of the

family collie and gift cards.

Thanks to all for making the fundraising event possible: CRGI co-

founder Tina Kiselka and event coordinator Michelle Hirsch for all

the work they put into the event; Kim Nelson and Caroline Lewis

for putting the raffle together; Gail Diedrichsen for her artwork;

Bradley Baker for his help in getting lane sponsors; Lisle Lanes for

their cooperation; Kingpin Grille for the delicious food; and all the

volunteers who participated.

By Gail Diedrichsen

Often Susie Moncek, our foster coordinator, needs homes for young dogs full of energy or dogs raised

with children. These collies benefit from placement in a family with children.

We are fortunate to have several families who see their fostering experience as an opportunity rather

than a chore. These families have huge hearts and incredible strength, as witnessed even in the

youngest family members.

Sherylee Dodge has fostered for two

years and her two children help with the

tasks.

“It’s a way to have another dog without

really having one,” Sherylee says.

She is also a “foster failure.” Her family

decided that two were keepers.

She laughs and confesses, “I am per-

petually shopping for my next dog. I

have two, but I am saving room for that

blue merle and fosterers get first dibs.”

Sherylee admits it was very hard for her

children the first few times her foster

dogs were adopted.

“They cried so hard. But through the

tears they insisted, ‘No, mom we do not

want to quit. Let’s keep helping more

dogs,’” she says.

Recalling a tender moment, she says,

“Our recent foster dog, Regan, was such a mess. She was so stinky, with terrible fur, and had yucky,

runny eyes. One day I noticed my son looking at that dog with such affection. He sweetly said, ‘Mom

she’s so cute.’ The dog may have looked awful, but I knew how wonderfully big my son’s heart was at

that moment.”

Kim Morris’ home is our “puppy house.” Any puppy adopted from Kim comes fully socialized because

her house is full of activity. With three children and three dogs, her foster dogs become part of her

busy family.

“Kim’s kids are amazing. They are sponges for knowledge and do so much to help these dogs become

great family pets,” Susie says.

Kim is very proud of her daughters for all they do. Her middle daughter, Bryanna, is especially fond of

animals.

“I wasn’t a ‘foster failure’ for the longest time. But then our Hammie came along … Bryanna fell in

love,” Kim says. “They are a perfect match and have exactly the same personality.”

Foster Families Work as a Team

See FOSTERERS, page 4

The Dodge boys enjoy helping their mom take care of

rescue dogs.

“Bryanna plans to be a veterinarian, work at a zoo and live on a

farm,” she adds. “She had a difficult time when the dogs left,

but now she understands she is doing a good thing. We have a

binder full of photos to remember all of our ‘babies’ and we keep

in touch with adopters. These dogs are always in our hearts and

never leave us.”

The shortest stay for Kim’s foster dogs has been six days; the

longest, six months; and the average is about one month.

“We love getting the new dog and this is my puppy fix,” Kim

says. “It’s a joy, but it is lots of work too. The entire family

pitches in and it is a meaningful team experience for the entire

family.”

Bobbie Jo Soltis is our novice fosterer. Her passion for collies and a desire to serve in some way

brought her to us.

“I was born into a home with collies. My mother had collies and always had pups,” Bobbie Jo says. “I

always helped from the time I can remember. I feel as if I have two hearts – one human and the oth-

er, the heart of a collie.”

Like so many fosterers, Bobbie Jo finds the experience very beneficial for her children.

“I do this for several reasons. I get instant gratification. I feel like I am making a difference. But most

of all, I do this to teach compassion to my children,” she says. “Tonight Danny, 4, fed both collies and

he was so proud of himself. On our way home from school, my 6-year-old, Juliana, said, ‘Mom, know

what I am going to do when I get home? I’m going to just love on Rufus.’”

“It’s difficult to let them go. We have Rufus now and he will really be a tough one,” Bobbie Jo says. “I

said to myself, ‘If he’s still here by Christmas, I’m throwing a big red ribbon around his neck.’ But

then I got the call. A good home had been found. That’s OK; it comes with the territory.”

Her children understand that loving the collies means being able to let them go.

“It gets easier and my kids do cry,” she says. “But they understand and tell me they want to keep

fostering.”

Bobbie Jo recently visited her former foster dog, Trever.

“He tackled me to the ground with pure joy and smothered me with kisses. What

a rewarding thanks,” she says.

Trever got his wish: a home for Christmas!

Our compassionate volunteers share many heartwarming stories. None are more

touching than stories about children who express compassion and wisdom.

Without our dedicated young volunteers and their parents, many loving collies

would not get a second chance to make a child happy in a forever home.

One thing these families have in common is the realization that the experience is

not only beneficial to the dog, but brings them closer together.

The parents also share in the belief that their children have become better people

because of this rewarding experience.

FOSTERERS, from page 3

Danny and Rufus

Kim Morris with her daughters

By Gail Diedrichsen

While volunteering alongside Michelle Hirsch during CRGI events, fellow volunteers are amazed by her

incredible energy and stamina.

An observer might think that she is everywhere at once, has more than two hands or is possibly on

roller skates! The “ever-ready bunny” is one way to describe her.

Michelle joined our organization just two years ago, but she hit the ground running and has not

stopped. She joined the board of directors as our event coordinator and has brought new energy to

CRGI.

She efficiently organizes events with two goals

in mind: to raise funds so our organization can

help the collies in our care and to inform po-

tential adopters that we exist and have won-

derful adoptable dogs in need of loving homes.

Michelle is able to combine her two passions

while contributing her talents to a great cause.

“My collies are my first passion and my second

passion is organizing events and bossing peo-

ple around!” she jokes.

Fellow volunteer Susie Moncek describes her as

someone who spreads excitement.

“Michelle has a way of getting you excited to

be involved,” she says. “The events she puts

together for our rescue are not only a great

way to share our efforts, but she makes the

events so much fun that you feel like you are

missing out on something special if you don’t

get involved!”

Her positive personality is evident when she handles the hard work and occasional stress that comes

with the job.

“She’s brought new ideas and new venues to assist us in obtaining donations to help us with the

needed medical procedures for incoming dogs,” CRGI co-founder Tina Kiselka says. “She has a won-

derful personality and goes at everything with a positive attitude.”

“Michelle is great at what she does. She is organized and always follows through,” says CRGI Presi-

dent Vicki Wilder. “She is one of the most enthusiastic people I know and always has a smile on her

face.”

Michelle initiated participation in the St. Charles Scarecrow Fest, where we won first place this year,

taking home the prize of $350. Participation in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Naperville

earned us a first-place trophy. These events make hundreds of spectators aware of our organization.

She organizes the Collie Crystal Bowl, a fun-filled bowling event that includes a raffle and lunch. The

Crystal Bowl produced a full house at Lisle Lanes this year.

“Ever-Ready” Michelle Hirsch

See MICHELLE, page 6

Michelle Hirsch poses with Doc Colliday during

the St. Charles Fall Scarecrow Fest.

MICHELLE, from page 5

Kid’s Corner

Isaac and Gage had a great time at the Collie Crystal Bowl. They en-

joyed the food and especially liked the challenge of the red pin.

Michelle schedules our meet and greets, which are held around the Chicago area. Through these

events, we foster community support, recruit volunteers, encourage donors and reach potential

adopters. She knows the importance of reaching the public and appreciates the small army of volun-

teers who provide a few hours to meet the public with their collies.

She also orchestrates our annual Volunteer Appreciation Party, which is held to recognize our indis-

pensable volunteers. It’s a chance to share good food and enjoy each other’s company.

And she is responsible for our participation in the Windy City Pet Expo, the DuPage/Chicago Pet Show

and the Kane County/Chicago Pet Show. These events are an opportunity to network with hundreds of

local pet lovers who are potential adopters.

Her most extensive undertaking is the planning of the vendor fair, which offers crafts, baked goods

and fun items to shoppers. This year’s Collie Vendor and Craft Corral will be held April 20

at the

Vaughan Field House in Aurora. Although this is a big job, Michelle’s previous career in managing

trade shows gives her the know-how to make it happen.

Why does Michelle work so hard without monetary reward? She has loved collies since she was a

child. She remembers visiting her aunt in Canada when she was a toddler and seeing her aunt’s collie,

described as beautiful, sweet and well-behaved.

The dog’s most impressive quality was the way “she could eat corn off the cob meticulously without a

bit of mess or leaving one kernel,” Michelle says.

She recalls watching “Lassie” on TV. Although she couldn’t have a collie of her own, she was hooked.

She vowed to get one when the timing was right. Michelle’s dream came true. She and her husband,

Paul, live with two adopted collies, Lucy and Shadow.

With tireless devotion, Michelle brings contagious energy to our great group of volunteers. CRGI ex-

tends a heartfelt thanks to “ever-ready” Michelle. But no one is more thankful than the many collies

who have found a loving home because of Michelle’s dedication and remarkable energy.

Heartworm

By Dale Mohr

We learned many lessons during family trips with our collies. Most

of the experiences were good ones, except for one tragic episode.

We took many trips with our two children and some more when

my family included a collie and two cats. The cats always stayed

home in good care, but my dog Nick was a great travel compan-

ion.

We have lodged at motels, fancy hotels, a few bed and breakfast

places and campgrounds. The latter included camping in state,

county and national parks and county, state and national forests.

We also enjoyed private campgrounds, such as KOA. We even

stayed at a city campground while visiting Monterey, Mexico, in

the 1970s.

We had the most difficulty at some state park campgrounds that

didn't allow pets and in the Northeast, where there is a shortage

of motels allowing dogs. In general, though, campgrounds make it

easy with a dog.

For those not into camping, it's a good idea to check before-

hand to find pet-friendly motels and hotels on your itinerary and

make reservations if possible. Search for “pet-friendly hotels” and

search by routes to find a lodging place that permits dogs.

It was interesting to learn that the large hotels holding conven-

tions were generally the easiest once the staff knew that the dog

would be leashed, was not a barker and was well-behaved.

Keep in mind that motels and hotels generally do not permit leav-

ing a dog alone in the room.

Our family learned a valuable but tragic lesson during a trip to

Washington state when we entered a relative's driveway and were

immediately approached by their two dogs.

During this hot day, our young collie became anxious about the

dogs and had his head out the rear window. The window was par-

tially open, but it was open enough for him to squeeze through.

After landing on the ground, he was afraid of the dogs and ran to-

ward the highway.

We never saw him again. After searching for two days, we had to

leave for home without him. Our aunt later found his remains and

sent us his collar/ID as a memorial of that sad day when he was

apparently killed by a vehicle.

On a more cheerful note, we were camping in a national park near

Winnipeg, Manitoba, and had a good time hiking the trails with

our collie. However, one evening we attended a park ranger talk

and left our dog alone in our tent trailer.

Traveling with Your Dog

See TRAVEL, page 8

Bowling for Collies

"Old dogs, like old shoes, are

comfortable. They might be a

bit out of shape and a little

worn around the edges, but

they fit well."



— Bonnie Wilcox, “Old Dogs,

Old Friends”

He was secured by a long leash inside. When we returned, we found him outside the trailer. He was

still secured, but had apparently forced himself through the canvas so he could visit with a skunk. Be-

fore returning home, we applied a lot of tomato juice and found traveling with him stinky. This was

another lesson learned: Don’t leave a dog in a tent trailer!

You should consider 10 steps when traveling with a dog (see www.Edmunds.com):

1. Visit your veterinarian for vaccinations and take the papers along.

2. Equip your dog with a microchip and sturdy collar with a tag displaying your address and phone

number.

3. Pack and plan for your dog like you do for the rest of the family. Important items include dog

food and cleanup bags.

4. A safety restraint in the car is a good idea, such as a pet carrier or harness.

5. Do not travel with your dog in a pickup bed or on the car roof (like Mitt Romney).

6. To guard against car sickness, don't give him much food during the drive, but give him enough

water. In severe cases of car anxiety, you can ask your veterinarian for tranquilizer medicine.

7. Keep your dog's head inside the car, not out the window. It's too easy for him to be injured by

flying debris or insects. Also, a dog could strangle himself by stepping on the power window con-

trol.

8. Be extra careful when traveling during hot weather, using plenty of air conditioning and not leav-

ing your dog in the car.

9. Take frequent stops since he will need water and potty breaks and will want to stretch his legs.

10. Avoid hazards of poison and choking. Some dogs will eat anything, especially new stuff that they

find on a trip.

TRAVEL, from page 7

Volunteers marched with their Scottish collies dressed in Emerald Isle green during the Naperville St.

Patrick’s Day Parade, sponsored by the West Suburban Irish.

St. Patrick’s Day is dedicated to the Irish immigrants who came to this country with hopes for a better

life. Many arrived very poor, but worked hard to make a new home for themselves.

That same brave spirit and desire for a fresh start

is akin to our organization’s commitment and

goals. Many of our uprooted collies have had a

rough start, but are given another chance because

we work hard to find our vagabond collies a place

they may finally call home.

The dogs were dressed fashionably for the occa-

sion, thanks to Dianne Trost who designed the

gorgeous costumes. As we made our way through

the streets, hundreds of spectators met us with

enthusiastic applause.

Thanks to Michelle Hirsch for organizing this event and shuttling walkers. And thanks to Gail Diedrich-

sen for making signs and allowing volunteers and their dogs to congregate at her home.

Thanks to our volunteers who braved the cold winds and snow flurries. Marching with the beautiful

collie ambassadors got the word out that CRGI has great dogs needing good homes.

Stepping Out in Green

Vicki Wilder, President

Tina Kiselka, Treasurer

Caroline Lewis, Secretary

Robert Olson, Webmaster/IT

John Cymerman, Chairperson

Michelle Hirsch, Event Coordinator

Michelle Rogers, Adoption Coordinator

Susie Moncek, Foster Home Coordinator

Collie Rescue of Greater Illinois, Inc., is a nonprofit corporation

established in 1995. We provide shelter and care to purebred collies

which have been abandoned or turned in to shelters. Email

info@collierescue.org, call (630) 415-1206 or visit the website

www.collierescue.org.

Board Members

CRGI Recognizes Volunteers

By Ellen Keirnan

The volunteers of Collie Rescue of Greater Illinois were recognized and thanked by the Board of Direc-

tors in March at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Party.

We celebrated another successful year rescuing collies from incredible situations, ranging from aban-

donment and abuse to hoarding. These rescued dogs were treated for medical, physical and psycho-

logical damage inflicted on them.

The volunteers were thanked for fundraising efforts that made

medical care possible for even the sickest animals, which

might have been euthanized otherwise. They were thanked for

transporting animals from sister rescue organizations and for

opening their homes to scared, nervous, underfed and sick

collies.

As a special treat, Dr. Erin O’Connor, a certified animal chiro-

practor, talked about the chiropractic problems that affect

dogs. She showed us how chiropractic care can allow an in-

jured or limping animal to be active again.

Dr. O’Connor practices in an Aurora facility shared with Vitality

Chiropractic Center, her husband’s chiropractic business for

people. She gives a special discount for rescue animals and

extended that discount to members of the CRGI family. Con-

tact drerinoconnor@myvitalitychiropractic.com for more infor-

mation.

She engaged and inspired volunteers with her anecdotes about her patients (dogs with physical and

behavioral problems) who have benefited from her service -- sometimes with just one or two treat-

ments. Her presentation included a film demonstrating her method of adjustments, how the dogs ac-

cept her manipulation and many tips to avoiding injuries and other problems. After a lively question

and answer period, she remained available to set up appointments and talk to volunteers to provide

advice.

As part of the event, seven volunteers participated in the chili cook-off contest. The empty pots at the

end of the afternoon were a testament to the shared camaraderie among volunteers.

Michelle Hirsch with chili

winner Nicole Belizaire

Michelle Rogers, Ruth Meek,

Kathy Stodgell, Susie Moncek and

Rose Fields share stories at the

annual volunteer party.