An update on helping the dogs at Motels4Now in South Bend

Friends have pulled together to get things done for the doggies. In turn, the owners are better off for the help, too.

This past summer, several non-profit groups were discussing how to help a handful of dogs that are owned by motel residents. The dogs needed to be spayed or neutered. The pet owners love their buddies and want to do what is best. Money was the issue. The owners have had issues and are homeless.

The non-profits stepped up to help the owners and people donated. The donors realize they are helping the doggies and the owners in a big way.

This may sound familiar. And so, it is. This is an update for the people who donated money and time to get this done for the Motel4Now residents and their furry friends.

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At one point, it was all moving quickly during mid-summer. Donations were made. There were glitches. The dreaded glitches.

Now, this is mostly a happy report.

So far, five dogs have received care: three spay surgeries and one neuter, plus de-worming treatment, e-collars, rabies and distemper vaccines and heartworm tests. A fifth received the inoculation needed to qualify his owner to include him in the move from the motel to an apartment.

One of the dogs, known as Puppup, is a special case. More on her later.

So let’s name the players. First, there was the 501c3 non-profit St. Cat’s and its founder, Karen Schefmeyer. Karen has worked for more than 30 years to keep the cat population down through trap, neuter and release (TNR).

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The pet owners in this story are associated with Our Lady of the Road and Motels4Now. Our Lady’s staff became concerned about the dogs at the motel. They turned to Karen for direction on how to make the situation safe and puppy free. Karen had been managing the cat population there already.

Another player is the Resale to the Rescue, 905 W. McKinley Ave. The upscale resale store is dearly connected to animal causes. The store has donated nearly $650,000 to local animal charities. Founder Jan Caudell was committed to raising money to help the motel dogs. She received donations at the store and through a Facebook campaign.

Then there is the Frantz Fund. The fund helps low-income pet owners obtain spay, neuter and inoculations for their pets. Frantz Fund founder is Gayle Dantzler, a retired Tribune editor.

Karen contacted Gayle about getting funding for the procedures.

“The Frantz Fund has been helping animals belonging to needy owners for 16 years, but no case has been more gratifying than this one. It certainly is an example of cooperation among animal welfare charities,” Gayle said.

Jan and Gayle agreed that working together can make life better. “I have to thank our supporters for stepping up and committing $1,500 for the procedures,” Jan said.

Back to PupPup. “One of the spay surgeries was delayed because 8-year-old PupPup had a flea infestation that needed to be dealt with first. She’d been through the mill — literally. PupPup had been a breeding dog at a puppy mill. When she did make the trip to Low Cost SNIP in Hobart, the vets found a mammary tumor, which they also surgically removed. Unfortunately, she also was positive for heartworms.”

That is an expensive procedure and tough on the dog. Karen said she will explore ways to get her treatment for heartworms. “I’m not giving up on PupPup yet. We are going to get this taken care of. We are going to make this right. She is a sweet dog.”

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Karen is happy with the results so far with the other dogs and the owners. “The dogs are part of the support system for the owners. The owner who was able to move into an apartment, that’s a huge move. I couldn’t be happier. The dogs give a sense of hope to people who may not have anyone. It is uplifting. Dogs are a bit of sunshine in their lives.”

There is more to do for the homeless and their buddies. Karen will keep a watchful eye on dogs, cats and people.

■■■

We stand corrected. Barbara Green's first name was incorrect in a recent column in early January.

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She is the daughter of Noble Hand, of Bremen. Noble died in December at the age of 99.  He had received an Honor Quilt for his service in World War II in November.

We regret the error.

You can contact Kathy at Kfborlik@yahoo.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Community helps homeless with veterinary care for their dogs