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A Letter From
a Friend |
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Bruce Wolhuter a counselor for
the YMCA and does some Springer Spaniel rescue work. We thought this letter was worth
posting. Perhaps it gives a sense of
life here at S.C.A.R.S. Attention dog lovers! A visit to the Cummins’ Pet Haven [SCARS] is an experience you
shouldn’t miss. I visited this
wonderful place today and will go back again many times, I’m sure. I made so many new friends there (four and
three legged). Driving up the long
winding driveway to the house is like a scene from a movie set. As I approached the house, a swarm of dogs
surged forward to greet me. I opened
the car door and crouched down to meet all of the greeters. Crouching down is, I believe, a form of
respect to dogs, as you lower yourself to their level rather than towering
over them. I always greet a new dog in
a crouching position with open palms. In
this case I was surrounded by an incredible collection of dogs. Some stood out immediately. I wish I could remember all of their
names. All, incidentally, is forty two
dogs, and I never was good at names.
There was a beautiful German Sheppard with one eye missing. A beautiful black and white dog with a
boxer head pushed forward and shoved his head into my hands. I fully expected some skirmishes to break
out between jealous dogs all pushing forward for attention. I haven’t seen that many dogs anywhere,
except the movies. You
may have noticed I haven’t mentioned the couple that cares for and truly
loves all of these dogs. I know they
are not concerned about where they appear in this story, because for both of
them, the dogs come first. The owners
of the Cummins Pet Haven are Maureen and Terry Cummins, who met each other,
each owning their own personal “family” of dogs, and obviously both sharing
the same love for their dogs. Talk
about a marriage made in Heaven. In
this case, “Heaven” is 50 acres on the edge of the Flint Hills and west of
The SCARS Welcome Party It
was several minutes and two stiff knees later, when I finally stood up and
went over to meet and shake hands with Terry, whom I was meeting for the
first time. I have known Maureen for a number of years and share her and his
passion for dogs. I have six of my own, two of which are rescues. They
invited me into their house and a wave of dogs flowed into the house,
swirling around my feet and quickly claiming position on couches and chairs.
Their house had gone to the dogs, and I was envious!. The house was well kept
and I know keeping it that way was a never ending job - a labor of love. Although
I would have been happy sitting on the floor and visiting with all of these
dogs, I reluctantly allowed Maureen to move two dogs off of a chair so I
could sit down. I suddenly felt like royalty with so many dogs pushing
against each other, wanting to be touched and given attention. I can think of
few experiences that would surpass this feeling for me. While I petted
several dogs at once, a small, black part-Chihuahua wriggled into my lap and
curled up in the number one position in the dog world - a lap. When I looked
down, there he was. I was later to learn that this pint sized lap dog was
actually one of the more dominant dogs. And
this brings me back to the amazement I felt that there were no fights; only a
few growls, which I recognized as verbal reminders of each dog’s position in
the pack. I hesitate to use the word pack because a pack of dogs running
together, even though they may be someone’s pet or a pedigreed dog, can be a
dangerous, even lethal combination. And yet here was a collection of forty
two dogs and they were all getting along.
Naptime at SCARS Several times Terry and Maureen tried to call the dogs
away from me, but I was enjoying meeting so many new dogs and was trying to
give all of the dogs some hands on time.
If you ever get to a point where you don’t feel appreciated, go to the
Cummins Pet Haven and give yourself over to the attentions of the dogs. I
have to mention my favorite dog in the group-Pooh Bear - a jet black You
should know that some of these dogs are being offered to approved homes. Some are permanently locked in the hearts
of Terry and Maureen and are now family.
If I didn’t have six dogs already, I could have taken several home
with me. Although these dogs are happy
and loved, many would be happier in new homes. You do the math. Which do you think a dog would rather have
- 1/42 of the attention or perhaps 100%!
If a dog is adopted, I know Terry and Maureen will have mixed feelings
about it’s leaving - sad at losing a good friend, but happy for that friend’s
going to a wonderful home where he can be the center of attraction. Try
to imagine the time and expense that this couple have devoted to their
dogs. Efforts are being made to find
new and additional funds through grants and donations. You don’t have to be a philanthropist to
help this worthy cause. Every little bit
helps. They now have a 501(c)3 status
as a non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. If
you are a dog lover, call the Cummins at 785-256-2976 and arrange for a
visit. If you are there to make a
donation, the welcome you receive when you drive up the driveway is thanks
enough and an experience that will lift your heart and stay in your memory
forever. And if you are ready for a
new dog in your life, call the Cummins and set up a visit. It just may be that one of their dogs will
choose you. Donations can be sent to
their web site here. Don’t miss this experience! Bruce Wolhuter
Bruce Wolhuter and Pooh Bear -------------------------------------------------- |
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