Statesman Journal April 7, 2006

 

   The women who make up the OACC's board of directors are passionate about their nearly full-time volunteer work, which this week amounted to caring for more than 40 animals, including 14 horses, one of which might be pregnant.

   As altruistic as their dedication might seem, it goes beyond wanting to see abused and neglected animals rescued and placed in good homes.

   These women are motivated because they all have been victims of domestic abuse or trauma.  And they are convinced that violence toward animals is one indication of a propensity to abuse women and children.

   "What's ironic is that when we found ourselves coming together on these rescues, none of us knew the other had been abused.  We discovered our common bond only after we started caring for the animals," said Dawn Rogers, the gorup's vice president and resident fundraiser.

   Celina A. Mesa, the OACC's executive director, said the group does not have a care center of its own.  So the six women house all fo the rescued animals at their homes, barns and yards in Dallas, Turner, Stayton, Salem and Silverton.

   "It is a lot of work, and many of us have full-time jobs," Mesa said.  "They spend a great deal of thier time helping simply fo the love of the animal and for the chance to work with the public teaching and educating on domestic violence.  The work...is priceless."

   The group's long-term goal is to have its own facility in which to house battered women and children who would share the responsibility of caring for abused and neglected animals.

   "We enviosion humans healing animals and animals healing humans," Rogers said.

   In the short term, the group is looking for volunteers to help shelter and care for neglected or abused animals, and the need includes larger animals such as horses, not just dogs and cats, Rogers said the group is in "desperate need" of horse food, including hay, alfalfa and grain, and also needs horse blankets and tack.

   "We would love to have volunteers and other like-minded individuals who can help us...We want to create a model for positive living and prevention of cruelty to animals and humans that other cities will want to adopt."

   The OACC also is preparing for its annual garage-sale fundraiser, and members hope the public will think of it as an excuse to do a little spring cleaning and donate unused goods.  Mesa said several businesses also have helped the nonprofit group.

   Jay Compton of River Bend Sand & Gravel said the company donates materials to the OACC because it's a worthy cause, and the PetSmart on Lancaster Drive NE is helping train a deaf and blind puppy.

   "People have been so kind and generous," Rogers said.  "it has been amazing."

   Mesa noted that all items donated to the OACC can be considered charitable donations.  The money will be used for vet care, immunizations, special-needs equipment and spaying and neutering.

   "We believe people can change a life (animal or human) by taking the time to give a little of themselves," Mesa said.