Helping those who help animals

WARWICK — Several years ago, Suzyn Barron, president of the Warwick Valley Humane Society, floated the idea of replacing one of the organization’s animal rescue vehicles.
The 2002 pickup truck was in serious decline. It required expensive repairs and posed a hazard to the animals and the human operators.
One of the major problems was that the animals were unable to jump up to the truck bed and animal control officers risked injury when attempting to lift heavy and/or scared animals.
Alerted to the need by last year’s Orange Ribbon Rescue, Humane Society supporters Glenn P. and Susan D. Dickes offered this challenge: If the Humane Society raised $10,000 toward the cost of a suitable new vehicle, they would pay the balance.
Using proceeds from this year’s Polar Plunge, Orange Ribbon Rescue and Fore the Animals Golf Outing, the Humane Society met the challenge.
And it recently took delivery of a new 2017 Ford Transit Connect XL cargo van, outfitted with bulkhead cage, weather tech liner and a set of four snow tires mounted on rims.
The total cost of the vehicle, with all of the equipment listed and the graphics was $25,000. Glenn P. and Susan D. Dickes donated $15,000 towards the purchase.
“Warwick dealer Leo Kaytes Ford made the purchase and equipping of this vehicle extremely easy and was a pleasure to work with,” said Glenn Dickes.
“Long overdue,” said Barron. “I am delighted with finally having a new rescue vehicle. It has been specially outfitted to better serve the animals and reduce risk to human operators. I am so grateful for the beyond generous contribution from Mr. and Mrs. Dickes. Without them, this would not have happened. It is the first time in a very long time that we’ve acquired anything new.”
In a joint statement Glenn and Susan Dickes added: “We enjoyed this opportunity to make a targeted contribution that allowed the Humane Society to acquire a sorely needed new vehicle. Animals and their human benefactors will be better served and less likely to be hurt. We also appreciate the support for this result provided by Rotarians and Humane Society supporters Betsy Mitchell and Leo R. Kaytes.”
For additional information about the Warwick Valley Humane Society call 986-2473 or visit: www.wvhumane.org.
- Roger Gavan