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Gilpin and Clear Creek Commissioners tour Charlie’s Place

Mindy Leary
Posted 6/4/23

[caption id="attachment_100184" align="alignleft" width="300"] Highly adoptable: Tonto was found in a box on the side of the highway and rescued by Charlie’s Place. He is currently in training and

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Gilpin and Clear Creek Commissioners tour Charlie’s Place

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Highly adoptable Tonto was found in a box on the side of the highway and rescued by Charlie’s Place. He is currently in training and doing a stellar job! PHOTO BY MINDY LEARY Highly adoptable: Tonto was found in a box on the side of the highway and rescued by Charlie’s Place. He is currently in training and doing a stellar job! PHOTO BY MINDY LEARY[/caption]

On May 23, 2023, the Gilpin County Commissioners met with Clear Creek County Commissioners Sean Wood, Randy Wheelock, and George Marlin, law enforcement, and other county officials to tour Charlie’s Place, the local animal shelter shared by the counties.

Sue LeBarron, Shelter Manager, led the group tour. She began by sharing the story of the shelter’s namesake. Helen L. Buck had a love of nature and all its creatures since childhood. When Helen married Ray Buck Jr. in 1950, he came with two dogs. Over the years together, they were guardians to more than 11 German Shepherds.

After Ray’s death, Helen adopted Charlie, an ex-show dog. Charlie was something special and they shared an incredible bond.

In 2003, when she heard that Clear Creek County was looking to build a new animal shelter, she generously donated one of the only flat pieces of land in the area, as an effort to give back to the animals that have given her such an immense joy in life. The land was donated in memory of Charlie, an amazing and loyal friend.

Visiting the local shelter Team Gilpin/Clear Creek. From the left, Clear Creek County Commissioners Sean Wood, Randy Wheelock, and George Marlin meet with the Gilpin County Commissioners, Sandy Hollingsworth, Susan Berumen, and Marie Mornis to tour Charlie’s Place. Charlie’s Place was erected in 2007 to meet the needs of both counties for an animal shelter. PHOTO BY MINDY LEARY Visiting the local shelter Team Gilpin/Clear Creek. From the left, Clear Creek County Commissioners Sean Wood, Randy Wheelock, and George Marlin meet with the Gilpin County Commissioners, Sandy Hollingsworth, Susan Berumen, and Marie Mornis to tour Charlie’s Place. Charlie’s Place was erected in 2007 to meet the needs of both counties for an animal shelter. PHOTO BY MINDY LEARY[/caption]

The building was erected as a result of the combined efforts of the two counties, including fundraising, donations, grants, general funds, and one year’s mill levy. The building is currently in need of a new HVAC system and the Clear Creek Commissioners are waiting to hear back on a DOLA grant that, if awarded, will be matched by the Board and will also include a solar energy system.

The shelter offers the public surrender and adoption services, microchipping, and spay/neuter vouchers for dogs and cats, as well as dog licenses. In addition, the shelter periodically hosts vaccination and wellness clinics for dogs and cats.

The shelter staff are dedicated to educating the public about responsible pet ownership and are committed to finding loving, appropriate homes for adoptable shelter animals.

Upon first entering the 5,000-square-foot building, built in 2007, one can see two large “catios,” indoor patios for cats with all manner of toys, cubbies, and sleeping areas with big, bright windows.

LeBarron next showed the group the kitchen area and treatment room. She said they do a lot of cleaning, food preparation, and dishwashing. Currently, they are in need of a veterinarian who would be willing to come to the location to provide services.

The dog holding area contains eight kennels. If the weather permits, the dogs are moved to spacious outdoor kennels. LeBarron said they keep a dog for as long as it takes to get adopted and that certain breeds and temperaments are harder to adopt, like pit bulls and dogs that don’t get along with other dogs. Some dogs have been there for a year. Dogs go through training while at the facility. Some trainers are volunteers, as is most of the staff.

If you’re thinking about adopting, don’t hesitate to contact Charlie’s Place!

A slight distance away from the kennels lies a large fenced training area where a trainer was working with a young dog named Tonto. The trainer exited the area and offered treats to the dog to meet the group. The commissioners fawned over Tonto, who was of unknown breed but very friendly and “good-looking.”

Low-Cost Vaccination Clinics are held the first Sunday of every month from 12 to 1 p.m. Vaccinations include Distemper/Parvo combo and Bordetella (kennel cough) for dogs, FVRCP (upper respiratory) for cats, and Rabies for dogs and cats. First come, first served, no appointment needed. Weather permitting, all vaccinations will be given outside. Please bring prior vaccination records with you. Vaccinations cost $20 each (cash/checks accepted).

Spay/Neuter Vouchers for Clear Creek and Gilpin County residents are available at the shelter through Friends of Charlie’s Place. Vouchers cover $60 off or cover the total cost of a routine spay or neuter for low-income residents. To apply for a voucher, go to the Friends of Charlie’s Place website.

When a stray animal is picked up in Gilpin or Clear Creek County, the Sheriff’s Office transports the animal to the shelter or to one of its representatives. Gilpin County residents who have lost their dog or cat should contact Charlie’s Place, which also uses Facebook to find owners. Charlie’s Place also has volunteers who help look for lost animals.

Importantly, Charlie’s Place also rescues animals that have been abandoned, neglected, or abused. LeBarron says, “Generally, this place is better than where they came from. This was a positive experience for them to come here. Their tails wag if they return. We always go the extra mile for any animal that comes here.”

If you are interested in helping, the shelter is always in need of canned cat and dog food, bleach, vinegar, dog collars, and dog treats. These items can be dropped off at the shelter door from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, or they can arrange for pickup.

The shelter is minimally staffed, and open by appointment only, Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Charlie’s Place is located at 500 W. Dumont Road, Dumont, Colorado, just off I-70 at Exit 235. They can be reached by phone at 303-670-2477 Due to resource constraints, they often are not available to answer the phone, but they do check messages and return calls.

Adoptable dogs can be seen at https://www.pbase.com/charlies_ place/ adoptable_ dogs; their general website is https://charliesplaceshelter.weebly.com/.They are open Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.