Dear Editor,

I’ve been wondering that myself. As a previous volunteer, I became acquainted with Trina and Kiwi, Aries and Sky. I even temporarily took in Lena, a feral kitty found close to the highway, until domesticity proved as unfavorable to her lifestyle as wildness was intrinsic to her existence.

Lena is back at Charlie’s Place, safely ensconced on their Catio, along with a host of other felines in need of furever homes.

This all led me to reach out to Marilyn B, their current volunteer coordinator, and to check in with Friends of Charlie’s Place on the shelter’s ongoing financial difficulty.

Here is what’s currently happening, according to Kathleen Ashpaugh, Director of Friends of Charlie’s Place:

*Current staffing at the shelter is down to two full-time people as of a month ago

*They are searching to fill a vacant position for shelter staff (posted on the CCC website) with a pay range from $15.87 - $18.47/hour.

*Dog population has recently grown to nineteen dogs.

*The county budget process is underway and town hall meetings are being held to find out what is important to the people; Charlie’s Place was a chief topic at the meeting on September 14 in Georgetown.

*A second meeting with Commissioner George Marlin was held. Leadership discussions were held prioritizing the shelter as an asset and not just an expense, and the possibility of moving the shelter’s operation from the Sheriff’s Office to Clear Creek County.

*The idea of a possible partnership with the county or a nonprofit partnership to operate the shelter was discussed.

*Commissioner Marlin was open to more discussion and gathering of statistics in support of pursuing these ideas.

*Friends of Charlie’s Place is holding their famous fundraiser, Howl at the Moon Bash, on Saturday, October 28, from 6-10 p.m., at the Idaho Springs Elks Lodge. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofcharliesplace/

Whatever your experience has been with Charlie’s Place, the bottom line is simple:

The shelter is full of animals in need. They have been surrendered and are feeling lost, disoriented, rejected, confused, afraid, and stressed. Anyone who has walked into a shelter can understand and appreciate that dogs need exercise, affirmation, attention, and consoling. Cats need attention, stimulation, and understanding.

No matter the human weaknesses inherent in our present social problem of overwhelmed shelters, now is not the time to give up on our local resource. If you have a few hours, a few days, or a few dollars, the animals at Charlie’s Place need our support.

Denise Boehler

Nederland