Meet Twink.
"They used to call me 'Twinkle,' but when my hair turned grey people started calling me 'Twink.'"
Twink Leftwich worked in the West Texas oil fields for years. That's right, the fields, not the offices. But her true calling is training and helping animals. She and RayeAnn Hawley founded Raven's New Found Friends, a very friendly 501(c)(3) animal shelter located between Midland and Odessa. They have a no-kill policy, and they've rescued an untold number of dogs from the local Animal Services, and right now they've got some beautiful and friendly dogs available for adoption.
But they've taken on an even bigger project. They are organizing a very ambitious program to rescue animals that have been separated from their owners by hurricane Katrina.
They've already got two hurricane dogs, April and Beau. Poor April must be a dog with nine lives having already been adopted following a career in greyhound racing and now as a hurricane survivor. Their owners are sheltered at the Hotel Elegante in Odessa which doesn't allow canine guests, so their dogs are having a great time out at the RNFF facility.
This Friday and Saturday RNFF will set up in the parking lots of the Sam's Clubs in Midland and Odessa from 10 am until 8 pm to collect items to take to the Humane Society of Louisiana emergency shelter for Katrina rescues at Tylertown, Mississippi.
They plan to hit the road on Monday with three people per truck, a driver, a navigator and a sleeper for the non-stop journey to Tylertown. The Humane Society of Louisiana website has a list of things they need, however RNFF has a much more extensive list. If you have or can provide any of the following items then RNFF would very much appreciate it if you take those items to Sam's Club on Friday or Saturday. Here's their wish list:
Cash
ventilated trailers
pet crates and cages
food and water bowls
bottled water
slip leashes
Cat litter and litter boxes
bird cages
bird feed
used towels and blankets
pet toys and chewies
tarps
cleaning supplies for the crates
heavy duty gloves
ice chests
paper towles
disinfectant hand wipes
flashlights and "D" batteries
hip waders
walkie talkies (water proof)
insect repellent
sun screen
non-perishable human food
dog food
cat food
"Frontline" and "Advantage" brands flea prevention
Large storage boxes
generators, and
air conditioners that can be powered by a generator.
But there's one thing they need more than anything. And this one is the hardest one. Many, many dogs perish annually in Midland and Odessa at the respective Animal Control facilities, and there is a huge need for humans to offer a home to sheltered animals. RNFF will be glad to answer any questions about this. Call them at (432) 561-5412.
And what will they bring back from Mississippi? That's anybody's guess at this point. Could be humans. Could be animals. Could be both.
Good luck and God speed, Raven's New Found Friends. May your journey be a productive one.
Related link: Odessa American.
And here's a special shout-out to Teresa McMahan for the heads-up. Thanks T.
Coming up, "Twink's Training Tips."
Updated at West Texans Poured Their Hearts Out for the Animals and at Doggie Rescue Update.
Great blog! Check out this site for discount bird cages.
Posted by: Andrew | December 14, 2005 at 10:03 AM