Clarkston has always been well known for a strong sense of community ? a drive to join together and help each other’s neighbors.
Now that community connection is expanding to include the area’s beloved four-legged friends through Canine Companion Rescue Center.
Canine Companion Rescue Center (CCRC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation co-founded by Wendy Kopera, of Ortonville, and Carl Fleck, of Clarkston, in November 2004.
The purpose of the organization is to work with the community and area animal control groups to promote the rescue and adoption of dogs. Also, CCRC provides continuing support and education to adoptive families.
The idea for CCRC started when Kopera and Fleck met while volunteering for another local rescue operation. After talking about their respective histories ? Fleck has 20 years experience with rescues and Kopera has five ? the pair realized what they liked and didn’t like about the way many rescues were run.
‘We both had worked with and managed other rescues, so we thought we would form our own and do it right,? said Kopera. ‘We knew how we wanted one to run.?
Kopera, who works as vice-president and treasurer, and Fleck, who is president, created a professional organization that goes beyond simply adopting dogs into loving homes.
After carefully screening and finally rescuing a dog from a shelter (most likely those next in line to be euthanized), the animal is taken to a foster home and screened for at least another full week. A full vet check-up is done and a complete temperament test is given.
‘We try to get the best dogs we possibly can and place them with the best people we can,? said Fleck. ‘We don’t allow bad matches.?
After the family match is made, CCRC goes one step further. Volunteers with the organization work with the family to ensure a smooth transition with the new pet and help to educate the owners on care and training.
‘We’re involved before, during and well after the adoption,? said Kopera. ‘That’s what makes us unique. We don’t make an adoption and then forget about the animal. We work with the family well past that point.?
And the formula is working. Since December 2004, CCRC has already adopted 20 dogs. The organization’s goal was only six a month.
Adopting through CCRC includes first filling out an application. The adoption fee for all dogs is $175 and includes all shots up to the time of adoption, spay or neutering, age appropriate tests and a full veterinarian visit. Combined, these services alone can often cost upwards of $300.
‘We’ve been very lucky. We work with some amazing vets to make this possible,? said Kopera.
CCRC has received special discounts from North Oaks Animal Hospital in Clarkston and Drs. Charles and Elizabeth McGhee is the Brandon area.
Since the organization is still in its infancy, both Kopera and Fleck agreed they are constantly looking for new volunteers, specifically foster homes. Currently CCRC has 14 general volunteers and five north Oakland area foster homes.
‘The more fosters we have, the more dogs we can save,? summed up Fleck.
Foster home volunteers take only as many dogs as they can handle. Responsibilities include interacting with the dog, making the rescued animal available for vet and visitation appointments, and attending as many adoption showings as possible.
Of course, all vet costs and pet care necessities are either provided or covered by CCRC.
‘We let the fosters choose what they want to take on,? said Kopera. ‘The most important thing for us is their interaction with the dog as a pet.?
In addition, CCRC is looking for a special individual to lead a junior rescue program. The goal is to establish a program that takes kids into the schools to teach their peers about animal rescue and care.
Canine Companions Rescue Center is also looking for donations, especially wire crates, transport (wire) crates and a vet scale. Any other pet care items are always needed and welcomed.
So where do Fleck and Kopera hope to see CCRC in the future?
Goals for the upcoming year include adopting as many dogs as possible, becoming as involved in the community as possible and building their volunteer base. Future goals include starting the junior rescue program, adding programs such as therapy dogs and building a facility to house their rescue center and vet services.
‘The best way for a dog to have a stable home and a real chance is to stay and work with the family,? said Fleck. ‘That’s what we do.?
For donation, volunteer and adoption information, and adoption showings please call Canine Companions Rescue Center at 248-834-9419 or go online to www.ccrcdogs.com.