Dear Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for the outpouring of support when the shelter was flooded due to the recent storm.

Per my usual routine, I went to the shelter to check on the animals on the evening of July 14 to find more than a foot of water and mud throughout. Naturally, my number one concern was to ensure the animals were safe and dry. Barb and George Muecke arrived soon after and spent several hours cleaning mud out of the shelter. I worked into the early morning hours cleaning and relocating the cats and dogs.

The following morning, Greg Wise posted an emergency call for volunteers on social media. This prompted immediate action by community members from near and far throughout the day. It was absolutely amazing! People showed up in muck boots carrying shovels, brooms, mops, fans and tools in preparation to do whatever needed to be done.

Chris Pelletier of Heart Mountain Hearing Center worked tirelessly all day, donated Domino’s pizza, and arranged and paid for a plumber to clean out the clogged drains. Admiral Beverages sent pop and water. Dana from Big Horn Coop generously provided brooms, mops, buckets, a replacement dryer as well as a new water heater. Scott Hicswa and his sons worked all day cutting and removing damaged sheetrock. Tim from Aldrich Lumber donated supplies. Kendra Hernandez brought a loader to move mud from the front and side of the shelter. Students from a local FFA chapter volunteered working all day with cleanup.

Donations continued in the ensuing days. A generous donation was made by Dr. Jason Hoffmann, as well as many, many other businesses and private citizens. The support was overwhelming and I know there are many more businesses and volunteers that have not been mentioned by name. Please know that your generosity of time and donations are appreciated beyond words.

While the clean up continues, both shelter and animals are in a much better place because of the kindness of the Powell community. What a great town to live in! THANK YOU!

Elfriede Milburn

President of the Caring for Powell Animals Board

Powell