"Andy's Sanctuary"

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Andy's Sanctuary

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"If you Don't Save A Life - It Don't Count". *That's what Karen had always said to Andy. And now these words ring with exceptional clarity. Andy is once again saving Life.* Over and over again, we're asked to take note of our surroundings - helping when and how we can those who are in need. Though we're selected to be the stewards of the earth, we sometimes overlook our 'fellow inhabitants', imagining that thier plight is theirs merely due to their own deleberate shortcomings. Luckily - we're reminded now and again that life just isn't always a fair playing ground - and sometimes there are those who wake one day to find themselves in dire straights. Always we are called to lend our hand - and there are times when the need is shared with our animal world. Now is such the time. On November 22nd, an explosion destroyed an animal shelter in Mason, West Virginia, injuring one person and resulting in the deaths of several animals - including a large number of cats, kittens,and puppies. The news article is included below, as is a Wish List supplied by the shelter. The idea has been presented to donate a gift or two in the name of a loved one - instead of purchasing that planned gift to exchange. The idea has caught on and spread throughout several of the concerned readers, including our cousin Karen, who is already making plans to donate in this fashion. I believe that's a wonderful idea also, and I feel we're all being encouraged to participate in this call for help. CREATING A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE *Again, the idea for Donations in lieu of Christmas Gifts* is just one of Karen's marvelous ideas that she's being sure to spread throughout "Crittersville USA". Here's her email to Mason, which was answered with appreciation. Thanks Karen - for the gift of thought! Karen's letter: I am so terribly sorry for your losses... Your tragedy has me in tears this beautiful sunny, SC day. I have let folks know that this year's Christmas Presents will be donations in their names to Mason CAWL. Can you run some sort of little postcard acknowledgement? I've also posted the idea on www.handicappedpets.net Prayer Board. So hopefully others will join in. Ask your sponsors if they might extend the match a few weeks to accommodate those who wish to make Christmas donations in lieu of gifts. When my son died last year, in lieu of flowers we asked for donations to www.aussielads.com as I rescue lethal whites. So in death, he helped saved precious lives in Arizona. And for his birthday, he helped build Andy's Sanctuary at Our Lady of Mercy Catnip Cottage in Summerville, SC. This Christmas, he shall help save a life in Mason County, West Virginia. No greater comfort for his mom. THE MULLADY LATEST PLAN OF ACTION As a group, there may be lots that we can accomplish for a common cause. This shelter in Mason, West Virginia is one of many causes worth our while. The idea is to provide enough recouces to get the shelter back onto its feet and in working and life-saving order once again. Here's the break-down of the Christmas Miracle Idea: sending monetary donations in lieu of (at least some) Christmas Gift purchases this year. The "idea behind the idea" is to send the donation to the shelter in the name of 'whoever'. That 'whoever' will then recieve a Christmas Letter of sorts from the Shelter letting 'whoever' know that a Gift has been recieved in their name. The 'author' of the idea is Andy's mom Karen, who has presented it to the Mason shelter and they loved it. So did I. Now here's another option open for consideraton: when making the donation, my own suggestion is to make the gift in the name, memory and honor of Karen's son Andy. By attaching a note that the gift is made in the honor and memory of Andrew Keith Anderson, and by listing the 'reply address' as Karen's address, she will in turn receive the Christmas Letter. What a tribute! "Andy has always been about life", Karen said. "This would break his heart, but I'm sure he's meeting those burnt and broken babies at The Bridge." If you've visited Andy's Memorial site, you know that he was 'all about life'. I think this is a perfect time to allow Andy to continue to save lives through donations made by us....in his name...his memory...and in his honor. If you're interested in doing what you can do to help out with this tragedy, continue on this page for information regarding the fire itself, the loss, and the items needed so to get the shelter up and operating once again. Remember how cold it is currently in West Virginia. Until just recently, the animals were housed in a livestock barn without electricity, heat or running water. The latest updates provided December 10th, 2005 by Trish at CAWL states that they now have access to a trailor for cats and kittens and progress is being made connecting electricity for use in the barn and trailor both. Insulating has begun and there is even a movement out there to feature the shelter on television for the Extreme Make Over! It's been suggested that we call our local Wall Marts and request that they add Mason's Shelter on their Donation List for the month of January (December's schedules for Donatons is closed now). This is something worth trying. Wall Mart does participate in assisting with specific causes. This is one they will most likely find worthy of participation. Andy continues to save lives. His inspiration has created LETHAL WHITE AUSSIE RESCUE-CAROLINAS and in his memory, so many special lives have been saved. I know the ones who did not make it were met at the Bridge by my son, this loving young man who wept with me when I related the story of GabrielDeafBlindPup's miraculous rescue from Wyoming and a date with a shotgun, all the way to South Carolina. ANDY'S RESCUE SITES ARE: http://www.s8.createphpbb.com/lethalwhiteauss/ AS WELL AS THE FOUNDING GROUP: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/LethalWhiteAussieRescue/ Please email me at andys_child@yahoo.com to find out how you can be a part of this continuing miracle of LIFE and LOVE. "There is only so much we can do in this life for others."** As true as that statement might sound - it's hopelessly empty and void of all the virtues our very faith teaches. There are but only few things we aren't capable of doing - one human being for another. One is prolonging life for an eternity. As much as we might wish and want, that is one thing we are forced to leave to God and fate. But to perform - in memory of someone - breathes a certain bit of life back into that 'earthly soul'. ~ Maureen Dell'Olio, owner of Our Lady of Mercy's Catnip Cottage in Summerville, South Carolina became friends with Karen when Maureen was first 'introduced' to the Lethal Whites by owning one herself. Through talking with Karen, Maureen came to know a lot about Andy: his compassion and his love for animals. After Andy passed, Maureen created a living and lasting tribute to him with the opening of "Andy's Sanctuary" - a lovely sanctuary for cats like Andy's beloved Starr. Andy's Sanctuary was opened in conjunction with Andy's 25th Birthday. No dobt he was smiling down from heaven! Maureen has been behind building a new website for Andy's Child, the brainstorm of Karen's dedicated to create legistlation in hopes of abolishing revenge abortions and fostering Fathers' Rights to abortion decisions. Andy's Chil dwebsite is: www.andyschild.org and was built by Maureen's son-in-law for Karen. Maureen has now added a link on her website of Our Lady of Mercy's Catnip Cottage page allowing for monies to be donated directly to the Mason, West Virginia shelter in Andy's name and memory. In order to make a donation in Andy's name through Our Lady of Mercy's Catnip Cottage/ Andy's Sanctuary, go to http://www.catnipcattage.petfinder.com. Click onto 'Andy's Christmas Gift (Andy's Sanctuary). At the description, you will find the link to the Mason County Animal Shelter. In the message/notes section of the paypal link, Maureen asks you mark your donation is made in memory of Andy Anderson. Thank you, Maureen, for being such a friend and spiritual comfort for Karen and doing so much in honor of Andy. ~ *Yes, Karen ... Andy continues to save lives!* ~ ADDRESSES YOU NEED IN ORDER TO HELP: PayPal button on our website http://masoncounty.petfinder.com Mailing address for checks: Mason County Animal Welfare League, Inc. PO BOX 285 Point Pleasant, WV 25550 Shipping address for donated supplies: Mason County AWL c/o Antharia/Jordan Dossett 9470 Annapolis Road, Suite 406 Lanham, MD 20706 CONTINUE TO CHECK THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE FOR CONSTANT UPDATES: http://masoncounty.petfinder.com _________________________________ *SAVING LIFE: 'A FAMILY WAY* OF LIFE' Karen and Andy have both dedicated a good portion of their lives in doing - saving lives. "I belong to a bazillion rescue railroads." The Internet has helped tremendously in connecting the victoms with hope. "I am stunned by how many lives have been saved since the advent of the internet. Transports, rescues that were hitherto impossible, now magically happen by the hundreds every single day of every single week." Education is vital in saving 'lethal whites'. In order to fully understand the genetic error that creates the 'lethal white', it's important to read, study and read and study some more. I knew nothing about these dogs or the risks they represent until Karen 'saturated' me with information. This is something she takes very seriously - for two different reasons. "I think education will not only save future lives, but when people see these miracle pups - what they are capable of, and how BEAUTIFUL they are - they will think hard about adding one to their family." The love Andy and Karen have both displayed toward the "letal whites" is simply overwhelming. Unfortunately Andy isn't here now to speak directly to us, explaining what euphoria comes from this special relationship with these special animals, Karen certainly explains it for both of them. "I hope each of us gets to meet one in our lives. Do not live your life without the Magic of the Lethal. They will give you more "proud parent moments" than you ever thought possible. They will delight you as no '2-legger' can." (Well, with one exception...)** Today there is yet another tribute made to both Karen and Andy, and includes Allicks and Gabriel...Karen's own "Lethal Whites". You can visit the new Magical World of Lethal Whites Website (owned and maintained by Allicks and Gabriel themselves) by going to: http://www.magicalworldoflethalwhites.freeservers.com . This site is dedicated to educating young and old alike on the dangers of Merle-to-Merle breeding, the genetic error resulting from said breeding, the facts surrounding 'lethal whites' and the killing of them by breeders, and the wonderful effet these dogs have on the world!
	Andy and his "beloved Starr" "The local private shelter would not let me adopt because I was a single working parent. We went to a pet store and there was a litter on its way to the vet for destroying. They had coccidia. There was a tiny little thing banging around in the cage. We said We want her!" Coccidia are single celled organisms that infect the intestine. They are microscopic parasites detectable in the same way that worms are. They are not visible to the naked eye, but are life-threatening - especially to the very young animal. "She had a tough first couple of days, nearly lost her, but she thrived." "Andy was about 6 years old (when we got Starr). I have Andy and Starr on video. She truly was his sister." Starr eventually got deathly ill and Karen believed that they would have to 'put her down' for her own good. "He said No! She's my sister! So he moved to a pet friendly apartment, and took Starr in to spend her final days and she made a complete recovery!"
Karen and Allix "Karen Anderson admits she's always been a 'cat person'. That is until her son, Andy, left home after high school, leaving a void not so easily filled by her sometimes-aloof feline friends. Her decision to adopt Allix not only started Anderson's passion for canines, but also was the first step in what she sees as an incredible journey." (Story/interview appearing Beaufort Gazette, Beaufort, South Carolina) "I adopted her June 16, 1999 the day before Andy's birthday. She was my first ever puppy. I had only adopted the old dysfunctional ones." Karen had rescued another dog, but it wasn't adoptable at the time. "The dog I rescued was so wild and dangerous a trainer said he could leash train him for . I said Hell, for I can go to the shelter." Which is what she did. That's where she found Allix. "Andy fell immediately in love with her. I was teachin her to talk. I loved her as much as if I had given birth to her." She lived 9 months and 4 days. Allix was a victom of a terribly inhumane act. It all started when Andy was home and let Allix outside to run for a while. A little later, Andy called his mom, saying he couldn't find her. "Then he called again, this time screaming 'SHE'S COVERED IN BLOOD SHE CAN'T MOVE'! She had been shot in the spine." Karen called an animal doctor, but that doctor refused to operate. She didn't give up. She called until she found one who agreed to do whatever needed done, but time had run out for Allix. She died enroute to the doctor"..."She died in the back of Andy's car. Allix was an Australian shepherd/golden retriever mix, and the Andersons knew her to be "the perfect companion". It was after losing Allix that Karen's and Andy's lives would be directed toward the plight of the Australian 'Lethal White'. In certain ways, it was Allix herself who might have 'pointed' them in that direction.

Allicks: First Graduate from the School for the Blind? "AllicksBlindPup was born Nov. 1, 2003, and that's when I sprouted wings and flew to a world I never knew existed -- the world of the so-called "lethal white" in Australian shepherds." The story is one of irony at best and at worst. Karen had always adopted her dogs and cats from Animal Shelters. "Following the death of my mother, I did something I had never done in all my life -- "I did something I'd never done before," she says. I bought a pedigree dog. I didn't adopt from a shelter." And she bought an expensive one at that! A wonderful Registered Australian Shepherd - a 'show dog'. "My Jason Dundee was a magnificent show dog and I was thrilled to finally live a life's dream. He was a red merle with icy blue eyes." When Jason was 15 months old, he was stolen from Karen's own yard, and she was crushed. Six months later, she adopted Jason's twin sister Jaycee Dundee. Jason was later found by police and returned to Karen's home. A turning point came, though, after Jason's return and the unplanned mating of Jason and Jaycee. Four puppies were born of the union -- two red merles, a red tri-colored and one that was almost completely white. What Karen didn't know then, but is more than aware of now, is that 'white' in Australian Shepherd Language is actually 'lethal white'. A genetic error from breeding two dogs with the merle gene can produce up to 25% litter of 'lethal whites'. The education received from this mistake would play a vital role in both Andy's and Karen's lives from here on out. "They're called "white" because most of the pups are dominantly that color, and "lethal" because many breeders cull the puppies from a litter, killing them shortly after birth." Karen decided right away to keep the little white pup and named her "Allicks". And Allicks was beautiful. She was also blind. And - she would soon teach others just what handicapped pups could learn! Allicks is the first Graduate of Puppy School in Bluffton, and "was feted with her diploma, flowers and cake and photos at her graduation, following eight weeks of (her) private puppy lessons." She had started her 'schooling' at 3 months. "I have the most wonderful gift in my life, AllicksBlindPup, who is very precious to me. She delights me, she gives me the most fantastic "proud parent moments." "I believe Allicks happened to me so that I may spread the word: Beware, merle to merle is a death sentence to so many pups. My heart sings her song. She is a gift from God, and I thank Him for selecting me every single day."
	Born of the FOURTH OF JULY! "The minute she saw the picture of the solid white pup with a pink nose and mouth, she also was sold on the idea of adopting him." This is a quote from the a featured article in the Beaufort Gazette regarding Karen and her rescue of Garbiel - a 'lethal white' who traveled quite the distance in order to find 'the perfect family'. "I got another one! Gabriel was born on July 4th, deaf & probably blind, the product of a deliberate merle to merle breeding." Three puppies had already been destroyed by the breeder because they were considered 'lethal white' - a term used to describe the White Austrailian Shepherds with the genetic defect. "To be a white Australain Shepherd is a death sentence. If the pup isn't killed (culled) by the breeder, it will go to a shelter where it will be destroyed because it is deaf or blind or both." Gabriel was fortunate, however. He was saved - due to a mysterious set of circumstances. "Somehow the breeder's wife in Wyoming got my name in South Carolina and asked me to rescue the baby. That baffles me to this day." It seemed a miracle! Gabriel's photo depicts the lonely life he knew before being rescued. "The photo was taken in the dirt in the yard in Wyoming and breaks my heart. Of course, my heart was ripped out when I saw the broken hearted baby's face", Karen told BlindDogs.net. Gabrie's life changed drastically once living with Karen, and changed for the good! He grew to be a healthy and loving specimen of the great dog he was meant to be. Gabriel was not harmed by his weeks of isolation and deprivation, and has finished his vaccines, and attended puppy classes. Born on the 4th of July, Gabriel finally celebrated his own "Independence Day" the day he became part of Karen's famly Karen believes that she was sent to Gabriel and he to her for a purpose."The breeder told his wife if he wasn't out of there by August 16, he was going behind the barn. She is the one who found me. How? I have NO IDEA!" "I believe in Divine Intervention." Something tells me that now Gabriel does too!
St Jude: Patron Saint of Lost & Hopeless Causes "When humanity tried its level best to kill a small, determined pup, he came to me and I had no choice but to join his fight to live. With a smashed pelvis, tied up organs & nerves, shot arm, and starvation, we launched on a journey which moves me to tears to this day." It all began on an early Saturday morning on January 12th, 2002. And it's a story that will touch your heart as it touches mine every time I read it. So get ready! "As I left the house early that Saturday morning, I found a small dog curled up next to the propane tank next to my house with a gunshot wound to his leg. He had been shot and starved, those things were obvious. We found later that his pelvis had been crushed and his internal organs tied in knots from scar tissue and fractures." "I called Animal Hospital of Beaufort.I walked into the waiting room, arms full of bony dog, and Dr. Murray saw us right away. The nameless dog was a living, breathing skeleton with a bad gunshot wound which shattered both bones in his leg." From Saturday to Monday, the dog remained at the Beaufort Animal Hospital for observation. By the time Monday morning came around, Karen was a basket case! "Monday,I called the Hilton Head Humane Shelter to ask them for resources in the way of monetary support." As Karen waited, the FIRST two "angels" came to the rescue: Sharon Wagner and Sally Fedman - pledging the necessary funds to cover vet bills. Karen didn't waste any time phoning an animal surgeon. "I telephoned Dr. Allen Henry and said, 'We have help!' I was thrilled and so was he. He remarked what a good dog 'little St. Jude' was." The mere fact that the dog was alive at all seemed a miracle in itself. Surgery promised to be rough. Through extreme efforts on the part of several other "angels" (including Dr. Henry), arrangements were finally made for his surgery. "He spent hours on St. Jude, straightened out the two-inch difference in either side of his hips as much as possible, untied the sciatic nerve which had fibrous growth, untangled the mess of the rectal area, used some wire, a lot of love and prayer. Henry is my hero!" The strength and determination to live certainly had bearing on the dog's life. "He wanted to live and practically shouted it! And he certainly dragged himself to the right yard for that; I decided to move Heaven and Earth to save this precious soul. I had no choice. He makes me laugh every single day." St Jude - Patron Saint of the seemingly impossible! What a fitting name for a miracle pup! Jude continues with mysterious healing powers - but the recipient of "the healing" is now Karen. "His determination and strength have inspired me when times get tough. He is my benchmark, he is my hero." Jude is now a HUGE and beautiful dog appreciative of the love and care received in his time of need. I think that Karen's on to something when she says he just seems to be saying "This is the life I was waiting for. I knew you were here." He is indeed a Miracle Pup who was once in need of a well-deserved miracle. "I love St. Jude, and I believe miracles happen to those who deserve them." I agree again, Karen. Which is why you deserve St Jude!
	Ambrr and "THAT DARNED CAT" "I adopted her 2/14/00." 'AmbrrNanaDog' was bitten by a pygmy rattler at the age of 5 mos. She bounced back right away from the bite (amazingly) and 5 years later still has the two fang marks, black from the gangrene." Ambrr wasn't the first dog on the "Anderson Ponderosa" - by any means. After Allix was murdered, Karen went to a shelter and found 'Angel'. "When I felt confident Angel would stay in the back field with the other dogs, I would let her off lead to run and play." There was once too often that Ambrr followed Angel. "...she ran all the way down the drive and into the dark pre-dawn street. Ambrr followed her. Ambrr was hit by a car." In these photos, Ambrr is showing just how patient a dog can be with an active, playful kitten! But even a Patient Ambrr has her limits. NO ONE messes with her chewy!

	"Andy's Sactuary" "Andy was a bright shooting star: shining, brilliant, gifted, fast moving, and gone too soon. He was a most talented artist, devoted son, brilliant scholar and an accomplished musician. In honor of Andy's life, the newest addition to Our Lady of Mercy's Catnip Cottage, which was completed June 15, will be dedicated to him." Maureen Dell'Olio and Karen had first met to discuss 'lethal whites". "She gave me advice and assessed my newest rescue dog Rosalie. As our two lethal white Aussie's played in the back yard, we discussed much - including our two gifted sons." Little did they know as they sat enjoying the day,their lives would one day be 'connected' with the dedication of the sancuary. As promised, ANDY'S SANCTUARY was indeed completed on June 15th, 2005 -just two days before Andy's 25th Birthday! It is ironic perhaps that it was 'the terrible'genetic defect of the 'lethal white' that led to 'the beauty'of such a wonderful tribute. It is indeed a 'terrible beauty'; a descriptive coined by the Irish author William Butler Yeates as he witnessed the 1916 Uprising from his hotel room above the streets of Dublin, Ireland. And perhaps it is this ironic twist that Maureen was speaking about when she said,"once again, God used the animals to speak to His children".
"He is what we all are, Pelly, just one drop in the vast ocean. But some of those drops sparkle, Pelly. Oh yes, some of them DO sparkle." "Ante Up and Kick In!" In the movie 'Glory', Morgan Freeman portrays a soldier in the newly formed (and first of its kind) all black regiment - the Massachusetts 54th. In one scene he was admonishing a fellow soldier for not taking serious the heavy cassualties suffered by the white soldiers of the Civil War. Here is a small piece of what he said.... "These white boys have been fightin and dyin by the hundreds...I know - I dug the graves! And all along I was askin...'when Lord? when do I get my chance?' They were fightin for us....for YOU, fool! It's time we ante up and kick in..like men...like MEN!." For too long some of us have sat and watched others do our share of saving lives. We've applauded their efforts, surely, but we've sat idle and watched them carry on the business of what our faith itself calls upon us to do - give where it is needed. It's time that we 'ante up and kick in' and do something for the better of others....even when the 'others' are four-legged. *That's the passion that Andrew Keith Anderson learned from his mom. That's the dedication he lived by. And that's the call he himself may be making to us now.* *"Ante up and kick in!"* *This is our chance...one chance...perhaps the first step for many of us towards truly santifying LIFE!*

..."Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment ...."