Animal rescue organization off to good start with donation

Wal-Mart recently donated $1,250 to the Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue during its second meeting Thursday Nov. 9.

More than 50 people were in attendance, including public officials. After dinner, provided by the Waynesboro Fire Department, organization president Richard Daniels spoke on the mission of Old Fella Animal Rescue.

"It all started with Old Fella. Without him, none of this would be possible," stated Daniels. Old Fella, the stray dog picked up by Daniels at an RV campsite, served as an inspiration to him and many others. The organization has been supported by members of the Open Road Forum on rv.net/forum, with financial donations online. With over 158,000 visits to the website, Daniels said, "The eyes of the world are on Waynesboro." Daniels stated that Old Fella Animal Rescue has received financial support from people as far away as California and Canada.

Now, the animal rescue organization is asking for the community's help.

At the individual level, Daniels said Old Fella Animal Rescue needs foster homes for stray dogs. There is a screening process to become an eligible foster family. Each foster animal's profile is put on petfinder.com, in hopes that the animal will find a permanent home.

At the community level, Daniels said the organization would like the local government to support it by buying a local building that would serve as a full-time shelter for stray animals.

Daniels addressed Burke County Commissioner Wayne Crockett and Waynesboro City Council members Bill Tinley and Dick Byne about the proposal for the shelter.

In closing, Daniels said, "I will never look at another stray the same again." He urged the community to take action by noting that "animals have no voices - we are their voice."

The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 7, at the First Liberty Market.

To learn more about volunteering or making a donation to the Old Fella Rescue, email Daniels at claudedaniels@- msn.com.