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PDFThe Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. I love the sense of community; the celebration of independence; the sense of pride I feel when I hear the National Anthem; the decorations; the food; the friends and family; I can go on and on.
My Grandmother used to race to get up on the morning of the Fourth to put her American Flag up before her neighbor, Mel Turner did. It was a grand sense of patriotism and a playful race between neighbors. There were canons that would sound at 6:00 am to wake the sleepy towns dwellers. We always would go to the parade down Main Street that started at 9:00 AM and then go to the community picnic in the park all afternoon. Come evening we would pile into vehicles and drive to the fairgrounds to watch the community firework show. In grand tradition the local fire department would set off one firework at a time so the crowd could “Ooohhh!” And “Ahhhhhh!” As I recall there was always at least one brush fire set off by the falling sparks and the fairground lights would come on brightly. Then the fire department trucks would rush over with their hoses and extinguish the small flames. When all the fireworks had been set off we would drive back to Grandma and Grandpas house and set off our little fireworks we had purchased and run in the street with sparklers and spell our names with the flames. These are some of the sweet memories from my childhood and ones I love to create for my children.
So as we approach this Fourth of July a part of me is sad to think of not seeing “bombs bursting in air”. This year we will have no sparklers and laughing children in the street and my husband will not be giddy with excitement over being able to blow stuff up. I am thinking of ways we can respectfully celebrate this year without causing anymore fires or thumbing our nose at the loss our neighbors have experienced. My mind is trying to create a new tradition to start in our family this year.
I thought of the amount of money we always spend at the fireworks stand supporting Montrose Volleyball players or a family run booth and my brilliant idea hit me upside the head. Take that money and donate it to those who are fighting fires in Colorado, or to those who have lost their homes, or to the animals who are misplaced or in shelters waiting for their families to come and get them when they find a new home.
I am challenging each and everyone of you to do the same. Here is a long list but not exhaustive of places you can call, go on line or donate. God Bless The USA.
FORT COLLINS FIRE
The High Park Fire in Fort Collins – Most destructive fire in CO history, has burned 257 homes and 87,000 acres.
Support the Larimer Humange Society.
They are currently coordinating rescue of all animals in High Park Fire area, providing water to animals that have not been evacuated, reuniting owners and pets and sheltering evacuated animals: 970-226-3647, ext. 7. Here is their Facebook page.
Donate online or mail checks to 5137 S. College Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80525.
Urgent Need: kitty litter
VCA Animal Hospital in both Fort Collins and Loveland
Both agencies are offering free boarding if pets of evacuees need a place for their furry friends to stay. They will also update evacuees’ pets’ vaccinations for free if need be. The Loveland location is open 24 hours a day (970) 278-0668. Call the Fort Collins location to find out their hours at (970) 204-4567
Urgent Need: Towels and blankets
The Moore Animal Hospital
They are also offering free boarding to evacuees.
2550 Stover Street
Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 416-9101
Urgent Need: towels and blankets
Wolf
Wolf is a sanctuary for wolves near Fort Collins has had to be evacuated, and they desperately need monetary donations, please donate here.
FLAGSTAFF FIRE
Flagstaff Fire in Boulder, CO. It is relatively small but could grow.
Humane Society of Boulder Valley
Cash Donations Needed: “Our greatest support needed at the shelter is for cash donations to support our operating expenses while we’re providing free services to our community members affected by this disaster.”
Call them at (303) 442-4030 or visit their Facebook page.
You may donate online here or send your donation by mail or in person to:
2323 55th Street, Boulder, CO 80301.
Urgent Need: kitty litter, blankets & towels
COLORADO SPRINGS FIRE
Humane Society Pikes Peak Region
“We are so very appreciative of all the donated items we have received for the animals in our care. The outpouring of support from our community is phenomenal. At this time, we do not need any additional items, should our in-kind needs change we will let you know! Our greatest need is monetary donations to support our operations. (719) 473-1741, ext. 8723. Here is their Facebook page.
Donate online here or by mail to:
Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
610 Abbott Lane, Colorado Springs CO 80905
A Cut Above Pet Grooming 719.630.7387
They need Volunteers, who can stay overnight if need be.
Urgent Need: kennels, smaller litter boxes, blankets, Cat food (dry and wet) , Monetary donations
All Breed Rescue & Training
They are taking in evacuee animals, anything that doesn’t go in a stall.
719.264.6460
20 Mountview Lane, Suite B & C, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Urgent Need: Dog/Cat food, blankets, gas cards or grocery cards
The Norris Penrose Event Center
They are located in Colorado Springs and are accepting large animals and they need Hay.
1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
719-635-1101
Other facilities that are ready to take in animals include:
Sunrise Kennels 719.661.7036
Canine Design Salon 719.227.7220
Cheyenne Mountain Animal Hospital 7193433.3840
Lucky Dog 719.527.9663
Bear Creek Vet 719-685-1177
Dublin Animal Hospital 719-338-8935
CATS Lucky Dog Boarding 719.527.9663
Central Bark Dog Daycare 719.592.9300
Canine Campus 719.448.9600
A Paw Above Boarding Service 719.386.7291
Northwest Animal Hospital 719.593.8582
Camp Bow Wow 719.260.9247
Sunrise Kennels 719.598.8348
Aspen Meadows Pet Resort 719.282.6000
Picasso’s Pet Grooming- Security 719.392.4092
Rocky Mountain Health Care Services (Can House People & Pets) 719.641.2747 & 719.201.0247
Powers ER Animal 719.473.0482
American Red Cross www.HelpColoradoNow.org
McCabe’s Tavern
McCabe’s Tavern is now offering the “Adopt a Fire Fighter” program. Customers can purchase a meal for a fire fighter and McCabe’s will match it. The meal is our famous house made Green Chili Mac & Cheese and the cost is $8.95. These men and women are growing very tired and hungry, lets give them a hot meal and a warm hug to keep their spirits up and let them know how much we appreciate them. No fire fighter will be turned down for a free meal at McCabe’s.
Thank you to all the organizations and agencies that are out there working so hard! We love you!!! If you know of another great agency that is helping out, please comment below.
About Author Juliet Carr
Juliet Carr is a spunky irreverent sorta girl whose soul found its home on the Western Slope of the Colorado Mountains. Juliet is madly and deeply head over heels in love with her husband and children, ages 15, 8, and 4. She finds that being mom to kids who are each at such different stages of childhood is really interesting, and she loves watching her three children grow into the people they are meant to be. She is an author and founder of a non-profit organization and serves on a local and state board of directors whose focus is suicide prevention. This mama wears her heart on her sleeve and speaks her truth from her heart.
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