Written by a volunteer with the Montana collies

It is now mid December, approximately six weeks since the town of Shelby opened its arms and people's hearts to the animals from Alaska.

The housing venue changed a couple of weeks ago to the 4H facility. When you walk into the building you see that changes continue to be made to help the animals and the volunteers who are working tirelessly to care for them.

A wash tent has been erected inside the unheated building to provide some comfort for the water-trenched hands of the dish crew. Bowls are cleaned before every meal and the water buckets once each morning. One is greeted by a boisterous clamor from the dogs first thing in the morning. The collies have an established routine and know that it is time for food, water and exercise.

The volunteers work at a feverish pace in the morning hurriedly gathering food dishes and water buckets from the stalls. Often one may find your head in the dog pen while reaching for the dishes. What an opportunity for the rambunctious collie to stick a long nose in your hair or attempt to hug you. The joys at having someone pay a little attention to him or her is overwhelming. You may even been greeted with a nuzzle on the arm or in the face and sometimes if you are lucky, a tentative lick applied gently on your hand.

Grooming is ongoing as the dogs are taken out overnight to be groomed and returned the following day. For the most part the dogs grow more confident. This can be noticed the way some of the collies are carrying themselves erect, with a tail up; telling all who look - "See me - I'm doing fine!"

There are still a couple of very shy boys and girls. B.C. is becoming more animated in his enclosure but still reluctant to trust those who want to walk him. He is now at least coming up and showing interest when the dogs on either side are receiving attention. The rebuilding of his trust and
confidence has been slow but progress is being made.

In the main area stands a huge pile of wood shavings. The shavings have replaced the straw and in turn the odor of the area has been greatly improved. Located in the same area are the pens of younger, puppy age dogs. These pens are a source of constant activity as the young dogs inquisitively monitor the ongoing activities of the volunteers and also playfully chew on one another. During the day, they are taken in groups of four or five to an outdoor run where they frolic happily, only to return their enclosure to doze off happily for a brief time, then resume their playful activity with undiminished energy.

Beside the puppy enclosures stands one which is home to a male collie that does not exhibit joy and happiness. He is one yet to overcome the ordeal. He is unwilling to walk outside and retreats to the back of his area whenever approached. He wants attention but remains scared although there is one volunteer in particular that is taking him under her wing as she tries to build his confidence by sitting quietly with him softly speaking and patting his regal head. An animal health tech from Great Falls has decided to clean a travel kennel lining it with a blanket so that he has a place to escape to. He looks much happier with a place of refuge away from the activity.

Then there are the "escape artists", a dog we've dubbed 'Sultan' being included in that group. Their enclosures have numerous clips and bungy cords to fasten the doors. One has to ask though "Do they really want to escape." Sultan moves regally in his area, ears up when he hears his name called. He has adjusted to the situation and wants everyone to know it.

As the day passes, volunteer walkers take the dogs for their exercise walk. The weather is still cooperating with the daytime highs in the 45 to 55F. Perhaps someone is looking out for the dogs, trying to make up for the way they have been treated before arriving in Shelby. While it may not appear to be fair for them to be cooped up all day with only a few minutes freedom, from the way they act - you cannot tell they understand the injustice. They are so happy just to be in the fresh air and have people pay attention to them. Mr. No Toes (missing them on his right rear foot) does not even know he is different and has a limp, he is simply excited to go for a walk.

As nighttime nears, the feeding and watering process starts again. As the dogs raise their voices in anticipation in the background, a tape plays an eclectic mixture of music ranging from Star Wars to the theme from the Godfather.

As the nighttime ritual is being completed, the proud animals start to settle in for the night. One spaniel buries his food, perhaps thinking its his last meal; the miniature shelties curl up in balls smaller than a volleyball; the puppies gather together for warmth entwining limbs and heads into one tangle of beautiful collies.

The area grows quiet as the dogs relax for the evening. The strains of the theme from Moline Rouge continue and will for me be forever linked with these fine creatures. Prisoners, not of their making but of circumstance. They have come a long way and grow in confidence daily. One still wonders however, do they deserve to live in this situation rather than being able to have homes where they can play and interact with those who will care and give them the love they deserve.

The ordeal is far from over but with the help of those who care and the forgiving nature of the dog; the creatures are steadily improving and making the best of the situation.