When animal activist Katherine Fraze takes her daily two-mile walk in the woods of Floyd County, Indiana, it's hard to tell who has a better time - Fraze, or the 40 canine "friends" that tag along with her. Instead of tending a typical kennel-laden shelter, this unconventional stray-and/or rejected-dog rescuer has created an open "doggie commune" where canines are free to romp and roam in unbridled glee along with Fraze.
Though her concern for stray animals is not uncommon, her methods for dealing with them are unorthodox. In 1998, Fraze exchanged a comfortable home on Cherokee Parkway in Louisville, Kentucky for a back-to-basics (she doesn't even have running water) camper on a 130-acre parcel of land in the knobs of Floyd County. She now spends her time surrounded by dozens of four-legged pals while trying to arrange loving adoptions for these dogs without a home. The adoption fee is $150, which includes spay/neuter, vaccinations and all preventatives.
With more than 20 dogs in residence at any time, each day brings a slew of practical concerns that must be addressed, primarily food for her furry tenants - up to 50 pounds each day. Fraze loads and unloads 1500 pounds of kibble herself after each bi-monthly trip to the feed store (she's hoping one of the pet food companies will eventually sponsor the sanctuary). She also uses galvanized buckets to haul water out of a 1500-gallon tank, half submerged in the ground to keep the water from freezing. The dogs watch her do her chores and seem happily enthralled. "There is a hierarchy within this group", she says. "I'm the alpha dog because I'm the food - I'm the water - I'm the toy master - I'm the mediator - I'm the safe one. The fact is that they know I'm the one who cares for them in every way until they meet their new family. They trust me. So would I if I were them."
Operational costs run $3,000.00 a month, which includes food, spaying or neutering, flea and heartworm prevention, vaccines and any necessary surgeries. In addition to her own funds Fraze supports her efforts through partnerships with local veterinary clinics and tax-deductible donations. (In 2000, Save That Dog Sanctuary earned it's official not-for-profit status). Opinions vary on this alternative approach to canine rescue and the fact that the dogs are free to roam could've been a community concern. But David Hall, director of the New Albany-Floyd County Animal Control Shelter, says that he understands the sanctuary's appeal to dog owners who must give up their pets. "Many people believe that all the county shelter is going to do is kill their pets," he says, adding that dog owners cherish the guarantee that their dogs will not be euthanized when left with Fraze. In fact, they live out their days with Fraze if no one adopts them, even if they require medications or have special needs. Donations are desperately needed in order to provide what Fraze calls eldercare sponsorships that would support the permanent (and temporary) canine residents.
Though the operation no longer allows her to travel or leave the animals unattended for any substantial length of time, she says forgoing her old lifestyle hasn't felt like a sacrifice. "Any inconveniences are secondary to having the opportunity to do what you know you're meant to do. Since it's so peaceful and beautiful right here… why go anywhere else? I have everything I need - food, heat, books, music, a good bed, 130 acres of wooded privacy and the perfect canine companions who are all happy, all loving, all beautiful - all in their own unique way. I've got it great. I hope to live like this for the rest of my days… surrounded by animals, wildlife, land and a purpose. If you have a dream and you're able to live it what more could you ask for?"
When animal activist Katherine Fraze takes her daily two-mile walk in the woods of Floyd County, Indiana, it's hard to tell who has a better time - Fraze, or the 40 canine "friends" that tag along with her. Instead of tending a typical kennel-laden shelter, this unconventional stray-and/or rejected-dog rescuer has created an open "doggie commune" where canines are free to romp and roam in unbridled glee along with Fraze.