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Collinsville, Oklahoma
January 26, 2008
New Animal Shelter Grand Opening
Ward-Wiseman Animal Haven
This web site is brought to you by the Newspaper Museum In Collinsville and the other advertisers appearing on these pages. If you would like to provide news content or advertisements ... call Ted Wright (918) 371-1901 or
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1110 W. Main, Collinsville, OK 74021
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Ted Wright -- last update 1/27/2008 (AnimalShelterOpening.html) www.cvilleok.com
Copyright 2008 -- Collinsville, Oklahoma
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FOCAS Organized -- July 2004
Petpalooza #1 -- Oct. 2, 2005
Ground Breaking -- April 21, 2006
Frame-In Started -- July 14, 2007
Friends of The Collinsville Animal Shelter
(FOCAS) Web Site: www.cvilleok.com/AnimalShelter
Years of effort by countless volunteers and contributors came together with the opening of the new Collinsville Animal Shelter north of town Jan. 26th. The shelter has been named in honor of the late Dr. Lincoln Ward and Father Bill Wiseman. The shelter will be operated by the City of Collinsville with assistance by FOCAS.
New Collinsville Facility Now Housing Strays At 156th St. North and 129th E. Ave (5th St)
Dr. Lincoln Ward's widow Ruth and his 3 sons (twins Colton & Conner & Cooper) attended the dedication of the new Ward-Wiseman Animal Shelter in Collinsville Saturday Jan. 26th. Dr. Bob McCraw, one of Dr. Ward's partners at Eastside Veterinary Hospital, also spoke briefly saying Dr. Ward would have been proud of the honor and the facility for Collinsville's less fortunate animals. Dr. Ward died July 15, 2006 in a vehicle accident.
John Wiseman, son of the late Father Bill Wiseman who died in an airplane crash Oct. 17, 2007, spoke to the crowd gathered for the grand opening of the new animal shelter Saturday.
The new building and each of the rooms received a blessing Saturday.
Board members of the Friends of the Collinsville Animal Shelter were recognized by Mayor Stan Sallee. A partial list of name is on the FOCAS web site.
One of the first day shelter residents looking for a new owner.
Adopt
A
Pet
Susan Babbitt told me later Saturday evening that 2 puppies had been adopted on the 1st day the shelter. I don't know if these were the lucky pups. -- Ted
Cookies and refreshments were served by Girl Scouts Saturday.
I didn't get there early enough Saturday for the harp music. -- Ted

Editorial: The stated goal of this new facility is to be "no-kill" facility. That will only be possible if the entire community supports the effort by spaying and neutering the pets they have and adopting new pets soon after they arrive at the shelter.

Also, the community owes a big thanks to Dr. Susan Babbitt for her persistance in turning the idea of a new shelter into a reality. There are many others that are owed thanks also, but Susan has kept the "train on the track". I am reminded of Mrs. Holman's efforts to help bring a hospital to Collinsville in the early 1960s. For those of you that say "what hospital?", be reminded that opening day is just one of many milestones to keep the shelter running smoothly and for a long time. -- Ted Wright -- Jan. 27, 2008
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