Residents act like polar bears for good cause

Elizabeth Bailey

Tue, May 13 2008

— As the light snow flurries cleared Saturday, four brave souls plunged into the City Park lake for the sake of the animals.
“It really doesn’t feel any warmer once you’re all the way in,” Grensburg Decatur County Animal Shelter manager Laura Johnston said as she emerged dripping from the drink.
Johnston was not alone as she waded into the chilly water. She was joined by animal control officer Aaron Acton, animal board president Dr. Michelle Sweet and one other courageous man. Three of the four went in with their dogs. Acton’s dog ran from the water when she realized what she was being asked to do. Sweet’s bailed out second while Johnston’s remained the longest.
“It certainly was crazy,” said Johnston.
However, sometimes one has to do what it takes to support a cause. Despite the chilly weather, many dogs came out bedecked in swimwear while their owners offered support to the brave swimmers. Each donation of $20 or more earned a t-shirt, with or without the swim. The funds raised will be used to start a veterinary care fund for the animals within the shelter.
Greensburg firefighters and local EMTs were at the ready in case anything went wrong. Before the swimmers plunged into the cold water, one of the firefighters suited up and the crew on hand had the opportunity to practice some water rescue skills. Unfortunately for the swimming firefighter, his overzealous teammates pulled him back to shore with such velocity the water seeped into his dry suit, leaving him cold and damp, GFD Chief Scott Chasteen noted with a smile.
As the human polar bears emerged from their swim, the crowd dispersed into the dreary day, wagging tails and all.
To learn more about the shelter or to donate to the cause, visit www.cityofgreensburg.com/animal.html or call the shelter at 663-9081.

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