As the light snow flurries cleared
Saturday, four brave souls plunged into the City Park lake for the sake of
the animals.
Photo by Elizabeth Bailey,
elizabeth.bailey@greensburgdailynews.com
“It really doesn’t feel any warmer once you’re all the way in,” Greensburg
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:
or call the shelter at 663-9081.