Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

April 21, 2010, Page 2

Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon

 Donated truck to benefit animal sanctuary

John Schecklman (left) of K & H Auto Sales, located near Neillsville, presents the keys to a 1988 Ford F150 to Charlene Ruedel (right), who operates nonprofit Pinehaven Farm Inc. in Granton.  Ruedel rehabilitates dogs, cats and horses at Pinehaven. Schecklman donated the truck to Ruedel, who will use it to transport pet food and supplies. (Photo by Peter Spicer/Clark County Press)

By Peter Spicer

A truck donated by K & H Auto Sales, located at N6531 CTH K north of Neillsville, will benefit Charlene Ruedel’s nonprofit animal sanctuary in Granton, Pinehaven Farm Inc.

Ruedel, who rehabilitates horses, dogs and cats at the sanctuary, needed a truck to transport animal food and supplies and hay.  John Schecklman of K & H Auto Sales came through for her, donating a 1988 Ford F150.

Schecklman, who appreciates Ruedel’s efforts to rehabilitate animals, stated he wanted to help when he learned about Ruedel’s need for a truck.

“[Ruedel’s] doing a good thing,” said Schecklman.

Ruedel takes in animals with physical or behavioral problems from the Clark County Humane Society in Neillsville and The Buddy Foundation in Arlington Heights, IL.  She has also worked with Cat Guardians and Feral Cats Incorporated, both in Illinois.

Ruedel has worked from Granton the past nine years after spending 20 years working at shelters in Illinois.

Ruedel, who permanently houses animals whose problems cannot be corrected, currently has 13 dogs, 12 cats and four horses; she is planning to return four of the dogs to the humane society but will permanently house the remaining animals.

“Watching [animals] get better’ is Ruedel’s reason for continuing to help animals.

“[Ruedel’s] a very, very nice lady,” said Clark County Humane Society Executive Director Chuck Wegner, who added she has a big heart for animals and enjoys giving tours at the humane society.

Ruedel gives animals with special needs the intensive one-on-one care they need, said Wagner, who explained Ruedel’s sanctuary has been valuable to the humane society.

Ruedel encourages area resident to adopt animals from the Clark County Humane Society and to spay and neuter pets.

The humane society’s “spay and neuter program is just amazing,” said Ruedel, who explained the program is helping control dog and cat populations.

To donate funds to Ruedel’s animal sanctuary or for more information, call 715-773-1141 or write to Pinehaven Farm, P. O. Box 184, Neillsville, WI 54456.