Group determined to open animal sanctuary

A group hoping to establish an animal sanctuary in Clear Lake have experienced a set back, but are still determined to locate a forever home for cats and dogs at risk of unnecessary euthanasia here.

Judy Siems, founder and executive director of the non-profit Glady Mae Animal Sanctuary in Minnetonka, Minn., said the property she had hoped to purchase in Clear Lake for care, rehabilitation, training and end-of-life care for dogs and cats has been sold.  She is continuing to look for a site.

Earlier this year Siems approached the City of Clear Lake with her plans, explaining developing an animal sanctuary has been a dream of hers since she was a young child.

“It was not until my mom (Gladys Mae Ames Siems originally from Rockwell/Swaledale) got sick in 2012 did I come to realize that she, too, loved animals very much. During the next one and one-half years that she was ill before her passing in May 2014, she made me promise to fulfill the dream of providing a lifelong home for homeless cats and dogs. Thus, the sanctuary has been named The Glady Mae Animal Sanctuary in her honor.”

Siems said she first looked for a property in the Twin Cities area where she has lived since 1972.  “It dawned on me that no one up there knows Glady Mae, and a Mason City uncle told me to call my Clear Lake cousin.”

Siems’ proposal did not require City Council action, but she said she was encouraged by the support she received here.  She has also spoken with county officials in the event property outside the Clear Lake city limits is secured.  County officials are also agreeable to the concept of a cat and dog sanctuary, she said.

[wlm_nonmember]To read more of this article, please login or sign up for our E-Edition[/wlm_nonmember]

[wlm_ismember]

Siems and supporters explained the mission of an animal sanctuary is to provide a safe and permanent home for those cats and dogs at risk of unnecessary euthanasia.  The group would also provide a safe and temporary home for cats and dogs of domestic abuse victims who will not leave their abusers fearing for a pet’s safety if they leave.  They would also provide temporary care for pets of those requiring extended hospital stays, military deployment and other similar situations.

“We have decided to keep our focus on looking for a property of at least 10 acres, preferably more, in the Clear Lake area because this was Mom’s stomping grounds and I have a throng of relatives and other friends in the area who are very supportive of the sanctuary and want to help develop it,” said Siems.

[/wlm_ismember]