Rescue Shelter in Foreclosure, Fears the Worst for Unwanted Animals
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: October 11, 2012
COLFAX--Elizabeth Spencer's heart got a little fuller Wednesday.
She adopted her cat "Mongo" at the Central Illinois Small Animal Rescue Shelter.
"I'm taking her home. She got spayed today. Which I'm kind of excited about," laughs Spencer. "I don't want any more Mongo's running around!"
That's the mission of the not for profit group known as CISAR.
Started by Pat Burr, she aimed to give unwanted animals food, a place to stay and yes...neutering.
"We're always full because they just keep coming," said Burr. "There's such a need."
The shelter holds up to 300 animals.
Volunteers say it's all about giving pets the care they need to find a loving home.
"Everyone plays with them and takes care of them till they can get adopted," added Burr.
Problem is, her plan is in jeopardy.
The no kill shelter is facing foreclosure on loans it took out to build its nearly 7,000 square foot facility.
"They want possession of this property," said Burr. "I don't know what they're going to do with over 300 animals."
CISAR used three loans to make the shelter a reality.
It's paid $250,000 to Heartland Bank which took over the finances after CISAR's first lender folded.
But it still owes $830,000 for one loan and $325,000 for another.
"I don't care about losing the money. My husband and I have over two million dollars in this facility now we've put in with our retirements all the places that we've owned we sold," said Burr.
All the not for profit wants is to keep the animals safe, something Burr fears won't happen if the bank takes the property.
"They'd euthanize them. That's what they threatened."
She only hopes she'll have enough time to turn the situation around, before it's too late.
The attorney for Heartland Bank says negotiations are ongoing, and hopes to get the situation resolved as soon as possible.
Taking Action for the Cause
The not for profit is accepting community donations to help fund the shelter:
Checks can be made payable to "CISAR."
You can send them to 29738 E. 1400 N. Road, Colfax, IL 61728
She adopted her cat "Mongo" at the Central Illinois Small Animal Rescue Shelter.
"I'm taking her home. She got spayed today. Which I'm kind of excited about," laughs Spencer. "I don't want any more Mongo's running around!"
That's the mission of the not for profit group known as CISAR.
Started by Pat Burr, she aimed to give unwanted animals food, a place to stay and yes...neutering.
"We're always full because they just keep coming," said Burr. "There's such a need."
The shelter holds up to 300 animals.
Volunteers say it's all about giving pets the care they need to find a loving home.
"Everyone plays with them and takes care of them till they can get adopted," added Burr.
Problem is, her plan is in jeopardy.
The no kill shelter is facing foreclosure on loans it took out to build its nearly 7,000 square foot facility.
"They want possession of this property," said Burr. "I don't know what they're going to do with over 300 animals."
CISAR used three loans to make the shelter a reality.
It's paid $250,000 to Heartland Bank which took over the finances after CISAR's first lender folded.
But it still owes $830,000 for one loan and $325,000 for another.
"I don't care about losing the money. My husband and I have over two million dollars in this facility now we've put in with our retirements all the places that we've owned we sold," said Burr.
All the not for profit wants is to keep the animals safe, something Burr fears won't happen if the bank takes the property.
"They'd euthanize them. That's what they threatened."
She only hopes she'll have enough time to turn the situation around, before it's too late.
The attorney for Heartland Bank says negotiations are ongoing, and hopes to get the situation resolved as soon as possible.
Taking Action for the Cause
The not for profit is accepting community donations to help fund the shelter:
Checks can be made payable to "CISAR."
You can send them to 29738 E. 1400 N. Road, Colfax, IL 61728
Comments
They should be foreclosed on- they are hoarders. They were not paying their bill like what was stated on their Facebook page.
Melina B. February 9, 2013 at 12:29 pm
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They should be foreclosed on- they are hoarders. They were not paying their bill like what was stated on their Facebook page.
Melina B. February 9, 2013 at 12:29 pm
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They should be foreclosed on- they are hoarders. They were not paying their bill like what was stated on their Facebook page.
Melina B. February 9, 2013 at 12:29 pm
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They should be foreclosed on- they are hoarders. They were not paying their bill like what was stated on their Facebook page.
Melina B. February 9, 2013 at 12:29 pm
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Mark, if you can show me proof that AHA is a no kill organization then more power to ya. Just because they "rescue" those animals doesn't mean they don't kill them. Why reach out to national organizations when there's multiple local rescues willing and waiting to step up and help?
Caiti C. October 18, 2012 at 9:01 pm
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Caiti, this is not correct. American Humane Association's famous Red Star Rescue team, which began in 1916 and has rescued more than 70,000 animals in just the past five years, just finished a rescue of 168 animals in Tennessee. They help find good, loving homes for animals in need. The bank should reach out to them and I'll send a note to the Red Star team to see if they can help here. Good luck to those 300 animals in need!
Mark M. October 18, 2012 at 8:17 am
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I really hope the bank reconsiders and contacts local rescues and no kill organizations. AHA is not no kill and I fear that a lot of the animals will be put down. I know that the Burrs have failed to find placement like they should have, but the animals should not be punished because of that.
Caiti C. October 17, 2012 at 8:21 pm Readers Feel...
60%
Furious
20% Sad
10% Bored
10% Happy
0% Intrigued
0% Thrilled
I am...FuriousSadBoredHappyIntriguedThrilled
Melina B.
February 9, 2013 at 12:30 pm
I thought you were on disability, Donna. How can you be the manager and working everyday and be on disability?
Maria M.
October 25, 2012 at 4:37 pm
I am a student at ISU and volunteered a couple of times with the adoption bus. I only say a couple of times cause I was shocked at something that happened. I saw the woman claiming to be Donna D smack a dog and now I see she is the manager? They must have been short on help. Anyway, I don't want to see anything happen with the animals out there so hopefully the current owners/operators start doing something to help them. 1. STOP taking in more animals! 2. Reduce the price for adoption and hold moreadoption fairs. Also, I had an intern at Heartland Bank and I really doubt they said they were going to euthanize the animals, so hopefully something will come out of that!
Jen S.
October 15, 2012 at 7:26 pm
Donna, I hope you will be at the Nathan Winograd speech on Tuesday and hopefully you will all learn some things and continue to change for the better for the sake of the animals.
Caiti C.
October 14, 2012 at 5:10 pm
Donna D. of course you don't recognize my name because I have met you once! And Dona is my middle name. Plus I know what Pat does to people that disagree with her. And Garrie backs her up even though she is dead wrong. I am really glad that you can sleep well at night that you can point fingers at other when you have done wrong. God will judge not you!
Dona C.
October 14, 2012 at 1:18 am
Well there is again no progress made by pursing this conversation and acqusations. I do not recognize most of the names on the posts. I salute those of you that have been brave enough to do that. The names that I have seen that claim all the volunteering they have done are not familiar. I am there almost everyday and help the volunteers with most of the projects. God Bless the animals and all of those who have been so gracious to volunteer their time to help them. It is not about the people it is about the animals. The goal is the same and that they get the best care that we can give them. I have a lot of other things to do.
Donna D.
October 13, 2012 at 11:08 pm
I've been volunteering out there for years. Nothing at all has changed except dogs that were kept out of the publics sight, were moved so there is no way anyone can see them now. Donna C was accused of stealing 20k of dog food last year by the owners and this year she is a manager. I don't think that is progress.
Maria M.
October 13, 2012 at 12:18 pm
shame on anyone that gives these people money
Minne P.
October 12, 2012 at 10:57 pm
oh ..1 more thing even thogh there are a thousand...when you do visit..ask to see inside the Texas Chainsaw Massacre house with the certified mental folk caring for dying animals....the place is one BIG GIANT mess.
Minne P.
October 12, 2012 at 9:51 pm
I also need to add that Dona B is right on and Donna D is equally kooky...her credentials do not stand up to what she proclaims..
Minne P.
October 12, 2012 at 9:45 pm
ok ..everyone...let's face facts. I AM a volunteer at CISAR and I love the animals..but one thing I know that is true is there is no new Management and the place is seriously wrong...and it is entirely due to the kooky people that run it. I care about the animals..and it is why I stay and help..but let the truth be known....kookiness is in the house...down right lunatics run this place...check out the [censored] offender site and see if you want to bring your kid there...save the animals..not this place!!!!
Minne P.
October 12, 2012 at 9:42 pm
And I don't have a "group." I speak for myself and only myself.
Caiti C.
October 12, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Sorry, meant to say the care and well being of the animals did not come second.
Caiti C.
October 12, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Yes, I did take pictures of the animals because that is what helped to get them adopted which is the goal of an animal shelter. I won't deny that I did that. But It did not come second. I did not say anything about your past so I don't really see how that is relevant. I'm not trying to make accusations towards anyone so I'm also kind of confused as to why you continue to do so. I do not need to defend myself to you or anyone else. Thanks for working so much harder than anyone else. <3
Caiti C.
October 12, 2012 at 9:12 pm
Yes Donna D, let's talk about your past. Please explain why Pay Burr wanted you removed from the premises last spring because there was missing dog food that was donated. We all saw the fight and guess what I still volunteer out there from time to time because I care about those animals but I want nothing to do with Pat so I avoid her.
Dona B.
October 12, 2012 at 9:05 pm
People need to find out the truth before they donate their monies to CISAR. Contact ex-board members and ex-employees. Area rescues will step up and handle the animals.
Mac J.
October 12, 2012 at 8:54 pm
I do hope that everyone's true focus is on the safety and well being of the animals. Do you frankly think that all the accusations that your group made against CISAR to the unclean conditions. I know I have a past and if you live the 60 years I have with out having any regrets in your lives then my hat off to all of you. I have been doing this for 40 years and this tug of war you want to play over egos is not helping the animals. The only thing any of you were ever prevented from doing were the things "you" wanted to do and not the things that needed to be done and the right way they needed to be done. Yes if anyone had spent time playing with one of the animals early in the day that one animal was receiving attention, but what about all the ones that had also sat all night and some suffering from diahrea and getting sick to their stomachs. It is always easier to care for the cute and playful but what of the sick and suffering ones. They need the best care we can give them. I seem to remember that cleaning up after the animals use to come last after the picture taking and the playing. So what of all the ones that sat in dirty cages while others were being played with? When you have the wonderful experience of being a mother the fun times are few and far between when you are trying to address laundry, meals and dirty diapers. Their needs come first before the needs of their caregivers. The animals at CISAR are well cared for clean and socialized. You are welcom to visit at anytime and share the love. As to the fate of the animals arrangements have been for their care. As what will happen to them your concern is overwhleming. Someone other than CISAR opened this can of worms.
Donna D.
October 12, 2012 at 7:29 pm
Who are you referring to, Animal, that got fired "again?" None of us got fired. And I have not made any allegations. All I asked was what the plan is IF the money is not made? If the bank really IS threatening to euthanize the cats and dogs, what is the back up plan if money is not donated? I truly do hope that things have changed for the better. And Donna, we DID try our hardest to change these things but were prevented from doing so. You may choose to believe what you would like. I'm not stopping you. Please just tell me what the plan is for all the dogs and cats if the bank does take over. Have any other rescues been contacted? I know I personally have tried to move on but when I have lawyers contacting me with different accusations Pat has come up with against me, it makes things difficult. My main concern is and always has been those animals.
Caiti C.
October 12, 2012 at 4:57 pm
These allegations against PAT are simply just that. I encourage anyone with any doubts about anything to visit the shelter. I don't understand the negative hurtful comments. This is simply not productive in any manner. It is actually sad that these few people just sit and wait for a chance to post negative wherever they can. Really.....maybe you don't work.....oh that's right you were fired AGAIN.... The others are simply your cult followers. Please use all the negative energy and turn to positive and help others in this world.
Animal l.
October 12, 2012 at 11:11 am
These allegations against PAT are simply just that. I encourage anyone with any doubts about anything to visit the shelter. I don't understand the negative hurtful comments. This is simply not productive in any manner. It is actually sad that these few people just sit and wait for a chance to post negative wherever they can. Really.....maybe you don't work.....oh that's right you were fired AGAIN.... The others are simply your cult followers. Please use all the negative energy and turn to positive and help others in this world.
Animal l.
October 12, 2012 at 11:11 am
Shame on you all shame on you!!! I have sat by and read the comments that have continued to appear each and everytime that CISAR reaches out to get their mission statement heard and ask for help. What is wrong asking the very communities that we have been so involved with for help to keep THEIR animal shelter and rescue center open. Everyone is asking for political contributions to help elect their candidate of choice. So we are asking our friends for their help. The shelter thankfully has been under new management for the past year now. The people who are making these comments have not been involved with the shelter since their very hostile take ove of the shelter failed and they moved on. Well so did we at CISAR. We also adopted a new mission statement ant that was giving all animals in our care the same "Standard of Care and a Quality of life." We look at everyone of our animals in our care as someones pet or potential pet. Yes they are played with n ow and socialized by some wonderful volunteers. We have a kitten room now where the kittens are allowed to run free everyday and climb and play. They are also introduced to their new family in the same way. On sunday mornings(don't tell the vets) we let all of the animals that are caged and on display in the reception area free to run the clinic area. They are not allowed in the treatment area of the clinic to prevent them from being exposed to disease. We have created a quarantine area for our incoming animals. Dogs have a seperate building and cats remain in the clinic treatment area till we are confident they are healthy. The clinic was over run with ringworm, coccidia and giardia when the new management began the mission to improve living conditions for the animals. Anyone at anytime that would like tpo tour the clinic and facilities are always welcome. We recently had a great fall festival. We received so many potive reviews about our event that we have already planning the next fall event. We have so many wonderful success stories at CISAR as well. There was recent article in the Champaign News-Gazette about the burn kitty at Uof I vet clinic. That kitty came to CISAR first. She was brought in by a volunteer firfighter who was on seen at the fire. The family dog perished in the fire. He knew that CISAR would take her in. The kitty stayed with us for a few days and was stabilized by our vets and they encouraged the owners to take the kitty to the Uof I. There are hundreds more of those kinds of stories that I could tell about how much the conditions have changed at CISAR. So shame on all of you in the old management team that didn't work to improve conditions but hindered the progress. You are invited at anytime to come and see the new and improved CISAR. So if of you that may have a few extra dollars to help Cisar thank you and God bless you. If those of you who to continue to live in the past and move to the future of CISAR find some other group to stalk. Buy us some new Shoreline stainless kennels to help the cramped conditions. Buy the materials to help us build an outside enclosure for the cats so they get more sunshine which would help cure their uper respritory problems. Put your money where your mouthes are the Burr's have.
Donna D.
October 12, 2012 at 10:45 am
I received a certified letter threatening to take legal action against me if I didn't keep my mouth shut about the things I witnessed there over the several months I volunteered. The animals are over- crowded and unsocialized. Employees were scolded if they stepped away from their busy work to pet an animal. Dogs were left in their own urine and feces for hours because no had time to take them out or clean their cages. This video features a dog that I personally fostered and trained and found a wonderful family to adopt, but it was sabotaged and he is still there. When I brought another foster back to the vet clinic for her yearly exam and told Pat Burr that I had someone coming in to adopt her, she said- and I quote "I hope they don't take HIM."
Anyone who knows animal behavior can watch this video and see the defensive, fearful, frantic, frustrated posture of the dogs in the kennels. Cisar does not need to be given any more money. They need to be shut down so that people and organizations who truly care about getting the dogs in homes and out of cages can truly care for them.
Tina Z.
October 11, 2012 at 8:58 pm
All accusations aside, Garrie, now that we have your attention, can you please tell us what you're planning on doing with the animals? I really hope you guys aren't taking in more animals knowing that there is a chance they may be euthanized. please, please please, for the sake of the animals, start contacting other rescues and arrange placement for those dogs and cats. I'm not hiding behind a fake name. You and I both know the truth, so going back and forth is pointless. Please just tell us what you're going to do with those dogs and cats, and I sincerely hope it isn't just hoping that someone will give you money and save you, because that may not happen. Keep the animals in mind.
Caiti C.
October 11, 2012 at 4:49 pm
..............
Susan S.
October 11, 2012 at 1:33 pm
This is a fired former employee who wished to turn the Shelter into a Kill facility. She is using a fake ID to spread her lies. She loves to spread hateful lies about Pat but has contributed nothing positive. We get calls every day from people wanting to dump their animals and other Shelters who are full. This is the same person who contacted the State and said donations were being stolen. We were examined and the accusations were found baseless but we still had to spend time and money defending ourselves. Read the article and the criticism and judge for yourselves. We would ask those who know us to respond to this vitriol on our behalf.
J. B.
October 11, 2012 at 11:10 am
All Pat has to do to keep these animals safe is reach out to the rescue community. But not only doesn't she ever do that, she threatens and intimidates anyone who wants to help the animals other than exactly the way she specifies. That includes keeping them always in kennels and locked up. The statement that everyone plays with the animals is a flat out lie. The dogs are fed, watered and sheltered. No love or attention is shown to these animals. She will not allow animals to be fostered even when they desperately need it! Some animals have been there and returned so many times because they have no socialization or human interaction. Most adopters are not equipped to deal with that. Anyone who offers their help with the animals is met with cynicism and hate from Pat. Go to the shelter and see for yourself. Ask how long the animals have been there. How many times they've been adopted and returned. Actually talk to Pat and suggest something, anything different to help and see how that is met. Also, ask why the ostrich and emu are still there. There are adopters for these birds. She refuses to let them go to where they can be properly cared for. So, they are slowly dying out there. Ask how many of the birds have died from improper care. What I am saying is, don't just go look at what a "nice" facility it is. Because it's obvious, that is where the money went. Into the facility. Ask about the animals....ask about adoption procedures. They claim that everyone is checked out and that is a flat out lie. If you walk in with money, you can walk out with any cat or dog you like. The whole place may have begun with a good idea, but it has rapidly turned into a place that humane rescues RESCUE FROM. Please don't give them money. Give them supplies to help the animals and help get the animals out of there and into HOMES. Rescues will step up and help. Giving money to these people who have proven they cannot manage their money would be a disaster and prolong the suffering of these animals.
Maria M.
October 11, 2012 at 10:42 am
First of all, the shelter can hold UP to 300 animals but there's over 300 there? Strange..
Also, instead of continuing to take in dogs, why not try to find placement for the hundreds there currently? I know central Illinois has a bunch of rescues and all would most likely be willing to help out with that so these dogs and cats WON'T have to be euthanized, but yet when someone calls about getting their dog trained, they suggest relinquishing it to them instead of having it trained. Instead of begging for donations they need to start finding placement for the animals and preparing for the worst.
Caiti D.
October 11, 2012 at 7:43 am
