Blue Knights donate dog beds in Calexico
CALEXICO — Calexico Border Paws, a Facebook page, posted that Blue Knights, a fraternal order of active duty and retired police officers Federal Officer’s and Honorary members with a united goal, to help others in need, donated around 35 dog beds to the Calexico Animal Control.
Diana Daniels, who works in law enforcement, created the page 12 years ago during a night shift when she came across the facility.
“I came to find out that pretty much not many people were aware that there was actually ever animal control in Calexico,” Daniels said.
“I wanted to start something that kind of made people aware through social media that there was a page in Calexico and that animal control was active,” Daniels said.
Besides creating the page, Daniels attended Calexico City Council meetings in the past to create a volunteer program.
Daniels knew the wife of one of the members of Blue Knights and told her more about the group. She asked if they were interested in helping animals, and the answer was yes.
She expressed the necessity of bedding for animals to be comfortable in the wintertime.
“It’s an outdoor shelter. There’s no heat, walls, nothing protecting the animals and making them feel comfortable,” Daniels said.
“They made a big drive and got a bunch of bedding donated, some cleaning products donated, so that’s just kind of how that came about,” Daniels said.
Besides the beds and cleaning products, Daniels mentioned that Blue Knights also donated dog food.
Daniels constantly reaches out to the city’s Animal Control to see if the dogs have blankets or if they are as warm and comfortable as they can be.
“I will call and I will make sure that at least something is being done,” Daniels said.
If she is unable to reach out, she goes to the facility to put on blankets.
“With temperatures dropping down to 50, 40 degrees, you can only imagine sleeping on concrete,” Daniels said.
She used to be a Calexico resident, but Daniels has been involved with the city’s Animal Control for so many years that she considers herself a ‘Calexican.’
“I haven’t stopped caring for this project,” Daniels said.
Daniels mentioned not to discard animals.
“Animals do have a special place in people’s hearts. I do recommend people not shop, but adopt, because some people go for the looks of an animal,” Daniels said.
“If you’re going to relinquish an animal, if you can do your best by not bringing it to animal control, but maybe seek outside resources such as other rescues, family members,” Daniels said.
Among rescues recommended by Daniels include Des Rescue, Del Mar Dog Rescue, Thrived Rescue, and the Barking Lot.
She added that spay and neutering save lives.
For community members interested in helping Calexico Border Paws or more information on volunteering, send a message to the Facebook page.