Unsung Hero - Linda Collier
By Lorraine Houston
( as published in Dogs, Dogs, Dogs Newspaper )

When our editor Amy White suggested an unsung hero article I thought – super idea, there are so many incredible folks helping dogs in a variety of different ways, the majority of them busily buzzing in the background. But then I thought – yikes, who and how to choose? So I decided the best way to decide was to post the article idea to various dog yahoo groups and ask for nominations and see who surfaced. And, as the saying goes – the cream rose to the top. With great admiration, we introduce you to Linda Collier. Caution: Just reading about all the plates this gal is spinning will make you tired – have caffeine on hand?
 

When Linda Collier was a child her parents were afraid to give her too many 'off leash' privileges for fear of having yet another dog follow her home. At one point they had almost a dozen canine waifs living under their Thorndale, Ontario roof. As Linda grew up she wanted to be a veterinarian, but her plans were put on hold when her beloved father passed away and she opted to stay home to care for her ailing mother. "I thought I would work with children as I waited to go back to veterinary college, but it just never happened. I went to teacher's college to work with children who have special needs" said Linda adding "but a big part of my heart always stayed with the animals. As fate would have it, four years ago I found my way to an event called Wienerfest, a social affair for dachshunds and their admiring subjects. I especially love the Dachshund breed, but admittedly love any and all breeds".
 

After only a year of helping with Wienerfest, Linda found herself volunteering to be the event coordinator, a job she whole-heartedly embraced.
 

The first-ever Wienerfest was held in 2000 and was organized by June Cole and Harry Booker two die-hard dachshund devotees. June always dreaded going to baby showers where everyone talked, boasted and bantered about their children and she didn't have any. What she wanted to talk about was her Dachshund, so she started a small annual picnic where Dachshund lovers could get together and talk about their dogs.
 

Wienerfest started with 20 people and grew over the years to about 100 and then Linda took the reins with fresh eyes, new ideas and an abundance of energy. "I saw the potential to continue the fun, social aspect of it, but it was also a great opportunity to incorporate fundraising and awareness". This year in 2008, over 4000 people attended and the event raised over $2000.00 for the chosen rescues; Tiny Paws Dog Rescue and Helping Homeless Pets. The event also financially supported the purchase of a wheeled cart for an injured Dachshund.
 

Adding to her dossier, in 2006 Linda became the fundraising coordinator for Helping Homeless Pets (HHP) an umbrella group which financially assists over a dozen different dog rescue organizations. She is responsible for creating, implementing, and overseeing fundraisers as well as scheduling volunteer shifts. HHP President Rob Goddard says that "Linda is one of the most dedicated volunteers you will ever meet. When she takes on a task, she stops at nothing to get it completed."
 

"Loving my dogs as I do, I couldn't stand the thought of a dog without a home, without a place to go or neglected so I joined the rescue force about a year ago" says Linda about becoming involved with Tiny Paws Dog Rescue (TPDR) a charitable organization that assists dogs who are of any genetic make-up weighing 20 pounds or less. "Linda Collier is a devoted rescuer and when she commits to an event she follows through 110 per cent. She is one awesome lady with more energy than anyone I know", said Terri Epp, president of TPDR.
 

Linda spends countless hours educating people about the virtues of adopting a displaced dog and encouraging potential adopters to acquire their new companion from a shelter or rescue. "I believe dogs should be an integral part of a family and not treated as an object or possession. I do understand that sometimes circumstances arise and assistance is needed to find a dog a new forever home. When this happens the dogs need a voice and needs to be heard. I like to think that I can play a small part in that process" she explains.
 

As if Linda's life isn't 'hairy' enough, she is also involved in dog transports that assist dogs coming from shelters in the London area to foster homes via numerous different dog rescue operations. She is often the driver who takes the dogs along the leg of their journey from London to Cambridge. "There is no better feeling than looking in the back seat and seeing the face of a dog you know you are helping find the second chance s/he deserves. Each dog I have spent time with has become a part of who I am. I started out feeling that I was giving, but soon realized that it was the dogs who were giving to me. My reward is simply seeing a dog's tail wag."
 

Linda is the proud mom of dachshunds Gizmo, Spirit and Jemmie – two of whom have special needs. Gizmo is sixyears old with epilepsy, Spirit also six suffered a serious vaccine reaction as a puppy leaving her with autoimmune issues and Jemmi, her latest babe is a one-year-old Dachshund who bays like a Treeing Walker Coonhound.
 

"I love what I do and can't imagine not being involved. I live with a wonderful man who puts up with my passion or obsession; depending on one's perspective". Recently, Linda's husband surprised her by purchasing her a shed – sounds strange to most however, not so strange after all– it's so she can store all her fundraising items in it. I'd say that is pretty darn romantic and very supportive.