NEW PALESTINE — Alan Martin steadied the small hand saw and cut the pipe at the mark.
He planned to use the pipe to line the top of the fence at Frenzy Animal Rescue.
The dogs at the rescue, 37 W Mill St. New Palestine, like to jump over the top of the fence and try to escape, officials said. By adding the pipe along the top in such a way to make it spin when the dogs try to jump over, it keeps the animals safely in the yard where they belong — and off the streets.
Martin, a NineStar Connect operations manager, was working with 15 other NineStar employees who had the day off to volunteer and help out in their community. The company gives employees 12 hours a year per person, to work on community projects.
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Click here to purchase photos from this galleryThe employees chose to work with Frenzy Animal Rescue again, after a Cooperative Service Day last year, where NineStar employees work for their customers.
For the past 12 years, Gary and Betty Wilkins have been operating the rescue where they have saved and found homes for countless stray dogs. The pair, in their mid 60s, are still spry but need help now and again with heavy lifting and labor to keep the rescue, which can hold 30 animals, in good shape.
Benjamin Tuttle, NineStar Connect engineer, enjoyed the work at the rescue.
“It’s pretty awesome,” Tuttle said. “We’ll do whatever they request while we’re here.”
NineStar employees added piping around the fence, cleaned and put kennels together, spread gravel where needed and even hung out with and loved on a litter of puppies looking for homes.
Frenzy officials said the company’s efforts last year and more recently have been invaluable.
“They’ve done so much for us and we’re so very thankful,” Betty Wilkins said.
Shia Dankner, a NineStar operations manager, set up the work day with the rescue in late May. Several employees were looking for an animal based rescue in the area to help and were thrilled when the Frenzy operators applied for aid.
“It’s a rare company that is going to let you come out and help during the work day,” Dankner said. “It’s better than just giving money to a cause in the community because here we know what we’re doing is helping the animals.”
NineStar is currently reaching out to the community to see if any organization has a project to be done in October. If so, customers who have a need must complete an application to be considered.
Visit ninestarconnect.com or call Ross Ferson at 317-326-3131 for more information.
