Ameren Illinois has a robust recycling program for decommissioned utility power poles and wire spools, however when Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS) reached out to Ameren, the company found a new way to repurpose several used wire spools.
On Oct. 15, several Peoria-area Ameren Illinois linemen rolled up in trucks to deliver seven, 3-ft tall, wooden wire spools to the non-profit agency.
"The dogs will be able to climb and walk on the wooden spools in our new dog sensory garden," said Alex Menke, kennel manager for PCAPS. "Shelters are a stressful place. We see what kennel stress does to dogs in our care. Our new dog sensory garden is another tool we can use to help our dogs decompress and have a moment where they can be themselves. This helps our dogs show better to potential adopters and ultimately helps get them into new homes quicker.”
Landon Parker, an Ameren Illinois electric supervisor, helped to coordinate the delivery. "It feels great doing something positive for the community where we live and serve," Parker said. "The benefits for the dogs to play around the wire spools and to their future adoptee owners will be significant."
The sensory garden will be on the PCAPS grounds on Northeast Perry Avenue. Menke said it will take volunteers to finish constructing the sensory garden with hopes of it opening soon.
"There are more animals ending up in shelters than we have seen in almost a decade," Menke said. "We must be creative as a shelter. How do we keep the stress low? How do we provide enrichment for these animals that are waiting for adoption? A sensory garden is a great solution."
Last year Ameren Illinois recycled more than 3.6 million pounds of wood waste and diverted more than 5,400 cubic yards of wood waste from landfills, which includes wooden wire spools.
"Donations come in all shapes and sizes," said Brian Brackney, director of electric operations, Ameren Illinois. "We are thrilled to partner with PCAPS. This is an excellent opportunity to repurpose the wooden spools for years to come with the hope of enriching the lives of dogs PCAPS is saving through adoption."
