Fuzzy Friends #1 Multi-cache
CacheCreatures: See comment below
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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This is a two-part multi cache. The listed coordinates will take
you to the front door of the East County Animal Shelter. All the
information you need for part two can be found from the outside.
The container is approximately film canister size. Bring your own
writing instrument, as it’s a sign only micro.
Even though all the info you need for part two can be found from
outside the building, try and go during the open hours of the
shelter (Daily 11:30 – 5:30 excluding holidays). Take a walk
through and give lovies to some wonderful animals currently taking
up residence in this fantastic shelter. Who knows, you might just
find your next fuzzy friend!
Part two is a very short walk from part one, and is near one of the
pups’ favorite… uhm… resting places during a walk. Both locations
are handicap accessible however finding part two is probably not
possible for someone in a wheelchair.
The coordinates for part two are as follows: N37 42.ABC W121 52.DEF
As listed in the badges on the window, Livermore was incorporated
in 18AB, Pleasanton was incorporated in 189F and Dublin was
incorporated in 19WX. C = W – X.
The “Director of Shelter Operations” has D letters in his last
name.
There is a grouping of large and small “Turn In kennels” to the
right of the front desk. There are Z small kennels and Y large
kennels. E = Z – Y.
This is the first of a series of caches highlighting local animal
shelters. The Tri-Valley Animal Rescue, Inc. (TVAR) is a non-profit
charitable organization run solely by volunteers dedicated to
placing homeless animals. TVAR is the only authorized group for the
East County Animal Shelter (ECAS, formerly known as the Santa Rita
Animal Shelter). Through the commitment of its volunteers, TVAR
works to ensure services such as: rescuing adoptable and/or
treatable animals at risk at the ECAS and placing them in a foster
program; providing volunteers at the ECAS by interfacing with the
general public and helping with animal care; providing low cost
spay/neuter programs; educating the public about spaying/neutering
and responsible pet ownership; administering vaccinations to
shelter animals; securing donations and contributions; and matching
suitable, responsible new owners with the animals through adoption
events.
This particular shelter has had a very special affect on our lives
(read the short non-cache related story below). To honor what
shelters have done for us, for families in the area and around the
country we offer you this multi-cache.
A few years back we decided that is was time to bring a four-legged
friend into our lives. One day during our search we visited the
then named Santa Rita Animal Shelter and met with the volunteers
about our needs. One dog immediately jumped out as a great fit. We
were shown to this dirty, stinky, skinny blonde dog that was
obviously scared out of her mind. It was love at first sight.
During the mandatory seven-day waiting period we visited her many
times. Each visit seemed to bring out a bit more sparkle in her
eye, and more love from our hearts. We would walk her, play with
her in the get acquainted area, sneak her treats, and give her all
the love we had. She responded with affection, vigor and a new
passion for life.
When her release date finally arrived, we showed up leash in hand
and arms open wide. However, it turned out that this particular
blonde beauty had attracted the eye of many potential loving
caregivers; easy to understand if you’ve ever seen her big brown
eyes. As a result a lottery was to be held.
The lottery did not go well. An elderly couple had the winning
number and was brought inside to finalize the paperwork. We were
crushed. The crowd dispersed and we plopped down on the retaining
wall just outside the front door. Tears flowed freely as we hugged
each other. How could this have happened? We were glad to know she
was getting a loving home of course, but the pain that it wasn’t
our home was almost overwhelming. Even though we hardly knew her,
we felt as though we had lost a family member.
Minutes later, as we turned to leave a volunteer rushed out and
grabbed us by the arm.
“Are you still interested in the golden?” she asked.
“Don’t play with my emotions.” I said to her choking back the tears
as she began to pull us back inside.
“We don’t feel this is a proper adoption. This is a young, large
dog and we’re afraid she will get away from the somewhat elderly
couple that won. If you’re willing, they are have agreed to pass
her on to you.”
Simply amazing! We had gone from the excitement and anticipation of
bringing her home, to the shock of the lottery, to the depths of
despair at losing, and now to the heights of joy at the realization
of our hopes; all within 20 minutes. We were exhausted and
exhilarated all at once.
That was 7 years ago this month. Angie has become such a part of
our lives. We love her as though she were our child. Thanks to this
shelter, the efforts of its volunteers and the kindness of that
wonderful elderly couple, we were given the best gift a pet owner
can receive: a friend.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Qba'g lbh jvfu guvf jbbq unir orra zntargvp?