People & Pets
Snoqualmie Valley Living
January 30, 2004
SECOND HAND -- NOT SECOND RATE
By Kim Howard
Rescue is heartbreaking work. Everyone who is a part of this effort knows and accepts this fact. We do it with as much grace and positive attitude as humanly possible. It hurts when cats and dogs come into the shelter. They come for lack of a home, abuse, neglect, divorce, or lack of attention (not unlike problems in our human population). It is also painful to watch them drive away with the most loving of families: after you and your family have put so much time, effort and heart into an animal, it's just painful. However, a seasoned foster provider is more than aware that waiting in the wings is another needing the gift of somebody's time and effort.
It is not uncommon to receive 55 phone calls on any given day. The subjects range from adoption, specific advice, release, and general miscellaneous. Though it can be a very daunting task, we all work very hard to return all phone calls in a timely manner. On occasion we give advice to people needing to modify their current situation. This can often save an animal from having to go to a shelter in the first place. Often an owner must release their pet to us through no fault of their own. Sadly, many owners just decide that they don't want their pet anymore and want to find a better home for it. But, nothing could have prepared us for Thor.
Thor is a 5-year-old Bull Mastiff. His owners claimed they could not let him in the house. One spouse could not stand looking at him "in that kennel" any longer. Thor arrived crated, in the back of a $55,000 pick-up truck. He hadn't seen a vet in over 3 years. His eyes were infected, patches of fur were missing on his back and he had a large tumor in his neck. He also was not neutered since his owners had planned to breed him to their 10-year old female. She died, however, he told us.
Without an apology or explanation, the owner handed me Thor's leash, his vet records, and $50. The vet exam, three days later, confirmed that he had a massive tumor in his stomach. Although he isn't in pain, his time is limited. That time remaining will no longer be spent in a cold kennel, alone and longing for attention and a kind word. He sleeps in a big smushy bed in front of the wood stove. I'd have him sleep on my bed, but it would hurt his hips too much getting up and down. He is fed special food for his sensitive stomach, and he eats, cooked broccoli (he loves broccoli). He also receives a prescription for Rimadyl daily. This alleviates the pain in his sore, weather-worn hips.
We want the rest of his days here to be as comfortable as possible. Most importantly, he is so deeply loved. His foster family dotes on him, the high-school kids come by after school and play with him, and everyone who is lucky enough to experience Thor tells him what a darling boy he is. He will be the cause of many tears when he is gone.
Many owners do not "actively" abuse their pets. At the same time, they do nothing to provide comfort or ease pain. Please know that it is not acceptable to leave your pet outside, neglect veterinary care, or ignore their need for affection, cleanliness, or recreation. The luckier victims of this mistreatment eventually find themselves in a good shelter. Though all too many will never be adoption candidates, we gladly accept the heartbreak in return for the opportunity to give a good animal a fighting chance. If not a long, happy life, then at least a peaceful end.
Simba the cat was abandoned by his family. His owners packed up during the night and left him in their empty apartment. What it must have been like to wake up and find that your family left you lock, stock and barrel! His only crime appeared to be that he was a senior. This sad scenario happens far too often. He lived in a foster home for two and a half years. He proved healthy, well-mannered and affectionate. Recently he was taken home by a loving and insightful family. His foster mom tearfully sent him off to his new life.
I must interject that we really do get the best adopters. All are carefully screened over the phone. Those we welcome into our foster homes value our efforts and heartfelt commitment.
Recently we took a trip to the Fort Lewis Stray Animal Facility. Unfortunately, many reservists have been called to serve our country overseas. This leaves many a beloved pet homeless. Three Rivers Rescue is proud to have become a part of placing these deserving dogs and cats in the best possible homes. We hope their previous owners know that their commitment to serve did not result in the demise of their pet.
We would like to encourage you to show your patriotism and adopt one of these deserving animals. Please call (253) 957-2977 to find out more.
Remember that often a second-hand dog or cat is just hitting its stride. What you see is what you get -- no surprises. Better yet, many times they are already trained and temperment tested. A good foster program will determine temperment quite accurately.
In closing, I have a poem to share. It was sent to us by a woman who adopted one of our foster dogs. It has touched many volunteers and hardly anyone gets through it without crying -- tears of joy, of course.
