X's & O's

Tails and Eyes

The following was written by our shelter vet, and was posted in this quarter's newsletter. Try to read it without tearing up. I can't do it.


I always remember the tails and the eyes of the abused and neglected animals that I serve. I remember their tails because I am amazed and heartened that they still choose to wag them when the arrive at the SPCA for clinic treatment, even though they have been treated thoughtlesly by the people who were supposed to be caring for them. Like the tail of Millie, a dog who came to us sore all over from being shoved from a moving car. She still wagged her tail even though she had injuries to two of her legs. Or the tail of little Hope, who was sick with an infected jaw fracture and was thin as a rail, but she found the energy to greet us with her wagging tail.
I remember Earl's eyes. Earl is a dog who was starved nearly to death within view of his drug addicted owner's kitchen window. Our emplyees went out to remove him and his yardmate Flash, who was in similiar shape, and save them from a slow but sure death. They got here just in time, as both dogs were very weak from dehyration and barely able to walk from not having eaten in a long time. Earl presented for treatment lying down; he was so weak, but his brown eyes looked up and right into mine. I loved him immediately. He seemed to be telling me that he was happy to be with us, and expected nothing in return. I imagine that Earl looked at his unfortunate caregiver that way too, and he and many others have taught me that unconditional love is the greatest git that we can hope for. We don't own our pets, they stay with us because they want to. The staff wishes we could be as forgiving as so many of the SPCA animals are. We go through so many emotions when we take in a new abused or neglected animal, but the animals seem to forgive and move on in no time. I don't think they forget, I think they just forgive.

You're teary, aren't you? It's ok, I am too.

Notes from the story: Millie is doing fine. A man who is part of a band had adopted an animal from the shelter. When he heard about Millie his group put on a benefit concert and helped us raise the money necessary for Millie's surgeries. She's doing great these days.

Hope came to us after a man saw his neighbor kick a stray dog in the face. When the good samaritin could finally corral the puppy he brought her to us. The jaw was broken and infected, but all is healed now and she's a beautiful, loving little girl.

Earl and Flash are both doing great. Earl now lives with an employee of the shelter, and belongs to the woman's mentally handicapped son. The son voluntarily helps out with chores around the shelter and his calm demeanor matched perfectly with Earl, who is still extremely shy. Flash still lives at the shelter, and is awaiting his forever home.


With the holidays coming up many folks use the season of giving to pass on a little extra to charities. Please remember the shelters. The animals, employees, and volunteers rely on the donations to keep afloat.

A short wishlist:

old blankets
old stuffed animals
squeaky toys
canned food (not dry, too many varieties make dogs sick, so they're on a strict dry diet)
water hoses
bleach
dish soap
treats
trash bags
paper towels
aluminum cake pans (litter boxes)
kitten milk replacement
stamps
office supplies (pens, paper, scotch tape)
kitty litter
leashes


Anything you can do helps, please think of them.

posted by ~ Amanda X&O @ 10:20 PM Comments: 5