Two Dog Heart

Today I did something that I haven't done in awhile and went to the shelter to walk the dogs. I used to be a faithful Wednesday walker, but lately life has gotten in the way and I haven't been making the time like I used to. Walking the dogs is a double edged sword. I always leave with a mixture of emotions bumping around in my heart.

Joy: because the enthusiasm and love that the dogs lavish on anyone who will pay them attention is contagious and I can't help but feel happy for these lucky dogs who are patiently waiting for their families to find them.

Frustration: why doesn't the whole world understand how important it is to spay and neuter pets? I swear, the woeful, emaciated mamas that come in with huge litters of puppies break my heart into a million pieces.

Sadness: each dog at this one shelter represents hundreds of others who will never make their way to a safe haven and have a chance to live out their lives in the arms of a loving family.

Rage: pretty much the same as frustration but add anger.

Contemplation: obviously the problem of pet overpopulation is not a simple one or it wouldn't be so widespread. My last thought as I'm leaving the shelter is almost always, "What else can I do?"

 

What makes the dog on the left (McGee), so different from the dog on the right (Pokey)?

 

Today as I spent time in Pokey's run with her and watched her tremble in fear as I sat down next to her on her blanket, I had the same conversation with myself that I've had so many times before. McGee really does need a friend. This dog is so sweet and mild, I'm sure the two of them would get along fine given the proper introduction. McGee just hasn't met the right dog yet, but maybe this one would be just the right match for her. I wonder if we just took them on lots of walks together first if it might work out...

 

The inner monologue goes on for miles. Today as I sat stewing and brooding, Pokey decided that I wasn't so bad after all. She lay back down on her blanket and tentatively placed her substantial head on my thigh. Her wrinkly brow was knit with worry and she wore a pencil eraser sized scab on her nose from who knows what happened to her before she arrived. Suddenly, she took a deep breath and then let out a massive, rattling sigh from the bottom of her lungs. I felt her head grow heavier as she licked her lips and settled her skinny little body into the floor and my leg.

 

Her eyes watched me the whole time and her giant antenna ears were tuned in and waiting for any sign of trouble, but I could tell that we were maybe starting to be on a friendly kind of basis. I situated my palm on her head and noticed how she had brand new fur growing on her skull where the old fur probably fell out from malnutrition or mange. I rubbed the big crease between her eyes and since her ears were so ready for listening, I sang her silly made up songs about what a good dog she is.

 

While I sat, I felt all of those emotions. Each of them jostling around inside of me, demanding to be heard. I'm so glad you're safe Pokey. It's terrible that someone could have witnessed you starving and losing your fur and done nothing to help you. The fact that you are not sure whether to fear me or not is filling me with grief. I am so angry that you ever had to suffer for even one minute. How can I help you even if I can't bring you home with me?

 

Really, the only thing that makes these two dogs different is that I met McGee in July of 2012 when I had space in my home to bring home a new family member. Sweet Pokey could easily have been my dog as well if time and fate had brought us together at a different moment. I think, more than anything, this is the most painful thing that shelter workers and good Samaritans face: the feeling that you could love and cherish any one of the dogs that you meet, if only you could bring one more home.

 

For now, the reality of my one dog household outweighs the desires of my two dog heart.  

 

If you or your loved ones are looking to adopt, please consider sweet Pokey. She is residing at The Humane Society of Calvert County in Sunderland, MD.

10 Ways to Help a Shelter Animal

Odette believes you can help.

Pet overpopulation is a huge problem in the U.S. Sometimes I feel so bogged down by sad homeless pet statistics and the awful animal abuse stories I hear in the news that I think, "Why bother, the world is so far gone and nothing I can do will make one tiny bit of difference". It feels like a mountain with no summit. But the truth is that there are many things that everyone can do to lend a hand.

While it's true that these actions might feel like a very small drop in an immense bucket, that's all the more reason to help fill that bucket up. These are just a handful of the ways I know of to make a difference to the homeless pets in your community:

 

1. Drop off your old blankets and towels. Shelter pets like to get cozy just the same as that dog curled up next to you on the couch.

 

2. Kids have enough toys? Encourage your child to ask for shelter supplies rather than collecting toys from their guests at their next birthday party. They'll feel great when they drop off their donation and see how happy it makes the staff and animals! Kids can be powerful advocates for compassion and giving when they realize what a big impact they can make.

 

3. Clean out your closets! Find out if there's a thrift store in your area that donates it's proceeds to an animal care facility or spay and neuter program. Southern Maryland is home to The Spot. More than likely there's a similar organization near you.

 

4. Recycle! Have a bunch of old documents sitting around? Shred those papers and see if your local shelter can use it in place of kitty litter! You'll be recycling and helping a rescue save some dough.

 

5. Find out what's needed. Many shelters have Amazon wish lists where you can order things like cleaning supplies and treats and have them shipped directly to the rescue facility. This also allows you to give exactly what is needed rather than spend money on something the shelter may not currently need.

 

6. Donate a bed. Kuranda dog beds give pups a comfy place to rest rather than a cold concrete floor. The beds are easy to clean and ship directly to the shelter when ordered online. The Kuranda website even has a searchable database of shelters so that you can find the shelter you are looking for. Especially as the weather cools, these beds can be a huge asset.

 

7. Join in the next time your local shelter has a fun run/walk. These events can constitute a huge portion of a shelter's earnings for the year, so every participant makes a big impact!

 

8. Donate your extras. Dog outgrew their collar? Got a new snazzy leash and no longer need the old one? Drop those babies off at the animal shelter! Martingale collars (the kind that tighten when the dog pulls) and harnesses are especially coveted because it allows volunteers and employees to more easily handle the dogs. And this means more walks and less time spent in a kennel.

Lola is patiently waiting for her forever.

 

9. Adopt your next pet from a shelter. Meet several options and make a thoughtful decision about who you bring home. Ask lots of question and be honest about your lifestyle when discussing your needs with the adoption counselor. Be realistic about what you can handle and what a new pet means for everyone in your family, especially your other pets. A forever home means just that: forever.



10. Volunteer at your local shelter and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Above all else, this is the best way to make an impact. Even if all you have time for is one hour spent with one dog once a month. That hour means everything to a dog who spends their day cooped up. Teach them to sit, spend an hour scratching their ears, or just throw the Frisbee 100 times in a row. Some places will even let seasoned volunteers take dogs on outings to help them stay happy and socialized.  

 

What creative things have you done to help the homeless animals where you live?

Odette and Lola are available for adoption through the Humane Society of Calvert County.