So last time I wrote Pet Talk, I talked to you about a seizure in which we took in some very sick pit bulls. I also talked about the ups and downs, the highs and lows of animal rescue. How we never know day to day, what will happen. Well just when we thought we were quiet for a bit, things changed drastically again.
We got a call from state animal welfare on Nov. 14 saying they were executing a search warrant and would be bringing us some animals. So like I said before to you, we go into the “get ready mode”, where to put them, how bad will they be, what will we need to make them comfortable? We waited for them and about 2 p.m., four state vehicles pulled in, filled with animals. There were nine poodles, two chickens and a rabbit. The vet was here, doing her weekly visit and she was asked to evaluate every animal, so we set up the exam room and started with the first dog.
We quickly realized that these animals were in bad shape. They had sores, bruises, fleas, skin problems, long toenails and ear issues. Plus, they were so scared that we could hardly handle them. Due to being so full from the last seizure, we told the state we could only house half of them, so the Bangor Humane Society offered to take five of the dogs. We also took the two chickens and the rabbit. These three were also in bad shape, bad skin, long toenails and fleas. It was so sad to see these animals were not used to human touch at all. We got them all evaluated, found cage space for the dogs, set the chickens up in a cage, until they could go to a rescue the next day and I took the rabbit home to my rescue.
Days like this one and like the day we took in the pit bulls, make you think about so many things. Every one of us has seen the sad commercials on TV, from the ASPCA, of the sad faces, the lonely music with the pleas for help. And we never think it happens here. That is never happens in our neighborhood.
The sad truth of the matter is, it happens here every day. Every day, you drive to work and see a dog tied out in the cold. Every day, an animal in our town goes without food or vet care. Every day a local cat is being mistreated. The only way to fix this is to realize it is here and work together.
Anyone reading this column is an animal lover. You would not read it if you weren’t. We as a team need to educate people on humane treatment of animals. We as a group need to report animal abuse and neglect and not worry about “not wanting to get involved.” These animals have no voice. They have no way to report the abuse. We have to do it for them.
Our goal every day at the shelter is to help these defenseless animals — to love them and show them people are OK. To show them that people will never hurt them again. To see these poodles and see the sad looks on their faces is heart breaking to us.
We all hope for a day that we no longer have a job; that we are not needed to protect them. But sadly, that day is not near as long as situations like this happen. Please, be the voice with us. Stand up for the poodles, pit bulls and animals of our town who need us. Together, we can make their lives better!
Heather Miller is the executive director of the Houlton Humane Society.
