On Nov. 11, we expected a normal day. But we were wrong in so many ways. The state animal welfare called and they were in the process of seizing several animals from a neglect case in Houlton. We were told there were several poodles, a rabbit and two chickens. At first, like always, we went into panic mode. Where are we putting them? How many are coming? What to do first?
Well they came and like we always do, we figured it all out. HHS has a wonderful team of employees who always come together and know our roles when these things happen. We got everyone situated and made comfortable, with food and water. Throughout the next few weeks, we found foster homes for some of the poodles, a rescue for the chickens and the rabbit went to my rabbit rescue. It seems that the three poodles in foster care are staying where they are, as their foster moms just loves them. The rabbit has since been neutered and adopted out and the chickens are living a good life at the rescue. But sadly, we still have one old girl, 10-year-old Ginger.
Ginger has been at the shelter since the seize took place back in November. She has a room set up in the building, in our kitchen and has lived there this entire time. She has had a few people come and meet her, but no one has felt they were the right fit for her. You see these dogs are very special. They have absolutely no socialization, no clue about trust and love. It is so sad to look into her eyes, all the poodles’ eyes, for that matter and see the fear. See them shaking, not knowing what to do when you hold them. We have worked a lot with her. She was never a good candidate for foster care as she did, at first, nip when you approached her and we did not want to put anyone at risk. We spent hours and hours, letting her know human contact is ok. She has been through so much. Her poor body has been pregnant so many times. She was pregnant when we got her, but sadly lost them. She was underweight and covered in fleas. She just does not know what it is like to feel safe, to feel like its OK. She loves all of us. But we cannot be her “home” or her family. She deserves a chance to live the life of luxury. She deserves her own people.
Ginger is good with other dogs, as long as they are calmer. She is fine with cats. We don’t think a home with children is best, where she is so nervous. She just wants a quiet retirement home to live her life, lay in the sun on someone’s lap and let her past just disappear.
If you would like more information on Ginger or any other animal in our care, please contact us. The Houlton Humane Society can be reached through Facebook or via email at houltonanimalshelter @gmail.com.
