So with all the snow we have gotten lately, its hard to talk about anything other then the snow. I know we live in northern Maine, but this seems even excessive for us! Everywhere you go, the snow banks are taller then you are. Everywhere you look, you think “could we get anymore?” We in the animal world think something different though. We think about all the animals left in the snow, left to fend for themselves, for food and for shelter.
In the last month, we have taken in several state seizes; most of them being left outside without adequate shelter or water. We took in three hounds, who had been left outside, tied to a doghouse, having to tunnel them to stay warm. They had no water and were freezing. One of them was so old and so bad off he didn’t make it. The other two were starving. They didn’t ask for this life. Nor did they deserve it.
Another seize we took in was a lot more animals. The seven we took were dirty, hungry and not socialized. They had rarely been indoors, were matted and smelled. They too did not ask for this life. They did not ask to be given the cards they were dealt. We showed them compassion, a warm bed and food while they were with us. They deserved this.
We also have taken in cats lately with severe frostbite. One in particular we named Elsa lost both of her ears and all of her pads due to frostbite. She was so cold, she was purple, found in a snow bank. A few others we took in had cold burns on their ears or tails as well as their pads. All of this is preventable. None of this should happen.
When we see cases like this, we often ask how would the people like to be bare foot outside? How would they like to live in a snow bank or a cold doghouse, with just a little straw to keep them warm? No one would want this, so why would people do this to animals? If you see animals outside, you can help. Call your local police department or your animal control officer. Make a stand. Say something. They cannot, so we must.
And if you would like a way to stay warm, why not get some yummy comfort food? Join us for dinner at the Horn restaurant on Thursday Feb. 19th. A portion of that nights dinner service will go to us. What a great way to stay cozy warm and help a great cause. Hope to see you there!
Heather Miller is the executive director for the Houlton Humane Society and owner/operator of Hoppity Haven Rabbit Rescue. She can be reached at 532-2862.
