PAWS TO PONDER

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by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc. 

Did you know that one of our organization’s CORE VALUES is in protecting and respecting the FIVE FREEDOMS of animals, one of those being “free from pain, injury and disease”? When a small, nearly hairless, smelly dog with long eyelashes was found as a stray with crusty skin lesions and admitted to the shelter wearing an Elizabethan cone last March, we immediately took her to the vet.  According to the veterinarian’s statement, the un-spayed little senior dog was in pain with chronic itch due to an uncontrolled yeast and bacterial infection with bi-lateral ear infections.  The vet prescribed daily multiple antibiotics and medicated baths at least three times a week for the next few months.   Her owners came to the shelter to claim her and admitted that she had a chronic skin condition and had not been to her vet for over 8 months.  “Eyelashes” was not licensed and was not up to date on her rabies vaccination.   After speaking with her owners, it was clear that she had been neglected and that they were unable to provide the care she needed.  They were given the option of surrendering her or possibly facing charges of neglect.  They reluctantly chose to relinquish her yet the male homeowner thanked me for taking the responsibility for the dog’s care away from them.  

For two months “Eyelashes” was given the spa treatment finally getting her skin and ears under control.    Nearly two months later her former owners showed up with the Police to “get their dog back”.   I appreciated their fervor and determination and believed that they truly loved her, but for her protection, I felt the need to have certain conditions placed on the adoption which they were willing to do. One of those conditions was that the young male dog in the home be neutered which we facilitated at a low cost to them and licensed and another was a home visit.  Despite a rather antagonistic beginning, I felt we established a mutually respectful relationship. We provided medications and shampoo at no cost and “Eyelashes” went home with her former family. A recent friendly visit to the shelter shows her doing so well, being cared for properly and very happy. 

 For some reason, bad feelings remain with the male homeowner who now feels the need to use social media (Facebook) to bash the shelter taking no responsibility for the neglectful condition “Eyelashes” was forced to endure prior to coming to the shelter.  And he isn’t the only one these days with a personal vendetta attacking our organization and especially me on Facebook.  The other is a court case which prohibits a public refute/comment from us.  And then there are those who are reading and believing the baseless retaliatory accusations of lying and stealing animals without knowing the full story.  I can only hope that our reputation speaks for itself.  The shelter certainly does not need more animals!  With 181 homeless pets and 16 animals under a temporary restraining order, the strain on the staff and our finances is quite enough right now. 

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