Morning everyone,
It's 7:20 am and I'm sitting here at my computer writing to you to tell
you how much you need to give your dog or cat a hug today. Yesterday I went
to Mason county to transport 57 animals I think it was. It was I think the
most emotional day I've had in a very long time. Four of us left Carlisle at
1 am friday morning to make the 7 hour drive to the shelter to be there when
it opened.
Kimberly met us first thing to start working with us. What a sweetheart!!
That poor girl scrambled from one job to the next to try to get everything
together for us. Since the computer at the shelter wasn't working, Judy was
at home on her computer printing out pictures of the animals so everyone
would know who was who, She met us there a little later with her neighbors 7
puppies that were coming back with us. While Judy, Kimberly, and Andrew
worked very hard to get paperwork in order, load dogs, and unload food and
supplies for the shelter, the rest of the staff did nothing to help with
this transport which leaves me with one thought...........what will these
people do when Judy leaves???? Donna, one of [Furry Friends
Network's] volunteers fixed the shelter computer so they could use it again.
THANK YOU DONNA!!!
A newspaper reporter came and took pictures and talked to us where we
pointed out that mass killing wasn't the answer and spay/neuter was. She
said she agreed with me but who knows what they really think.
After 4 hours at the shelter we were finally on the road.
Oh, did I forget to mention that we
got to witness Mary the Dog Wardens wife kick one of the cages and scream at
the dogs??? What a *****!!! She needs to be fired. Oh and did I also mention
that she applied for Judy's job?
We had 4 stops to make and we were very behind schedule. We borrowed crates
from the shelter to throw in extra animals at the last minute that people
were calling for. We had the room and the stops were on the way so why not.
The first stop was in Morgantown where 5 adult cats and a dog named Suger
got off. Sugar was very afraid at the shelter and wasn't being the nicest
dog. Everyone was afraid to touch her because she bites. I warned Shawndel
(from a rescue) about her. Shawndel opened the crate and picked Sugar up and
Sugar acted like she belonged with Shawndel. It was the first amazing thing
that happened that day. Sugar curled up on the seat beside Shawndel and
looked at her as if to say thank you for saving my life. It was wonderful.
We then went onto Hagerstown where 12 puppies and Babe (Mary's mothers
dog...Pathetic!!!!) got off. Babe thanked everyone by taking a big ole poop
right in the parking lot. LOL! The next stop was CVAS and what a reception.
They were waiting there for us with soda's, water, and a bathroom. THANK
GOD!!! It was very touching. People everywhere helping get dogs out. loving
all over them, and taking them to the play yards where the dogs felt free.
They were running and playing with balls and acting like they didn't have a
care in the world. Next stop was Bob Evan in Carlisle to get Cody off to his
foster mom to make an emergency vet visit and give Shawna her 5 long haired
beautiful kittens that were sick and we threw on the transport at the last
minute. The last stop was the one that GOT ME!!! Emotions ran high all day
and we were all extremely tired and when I hit the last stop I couldn't hold
it in anymore. We drove into the Petsmart parking lot and I saw what had to
be 40 people standing there waiting for us. They were holding leashes, water
bowls were ready, and I can't even describe the looks on everyone faces when
I saw them standing there. It was at this moment that I finally couldn't
control myself anymore and lost it. Sorry Robin, I tried to hold it together
and I did all day until that point. So many wonderful people came forward to
help and save these lives and it was just incredible to me. I just want to
say Thank you to everyone from the bottom of my heart. I also want to say
how hard it was to leave so many beautiful animals behind. They're getting
out though, right Missy and Judy? I know another transport was going today.
Anyhow I sit here looking at my 5 dogs and 3 cats, all being rescues except
one (I bought him 14 years ago from a pet store when I didn't know any
better) and think .......they are soooo spoiled and I wouldn't have it any
other way, and I thank God everyday that I have them in my life and I know
they love me and they are grateful that thay didn't have to die in a shelter
somewhere unloved. BTW, Bonnie, my German shorthair came from Mason about 2
years ago and...... Judy...she is the biggest bratt I have. Thank you so
much for bringing her into my life. I love her to death.
I just have one more thing to say to Judy. I LOVE YOU!!! You have done so
much and you are a wonderful person. I'm gonna tell you something you told
me when I needed a break. You have saved so many lives and you need to feel
good about that and those dogs that you saved love you and thank you. And
when you decide to do what you told me you wanted to do, I'll be there to
help you every step of the way. With you, I know the animals have a second
chance at life.
Sally