Luvin' Labs

Welcome to the Doggone Truth.  This page will have stories of rescue and dogs we and other rescues have worked on behalf of.  Some of the images and articles and posts in this page may be very disturbing.  We do not mean to shock or cause pain to those faint of heart, rather to give you a “behind the scenes” look at some of the stories you may not know about.  None of the following is meant to be offensive. We only share to build awareness, through awareness we hope to create change.  Please proceed only if you wish.

from Colleen … rescue for me has been one of the most painful experiences of my life.  Rescue has also brought the most simple, complete, rewarding joy. Opening yourself up to the fact that animals do indeed have emotional capacity, exhibit feelings such as grief and loss and joy, and above all experience pain, leaves your heart open to continual torment.  How do we do what we do?  I’m asked that often by potential adopters, fosters, volunteers.  How do we not do what we do?  How do I turn off the “filter” i once had on that allowed me to live in a world where I believed all animals were loved and taken care of, and that the only pain encountered was because of natural occurences in the ”food chain”.  Animals, dogs, labs, encounter pain ever day … be it through a cruel owner, or days spent in a pen in 100 degree heat without food or water, or a puppy mills 2′ x 4′ metal crate where every day is spent only in their own filth and personal parasites.  What can we do?  How can we effect change? How can we make a difference?  In light of the current world, the current economic situation, the current moral status of so many individuals, we cannot make a difference significantly. But, we can make a significant difference in the life of one dog.  One dog at a time.  Saving one soul at a time.   – CJW

Interview from an Animal Shelter

As a journalist, I decided to go to the animal, and interview some of the “inmates”. I wanted to know what it was like in there from their perspective. What follows is not for the faint of heart.

I entered the building, and one of the workers accompanied me to the holding area. This is where dogs are kept before they are allowed up for adoption. IF they are allowed up for adoption. If the dogs are found to be aggressive in any way, euthanasia is employed. Fortunately, if “fortunately” is the word to be used here. In this establishment, and they use lethal injection, not a gas chamber.

The shelter worker led me past a big steel door that says “Employees Only”. “What is in there?” I asked. From the look he gave me, I knew that this is where dogs go in, and never return.

We moved on to a row of kennels. The dogs were barking loudly, there was the acrid smell of urine and feces, and a feeling of despair seemed to permeate the room.

“Go ahead,” the worker said. “They’re all yours.”

Pete   

I looked into the first kennel, and saw only the back of a medium sized dog who was curled up in the corner of his kennel, shivering. He was mostly white, with some black spots.

“Hello?” I said. “May I come in?” He lifted his head, as though it weighed more than he could bear. When he looked at me, I could see he was a Pitbull. His eyes were gentle, but filled with grief.

“Enter,” was all he said.

I stepped in, closing the gate behind me. He put his head back down, facing away from me. I crouched down a few feet away.

“My name is Pete. Petey my Master called me,” he said, still not looking at me.

“Why are you here Pete?” I asked.

“I am here because Master cannot afford to move. I am here because someone with power said I am vicious, and a killer. Someone who never met me. Master took me for a walk one day, and some lady started to scream when she saw me. I got frightened, and barked at her. The dog police came, and they took me away. I have been with Master for 10 years. The last time I saw him, he just held me and cried. He kept telling me he was sorry. I worry for him. Whatever will he do without me?” Pete shivered even more. 

A tear slid down my face. I am supposed to remain objective, but this was wrong. So wrong.

“Thank you Pete.” I said. He said nothing as I got up and left his kennel.

Popper

  The kennel next to Pete’s held a very young looking dog. Pure Border Collie by my guess. He stood on his hind legs, looking at me through the gate.

“Hello. My name’s Popper. He tilted his head. “Are you here to take me home?”

“No, I’m sorry,” I replied. “But I would like to talk with you.”

“Sure. What would you like to talk about?”

“Popper, how did you come to be in this place?” I asked.

Popper dropped down from the gate, with a perplexed look on his face. He walked to the back of the kennel, then back to the front. I noticed he had one blue eye, and one brown. He was quite beautiful. His black and white coat was shiny and thick.

“I am not certain WHY I am here. I think maybe my family will come back for me. They bought me when I was only 6 weeks old. I remember they said how smart Border Collies are, and how it would be so easy to train me. They were very excited at first. The little ones played with me all the time. But the trouble with little Masters is, they refuse to stay in a group. I constantly had to nip their heels to keep them together.” He looked confused. “Why won’t they stay in a group?” he sighed. “So I did what I thought I should do. I am not quite sure why the little ones screamed when I did my job, but they did, and the Masters got very angry at me. They also got angry when I had to relieve myself, and did so in the house. I am not sure where they expected me to go. All they said was that I was the smartest breed in the world, and I should just KNOW better. Then they left me in the yard for a month or so. I got bored a lot, and I dug holes in the grass. The next thing I knew, the Masters brought me here.”

Popper jumped back up on the gate, his white paws protruding through the links. He looked at me with his lovely eyes, and asked “Will you please let them know I want to come home? Please tell them I promise I will be good?”

“I will Popper,” I said.

Spartan  

My heart was breaking. I was beginning to regret coming here, but their stories had to be told. I moved along. The next dog I saw looked to be easily 100 lbs., a Rottweiler . He was handsome indeed, except for the scars on his face and back. He tilted his head, and looked me right in the eyes.

“Hello. Who are you?” he asked.

“I am a reporter,” I replied. “May I speak with you for a little while?”

“Most certainly. My name is Spartan. You ca n come in, I won’t bite,” he said.

“Thank you Spartan. I will.”

I entered his kennel, reached out and stroked his giant head. He made a loud grumbling noise, and closed his eyes.

“Spartan, why are you here?”

Before he could answer my question, he was suddenly in the grip of a nasty coughing spasm. It sounded painful.

“Please excuse me,” he said when it passed. “Kennel cough. It seems all of us who come in here get it. “Why am I here? Well, about two years ago, I was born in the backyard of some person I can’t even recall. I had 11 brothers and sisters. I recall a day when a big man came and gave that person some money, and took me away from my mother. They had to chain her up, as she was very angry that he took me. They chained her and beat her. I came to know the man by the name of Jim. I overheard him telling his friends that I would grow up to be big and mean like my mother. But as I grew older, all I wanted to do was play and be friends wit h everyone. Jim said I needed to be taught how to be mean, so he chained me up in the yard. No more house for me, he said, I was too spoiled.

When people came by to visit, I was so happy to see them. I wanted them to come and play. But that made Jim angry, so he beat me with sticks and chains. When he came near, I would roll onto my back so he would know I wasn’t a bad dog. That made him beat me more.” Spartan’s eyes clouded with grief. “Then he brought me here.”

I reached out and stroked Spartan’s massive gentle head once more. “I am so sorry Spartan. Some people are just plain evil.” I gave him a kiss and left his kennel.

As I walked away, Spartan called out, “What will happen to me, nice lady?”

I shook my head. “I can’t say Spartan. Maybe someone kind will come and get you. We can only hope.”

Patsy

  I walked a little further down. I could see a shape moving at the back of the next kennel. “Hello?” I called out. Suddenly the shape lunged at the gate in a fury, barking and gnashing its teeth. I stumbled backwards, and crashed into an adjacent kennel. The other dogs began barking loudly and jumping at their gates.

“Don’t go near her,” a small female voice came from behind me. “She’s mad.”

I gathered myself back together, and saw a little Jack Russell Terrier behind me.

“Thanks for the warning,” I was still trembling. Across the way, the other dog, apparently a Husky and German Shepherd cross, was glaring at me, lips curled back revealing brown stained teeth. Her ribs and hips showed through her dull, matted grey coat. The little dog invited me into her kennel, and I gladly went in.

“Who are you?”

“My name is Patsy.” The little brown and white dog held a paw up to the gate in greeting.

“My owner surrendered me. She said she wanted a cute little dog like the one on the TV show, Frasier. She didn’t bother to look into the type of dog I am.” Patsy heaved a sigh.

“I suppose she expected me to just lie about and only need a short walk each day, just like Eddie , but my energy was so high that I needed to run and play.” She glanced at her surroundings. “Now I am here. I suppose it could be worse. I could be like her.” Patsy looked towards the still growling dog across the way.

“What happened to make her so vicious?” I asked.

“From what we could gather,” she replied. “she was found tied in a back yard. She only had a three foot chain. Some days there was no water. Rarely was there any food. One day a nice neighbor came by and brought her some meat. By then it was too late. She was already mad. She broke off her chain, and bit the poor man badly. We know she will be going behind the steel door. I am sad to say, I think it will be best. Perhaps then she will know some peace.”

Just then, the door at the end of the building opened, and a woman stepped inside. All the dogs began to bark wildly, then one by one, they went quiet.

I whispered to Patsy, “Who is that? Why have all the dogs gone quiet?”

Patsy breathed deeply through her little nose, and closed her eyes. “SHE is a Rescuer. Can’t you smell it?” she asked.

“Smell what?” I was confused.

“Compassion. Love. Sorrow. It emanates from her pores. She is here for one of us, but nobody knows who just yet.” Patsy looked hopeful.

The Rescuer moved from kennel to kennel, looking at each dog. I sat quietly watching. I could see tears in her eyes as she made eye contact with each one. She stopped at Spartan’s cage and spoke quietly to him.

“No more beatings my man. No more. You are coming with me. From here on in, it’s all going to get better.”

The Rescuer produced a leash, opened the kennel door, and took Spartan away. As he walked beside her, his little stubby tail wagged with delight.

Patsy sighed again. I could see the disappointment in her eyes, and it grieved me. They all had the same look, as they watched The Rescuer depart.

“I am so sorry Patsy,” I said in a whisper. “But you are a little dog, and everyone loves little dogs. I am convinced you will be rescued soon.” Patsy’s brown eyes twinkled at me, a little bit of hope returning.

I had heard and seen enough. I needed to tell people how it was for these unfortunate creatures. They were all here through no fault of their own. I stood to leave. I passed by many other dogs I did not interview, looking at each one, wishing I could take them all home with me and give them the love they deserved. I stood by the door taking one last glance back, when it opened, and one of the pound workers came in. His face was drawn and sad. He walked by without a word, and stopped at Pete’s kennel. I heard him take a deep breath, then he paused, and opened the kennel door.

The words were muffled, but I am sure I heard him say “I’m sorry old boy.”

He came out, with Petey in tow. The old dog’s head hung down in resignation, and they both disappeared behind the big steel door.

I’m not sure who wrote this or where it originally came from but I have come across it before and no matter how many times I read it, it brings me to tears. If dogs and animals actually could talk, imagine the stories, the heartbreak. There are so many dogs and pets that need homes, desperately waiting in shelters. Hundreds of thousands every year are led behind that ‘big steel door.’ Do you have room in your heart? Do you have room in your life? Think about saving a life! Adopt from a shelter!!

A Heartbreaking Story …

12/13/10  Through massive networking and emails this sad scared girl is today in rescue and on her way home.  She was in a kill shelter in Texas that euthanizes still using the inhumane gas chamber.  She was so scared whenever anyone approached her she hid in the corner.  We are pleased to say that today she was picked up by a rescue down there, and will be loved and rehabilitated until she finds her forever home.  Her picture, to me, speaks of the sadness and fear these poor animals encounter when they are in the shelter. Blessings little one, you’ll be loved and cared for now …

“Kill This One,” he said, and walked away

Never in my life have I witnessed such cold heartedness and disregard for life.

At the city Animal Control Center it is a sad fact that our duties include euthanizing unwanted and unloved animals. The job is done humanely by injection. Unfortunately, we are the ones who have to deal with it.

It is a hard job, even knowing it’s best for the animal. Because of the excessive number of unsterilized animals running loose, unwanted reproduction is inevitable, with not enough available homes for the babies.

It is hard to notify an owner that his dog was picked up dead in the street, hit by a car. What does it take to get people to properly restrain thier pets? Animals are very intelligent, but will naturally roam when so allowed. Therefore, accidents can happen. This type of accident happened one day recently. Only this time the animal did not die, at least not because of injuries by the car.

When the owners of the injured animal were contacted, they expressed concern and requested the animal be released so they could attain proper medical attention…….. They rushed right over. The man and the little girl (about 10 years old) were escorted to see thier dog.

The injuries were pointed out and were discussed as not being life threatening or unrepairable, but without a veterinarian looking at him nothing was certain.

They never made a motion toward thier dog, they merely stared at him without any emotion. The animal looked back with pain filled eyes, pleading for a gentle pat and some tender, loving care.

Still not attempting to get close to thier dog the man looked at his young daughter and announced that they didn’t want the animal, that we could kill it. The little girl agreed, stating that they had adopted this dog and one that looked like it a few years back and the other one had run loose and been hit by a car and killed also. “Besides” the little girl said, “We can always come and get another one tomorrow, can’t we daddy?”

“Sure we can”, answered her father, “So go ahead and kill this one.”

With that, they turned and walked away without another glance at the loving animal they had just sentenced to death.  Not a tear was shed for this dog who had romped, played and loved them unconditionally for the past five years, not by the owners anyway.

It was we, who witnessed the pain in the eyes of the injured pet…… It was we, who held and comforted him after he had been injected with the lethal drug. We shed the tears as the animals life slowly deserted him, no familiar faces nearby. Those of us on duty that night suffered along with the dog. We wept needlessly for him because of his uncaring owners.

How many more tears must we shed until we can get the attention of the pet owners in this city? How many more animals must suffer unduly because thier owners lack concern? How many more animals must we euthanize because people refuse to sterilize or restrain thier pets? PLEASE!…….LOOK AROUND! TAKE NOTICE!……WAKE UP PEOPLE. WE’RE CRYING FOR YOUR HELP!

Susan G. Whiteley

Albuquerque, New Mexico

11/4/10 … from Angela

Remi

This sweet, two year old lab was picked up by Animal Control in Greeville, SC after being spotted on a trail by a school with blood gushing out of his back.  The authorities thought he had been shot.  Remi was in unbelievable pain and was not able to use his rear right leg.  The shelter gave him some pain medicine and antibiotics but his time was going to be brief if no one stepped up for him.  We grabbed him the day after the accident and had him taken to out vet.  He was evaluated, x-rayed and scanned.  We later determined that he had been stabbed, not shot.  He has since been transferred to a surgical facility where he is being treated.  He had surgery to repair the injury on his back and we are still trying to determine what is causing him to lose the use of his rear leg.  Based on the pain he has and the discomfort surrounding his leg, we think he was held by his leg and has an injury similar to when an animal gets his leg caught in a trap.  The animal does a lot of damage to the nerve and ligaments in those areas trying to free themselves.  We will never know what happened to this sweet boy.  He will be at the surgical facility undergoing more tests and being thoroughly evaluated until we find out the cause of his leg injury.  The tests do not show where a ligament had been cut but the force of the impact could have caused him to have a disk that is bulging on a nerve.  He is getting wonderful Veterinary care while we are keeping him comfortable and pain free.

10/28/10 … from Angela
Starving, ‘Lifeless’ Dog Dumped Over Shelter Fence

Shelter workers at a Mississippi rescue were leaving for the day and almost didn’t notice a small creature huddled up in a tarp outside the facility.

They moved closer and realized they were looking at a dog. Poor little “Flounder” had been cruelly thrown over the fence and abandoned! He was almost completely hairless and so malnourished he resembled a walking skeleton.

Helpless animals who have been senselessly abused and neglected deserve better. That’s why American Humane Association’s Second Chance® Fund program is here — to make sure they receive the medical treatment they desperately need to start a new life.

Flounder Is Now Flourishing!

If you saw Flounder today, you would never suspect what he’d been through. It’s not just that he has a full and lustrous coat, and is a healthy weight. It’s the look in his eyes, which are no longer lifeless and dull, but instead filled with curiosity and joy.

This incredible change happened because caring donors like you took action. American Humane Association was able to provide a Second Chance grant to the Mississippi shelter where Flounder was abandoned, helping the shelter cover the cost of his veterinary care. Flounder has since been adopted into a new, loving home, where his happiness and newfound zest for life shine through every day!

10/28/10 … from Angela

Completely helpless and alone, Stewie the 8 month old Black Lab mix puppy lay chained to the ground outside, in antagonizing pain WITH A BROKEN LEG!!!

His owners kept him chained outside alone with NO shelter. He did not know love, companionship, trust or safety.

Being the puppy that labs are, he managed to get his chain wrapped around his leg as he was exploring his limited living space one morning. He soon realized that the chain was tangled around his leg. He was trapped which made him panic! He started to scream out in pain as he thrashed, pulled, yanked and scramble to get out of the tangled mess around his leg. All the while his family never came out to help him.

Then his leg broke….. Between the shoulder and the elbow. His family never came to help him.

He sat outside alone, in horrific pain for 2 WEEKS until neighbors noticed him limping and told the family they had to get his leg looked at by a vet. ANOTHER WEEK went by and poor Stewie sat outside, alone in the heat with his leg BROKEN. Finally a neighbor came over and demanded they hand over the dog or they would have animal abuse charges brought against the owners. Without a moments hesitation, they handed their dog over and were happy to wash their hands of him.

Dogs Deserve Better Nashville was contacted and Stewie was immediately rushed to the vet. The leg was x-rayed and found to be badly broken. He needed surgery ASAP.

Stewie is recovering well from his broken leg with a foster family and is waiting for his  forever family!

10/26/10 … look at this sweet girl

She was dumped in a shelter in California by her owners … she is 15 years old!  Rescuers are trying to find a place for her to spend the rest of her time, poor poor girl … Rest in peace sweet girl, many loved you but we couldn’t get to you soon enough, you were euthanized at the shelter … we hope you are running free and playing pain free on the other side.

“Four million cats and dogs—about one every eight seconds—are put down in U.S. shelters each year” www.Humane Society.org

From the City of Albuquerque’s website … cabq.gov/pets …

Mayor Richard Berry unveiled 2009 statistics that show an alarming number of dogs and cats are flooding City animal shelters and overtaxing shelter resources. As a result, thousands of animals had to be euthanized because there are not enough homes to save all these pets.

According to recent data generated by the City of Albuquerque’s Animal Welfare Department, 26,674 animals entered City shelters and of those, 10,347 were euthanized and 16,186 were adopted out.

“We need to get a clear message to New Mexicans,” Mayor Berry said. “The only way to lower euthanasia rates is to spay and neuter dogs and cats.”

The consequences of unaltered pets can be disastrous. One fertile dog or cat can give birth to more than 100 offspring over a five year period, further burdening communities like Albuquerque for millions of dollars in services and sheltering programs for homeless pets.

“If we aren’t more aggressive about spaying or neutering our pets, Albuquerque will never be able to adopt out enough pets to offset the homeless pet population,” Barbara Bruin, Director of the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department said. “We’ll just be spinning our wheels as a community if we don’t get aggressive about sterilizing dogs and cats.”

**Right now, pet owners have two options:  a no-cost spay/neuter through Animal Welfare. Low-income pet owners must qualify. Call 311 to find out. There is a waiting list, but it’s paring down quickly.  Animal Humane New Mexico also offers low-cost spay/neuters based on a co-pay. The cost varies based on the animal. Pet owners must call (505) 217-0300 to qualify.  There is no waiting list.  Applicants can be taken immediately.

Starting in April, vouchers will be available for no-cost spay/neuter at a local veterinarian through Animal Welfare. Low-income pet owners must still qualify.

Money for such programs will come in part from Albuquerque Kennel Kompadres, through the upcoming Mayor and First Lady’s Dog Ball on March 27.  Bernalillo County and Albuquerque residents can help by buying tickets (available through Animal Welfare’s website) or by making donations.  Pet owners can also reduce the problem by spaying and neutering with local veterinarians.

In Memory of Kara

Below is a poem written by Tony Sander memorializing Kara, a beautiful german shepherd who was beaten, and when neighbors went out to help her, her owner drenched her in gasoline and set her on fire.  She lived long enough to bear one puppy.  Rest in peace Kara … may you play and be loved and safe on the other side.  Blessed be girl, many people are outraged and taking action on your behalf.  Even though you never knew it many people cared and loved you …

Cruelty No More

Beaten  with a rod, a rod of cruel steel

Beaten as if  the poor dog couldn’t feel;

A beautiful mother hated and spurned

Hated enough for her body to be burned

By some person; the worst disgrace

As ever was spawned into the human race.

But in her agony she bravely bore

A single pup and would have borne more

But the flames forbade it, burning sore.

She died a cruel heroic death

Only after one pup could breathe a breath.

But her pain is over she’ll enjoy her rest

Done to death by one of those we detest,

A scourge on the world a human pest.

But his ilk will not last for many more a day

Lovers of animals are ready to make them pay.

We’ve had enough and ill can brook delay.

We know all what cruelty is all about

With tenacity we will wipe it out

Everywhere we will have a scout.

Nor shall we stop with our endeavour

And we shall go on and on forever

‘Till every puppy and every hound

Is totally safe and totally sound.

Your time is coming, listen well,

For what you’ve done you’ll burn in hell.

Tony Stander

9/16/10  I started this page with the best of intentions … but sometimes it’s hard to share that deep part of myself where I cry every day for the dogs we have lost … we save, we work, with one dog at a time … but we lose … too many to count.  Two things today reminded me to pick up a kleenex and start writting …

One of the most effective resources we have right now in rescue it the ability through email and facebook to forward information, needs, desperate please for help.  We’ve pulled dogs from the Illinois border all the way to Utah, and of course focusing on those in need in our state … always.  I received a call today from a very distraught women who had seen a post on facebook of a dog in North Carolina who will be euthanized tomorrow morning.  We see this, hear about this, every day, every hour.  We are forced, every day, every hour, to make decisions on which dog to save, who is adoptable, who deserves a chance.  How do you make that decision?  We can setup policy and criteria and screenings, but seriously … us with our big bleeding hearts, how do we make those decisions?   Try explaining to someone whose “filter” has come off … nice way of saying …. who can no longer ignore the silent pleas that rally around us all the time.  We tried explaining to her that this particular dog who made her cry all night, and whose eyes spoke to her, was termed “aggressive” and was states away.  There are transports made up of thousands of volunteers who pony express dogs all across the country … but resource all of these folks, and all of their time .. for an aggressive dog who has no place to go, and no future unless just ONE person commits, and carries through with the training and ownership and love and commitment?  There are so many dogs out there … so many who need help … so many who’s only sin was to even be born in the first place … how do we choose?

and then … I spoke to my wonderful, loving, incredible big sister … who has been my lifelong supporter and always my soul sister as well as my blood sister … how blessed I am!!  She has an incredible pup who is a Basenji … my favorite bedtime snuggler when I visit.    She always talks about getting another Basenji, rescuing one just like she did her pretty girl.  So I emailed her a picture of a 3 month old Basenji pup found in rural Missouri, locked in a trailer for two weeks with almost conscientous abandoners … they left him food and water.  And of course, it’s a big decision … she said let me think on it … I’ll let you know tomorrow.  Because she’s my sister, my guard was down, I said sweetie … he’ll be dead tomorrow … and she was taken aback.  ”Dead”, and I said, yes, it’s a small rurual shelter with 5 kennels, they have no choice but to put dogs to sleep to make room …. and she was so upset.  Lynn, I’m sorry that I was so blunt … we see and hear things that are so much, all the time, sometimes we don’t even know what to think anymore …

So … what do we do?  Try to effect local, statewide, national legislation?  Try to get the rest of the country, state, city to open their eyes?  Try to get good people like you and I and our friends and neighbors and family to care? How do we effect change and impact the lives of each of these 700 plus companion animals being euthanized every hour, every day?

- CJW

RESCUED and with a rescue in West Virginia 8/18/10  Hank is a big boy! He weights about 125 pounds and is about 2 years old. He is a pretty cream color and is good with kids and with animals. He has been an outside dog, but his former guardian surrendered him on 8/9 because he wouldn’t stay out of the pool! Who could blame him for wanting to get in?  Hank is in a high kill shelter in West Virgina and may be euthanized tomorrow, 8/19/10.