The Pound

So here's the quick version of the story with Charlotte:

I went to the Downey Shelter with my friend Sherri.  In all, we bailed 8 dogs out and convinced one person not to put down their sick Chihuahua.  5 of the dogs went to a rescuer named Shirley.  Sherri kept a Chi mom and puppy.  I took Charlotte to my place.  I named her Charlotte because it sounds sweet and old-fashioned.

She is on her way to healing from scabies (sarcoptic mange)--and kennel cough.  I think she might have a problem with her hips because her legs bow out.

The shelters in Los Angeles are just awful places to be.  You have some of the sweetest creatures being forced live in horrible and dirty conditions.   

Charlotte was in a locked part of the facility that most people don't know is OPEN to the public (you just have to ask the attendants to unlock it).  Being placed in that locked section is a death sentence for most dogs.  Like Charlotte, their illnesses go untreated while they sit waiting to be adopted.  Her skin was calloused and inflamed because she got no medical care.  I guess from their perspective, it isn't worth it (monetarily) to treat dogs that probably will be euthanized.

I guess a part of me can't bear to write about the shelter dogs of LA anymore.  It seems that unless a person has some crazy dedication to animal welfare, then these stories become just another sad part of society that people are numb to.  I invite you to check out a local animal shelter that is government funded--just look at the ratio of animal "dumpers" to animal rescuers.  It's crazy that every time I go to the shelter, somebody is dumping off a dog or cat (or many of both) because of some trivial reason.

Even if you can't rescue an animal, just try going to the shelter.  If you can't bear to be there, then imagine how these animals feel--this is the last place most of them will see.  Let's help change that..but we can't make a change without understanding the problem.

--Jon

Comments

[Lex - Be]

Charlotte is a nice name for her, you choosed well. Also, it will give her something soft compared to the reputation of her breed. But she seems already so nice ^^.

I'm so sorry to hear about the shelters, makes me angry and sad.
We've got to convince people that it is nice to respect an animal, and that it is not necessary to have money in return to be happy; you get paid differently, with good feeling.
But people who needs to read this won't come on this site, so we've got to find a way to make them know it's cool to take care of an animal, who will take care of you somehow too.
Be well Jon, and thanks.

[KathyF]

Lovely name for a lovely girl.

[Jesse]

The problem is that people don't seem to understand that an animals life is just as valuable as a human beings. Animals have feelings, they hurt, they love, and they have many other emotions just like we do. In this world of ours, love has grown cold and become something many individuals don't even have anymore. I do not know how to change this but I pray God that each of us who knows better can make a difference for the better.

[Bob]

Their life is just as valuable as a human being??? Lady, are you nuts? Yes, I think you are nuts, and its nut jobs like you that will come to the rescue of a stupid dog, but not go and help out at a childrens homeless shelter, or help and elderly person with their shopping. Ok, dogs are cute and fun, but come on...just as important as humans...get a life.

[Blade]

Bob you really need to come to my place. You are the lady. You are filth. You have no idea who I used to be. I've killed more people than you've screwed. And it's because of people like you that I refuse to help the human race. You make me want to return to my old ways. And if you can't figure it out I am a dude.

[Blade]

I apologize to everyone else on here for behaving as I have. People such as Bob should probably be ignored. I become so tired of their ignorance and stupidity I have to speak. Before I became a Christian and decided to start helping animals, I did a lot of things I'm not proud of. Although I did do them for what seemed like the right reasons. Country honor, all of that. Now I see the value of life. And I want to make a difference. Only people don't want help. They don't want to be saved. So I have decided to help dogs. I do love them more than people. And yes I would help to save a dogs life before I would help someone like Bob put their grape jelly into the car. I would also offer a hand to Grandma as she crosses the street.

[SpayNeuter]

Wow...after reading the previous comments my mind has wandered over so many issues.

Back to the original post, I just wanted to say that many non-profit non-government-funded shelters are just as bad because of lack of funding and burn-out. Our local shelter, though much improved over the past two years, is still a very unpleasant place. In addition to my focus on making spay/neuter services accessible to everyone, I volunteer at our local shelter.

After over three years of studying animal welfare issues, I have learned that much of what we do is inaccessible to the public. Often shelters ignore or even shun volunteers because they take time to nurture and can be so temporary it can seem like a waste of time.

People are not going to suddenly understand the issues; it takes time and dedication to planting little seeds here and there, and keeping the issues in plain view. I always carry little stickers the size of address labels with simple messages (like Spay/Neuter Saves Lives or Prevent a Litter, Fix your Critter)as well as a few brochures which list local animal assistance programs. I place the stickers on the edges of community bulletin boards, handles of shopping carts, and basically anywhere I think people will see them and possibly ponder for a few seconds. I try to spark friendly, upbeat conversations with animal owners and see if there is anything they might need help with to become better owners. Everyone knows my husband and I are "animal people". Our car is plastered with stickers, we always seem to have knowledge of the right person or group who can help with specific situations, and we always have a few flyers on hand with information on low- and no-cost spay/neuter programs and animal welfare contacts.

The point is, for those of us who are dedicated, there are simple, non-offensive ways to get the messages accross in little chunks at a time. If we seem genuinely interested and pleasant (even after seeing some sincerely gruesome stuff and wanting to scream), people feel free to approach and ask questions.

Asking a thin-skinned novice to volunteer at a shelter may be too much for a beginner, but helping with a fundraiser or more positive projects where they skip the very unpleasant parts and just become more involved--I think that's more reasonable. I don't know about you, but I started out as an uneducated, naive animal owner. It took years of little messages here and there sinking in and a few hard experiences with my animals before my eyes opened to the incredible need. With the internet, you have a better opportunity to reach younger people and groom them earlier. Talk about the horrors of puppy mills to your inexperienced neighbor and they'll probably consider you a fanatic like Bob apparently does.

Aside, I enjoy your before and after pics and stories. After a discouraging day with owners who are not even aware of how painfully neglectful they are and the horrible condition of their roaming, infested animals, it's encouraging to see some "Happy Tails" besides our own seemingly pitifully few.