The “pound” is a depressing place. I cry every time I go. And that’s no joke. Seeing terrified, sick animals behind chain link doors never gets easier to deal with. Especially seeing senior dogs look up at you as you walk by…ugh. You can’t help but wonder if they are going to spend their last days on earth alone in a kennel. But these are all of the reasons I go to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control. If someone doesn’t help and speak for these animals, who will?
I went to the shelter today to drop off a trunk full of donations. Toys, treats, food and bowls were just some of the items I donated. (The shelter can ALWAYS use donations, and especially blankets in the winter). While I was at the shelter, I planned to visit a few dogs. The dogs I wanted to see specifically were Blanca, a former bait dog, and Georgie, a boy who is set for euthanasia if he doesn’t get rescued by Tuesday.
As soon as I stepped foot into the first long hallway of kennels, my heart sank. It’s always the same thing. I started walking by the kennels looking at all of the dogs. I spoke out loud to them, telling them how beautiful and handsome they all are. I knelt down to give some of the dogs love, and allowed them to sniff my hands.
The first dog that caught my eye was Rex. He is a four year old pit bull, and was an owner surrender. Sigh. While all of the other dogs were barking, the loud sounds bouncing off the concrete walls, Rex just sat there. He looked at me with big, sad eyes. As I got closer to the kennel, he put his face up against the chain link door. I knelt down and started to talk to him. Rex began trying to paw at my hand, as if he wanted me to pet him. I obliged. I pet him the best I could through the kennel door. As I put my hand down, he pawed for more love. I sat there in tears. I definitely wanted to take this boy out for some grass time.
Let me tell you, Rex is a faker LOL! As soon as he was out of the kennel, he was totally happy, friendly and excited! I walked (or ran) him over the fenced in area and let him play. I gave him treats and we played some ball. Rex is an absolute angel. He will be great for any family who is ready for a dog his size. I’m not worried about Rex – I know he will get adopted!
After about 30 minutes, I took Rex back inside and I went to hunt down “Gentle Georgie.” Georgie is at risk for euthanasia on Tuesday. He has serious health problems, including masses around his scrotum. The poor boy is SO lovable, but he’s “not suitable for adoption.” If someone does want to rescue him, they have to sign a waiver stating that they will take him for immediate medical treatment. Right now the only problem is I’m not sure how much his treatment would cost. I’m guessing thousands of dollars. I’m not sure if the masses are cancerous or benign, but it would be expensive either way. I need to win the lottery.
I walked through the other two hallways of dogs after I saw Georgie. Next, I was looking for Blanca. I fell in love with Blanca days ago. She is a former bait dog. A Chinese Sharpei/Bull Terrier mix, Blanca is only about one year old. Her teeth are filed down and she has a lot of scars on her face. But wow, she’s a sweetheart. She’s very mellow and friendly. Blanca will duck if you move your hand too quickly to pet her, which is heartbreaking to think about. She deserves to be in a wonderful home. Honestly, I’m trying to talk Matt into letting me take her home…
There were quite a few people at MCACC today. Some were looking to adopt, others were trying to find their lost pets. All I know is I saw quite a few open kennels – but don’t get too excited. I got to the shelter right when they opened, so this indicated that animals had been euthanized that morning. This makes room for new pets, but it’s so devastating. Some rescues pull from kill shelters, but many animals still die there. That’s why I think it’s a great place to adopt from. There is a bad stigma associated with county, but I personally feel like we need to spread more awareness. County is full of amazing dogs! Most of them are already fixed and vaccinated, so you don’t have to worry about getting all of those services done. The more dogs that get adopted from county, the more lives we can save.
Please, please, PLEASE spay and neuter your pets. Get them vaccinated and remember not to buy an animal from a pet store. Adopt, don’t shop! Shelter animals aren’t “broken” or “damaged.” They’ve been dumped and abused, so these innocent angels just need some TLC. If you can’t adopt from county, please consider helping out with donations. Perhaps you can give an animal a warmer, happier Christmas.
And as a reminder – just because an animal seems scared in the kennel doesn’t mean they are scared of everything. A shelter environment is terrifying. Wouldn’t you be scared? Give these dogs a chance. Please.
Kerri says
aww your the greatest going down there to love on them. Rex looks just like Chipper! He is a sweetie too!
Amanda says
He could have been Chipper’s brother! They have very similar personalities also!
Forest Poodles says
I volunteer at my local shelter regularly. It is hard to see the sad faces, but it is our responsibility to help where we can and spread the message of the joys of adopting! Thanks for helping to share this message! Also, I hope you can talk Matt into bringing Blanca home! 🙂
Amanda says
I took Matt to meet Blanca! It went really well and he loves her. The only problem is, we don’t know how she does with cats. We have a disabled cat, so we really need to be careful. I’m keeping an eye on Blanca in case she goes on the E-list, in which case we will adopt her.
Laika says
My eyes fills with tears as I read this blogpost. 1½ years ago we rescued our little 8 years old mix from a shelter. He was so frightend and food aggressive when we brought him home, but now he is the most lovable little dog. He and our shephard Laika are the best friends now.
Amanda says
I wish more people would understand that dogs aren’t always fearful and sad, as they look in the shelter. Most times they just need a loving home that they can thrive in! Thank you for rescuing!
Chelsea Price says
Great post. I wish shelters weren’t often such cold, depressing places. Luckily for me, most of the shelters around here consider themselves “no-kill”, and they try to make the building a bright, hopeful, positive environment for the animals. When volunteering, you don’t always walk away feeling upbeat…but like you said, if we don’t do it, who will?
Faith Ellerbe, Live.Wag.BARK! says
Since I was a child I loved to go to the county shelter. Really, it was all we knew when it came to adopting dogs. That is where I got my first Siberian husky and he was an angel! My heart was literally hurting as I read and looked at the photos. I pray for all dogs in need of homes.
Amanda says
It’s so cool that you were familiar with shelter adoption as a child! I had to learn for myself, as I didn’t have dogs growing up! I hope that we can continue educating kids on animal adoption.
Team Dash Kitten says
Those are even smaller than our cat accommodation atmy local rescue. Boy that must be a tough place to visit. Poor sweet dogs.