Before Buddy There Was Moose

It was the day before Thanksgiving, almost a year ago. An animal advocate, as well as citizen of Wylie, decided to visit the animals. Her heart was touched by the season and wanted to check in on the forgotten citizens of Wylie. So off to the shelter she and her young adult daughter went. There could have been other things to do the day before a national holiday, but her heart pulled her there.

The shelter was quiet. After all, who would want to visit animals the day before Thanksgiving? It was staffed minimally. While 2 animal control officers stayed up front, the kennel tech escorted the to women to the back where the dogs are kept.

As the women entered the kennels, they were surprised to see that only half of the kennels were were actually occupied. None of the dogs had beds. Instead, across each kennel was a duplicate kennel. In these empty kennels were raised beds propped up against the empty kennel wall. Later she would learn that this is normal. It allows for the staff to have an easier go at cleaning.

The women began walking down the aisle. They came across a sweet white and brown lab mix dog just desperate for attention. The dog was standing up on his hind paws, just trying to reach out to them. As they got closer they noticed blood on the concrete floor and spattered across the white brick wall. They asked why there was dried and wet blood in the kennel. The tech informed them that the dog keeps hitting the wall with his tail, causing the tip of his tail to be raw and bleeding. No medication was offered. No bandage to protect the wound. Just an anxious pup looking for someone to spend time with him.

They continued. Right next door was a scared, wimping brown dog. A small thing, trying to get around the kennel by hopping around on 3 legs. He was visibly in pain and unable to put his 4th leg down.  The women inquired what was wrong. They were told that in the morning while the staff cleaned out kennels, one held the little dog. Without warning, the dog jumped out of his arms and fell to the floor. The women asked if the dog was going to be treated by a vet since it was 3 pm on Thanksgiving Eve, but they were told that it was not something the director does. They asked if he was being given pain medication but the tech didn't respond.

 
Concerned for this little dog, the women asked what was going to happen to the dog. The tech said it would be a very sad day for the dog come Monday. The women's heart sank.

At that time the ACO in charge walked in. They asked if it was true that the dog would remain in the kennel over the holiday weekend, with no medical attention. The ACO in charge confirmed this and added that the city doesn't have it in their budget to take the animals to the vet. She insinuated that since the dog was injured, he would be "put down" come Monday. She said it was probably his fate, but they would have to make that decision on Monday. The women were horrified.

The ACO in charge explained that since the dog was injured, he was no longer adoptable. Trying to educate the women, she stated that people don't want to adopt dogs that are sick or hurt because they would then have to spend more money on them. So there was really nothing they could do. The ACO in charge left.

The kennel tech shared with the women that he had been arguing with them just days earlier for putting a sweet and healthy pitbull down. He felt bad for Moose and all the other animals being put down, but said that when they make that decision everyone just jumps and does it.

The women sobbed thinking about Moose's fate. They immediately decided to adopt him. They talked with the ACO in charge, who said the fee would be $75. They asked if they could get a discounted rate, since he was deemed him unadoptable. But the ACO in charge would not alter the adoption price. It didn't matter. The women adopted Moose and rushed him to their vet, Thanksgiving Eve.

Moose was diagnosed with a broken leg, but because he was estimated to be about 7 months old, the vet said the break would heal naturally on it's own. Moose also had a urinary track infection. He was sent off with his new family and some antibiotics and spent the long holiday weekend in a home surrounded by love and care.

It took about 6 months for his leg to completely heal. Moose is now just a happy little camper, living life as a family's pet companion. His emotional and physical scars from his experience is behind him and his story is that of success. But more than that, he represents HOPE for all the other animals finding themselves in the shelter.

While Buddy's story ended in tragedy, Moose was slated for the same. It took 2 women with big hearts to change his future. With your voice, and ours, WE can do the same and change the future for ALL the animals that find their way to OUR shelter.