UPDATE 3/30/08 on the 19 Seeley Collies Rescued in Upstate NY
Statement by AWCA President Jean Levitt
The Volunteers
Part 3
In previous updates (March 16 and 23, 2008) you met volunteers "Gretchen" and "Renata". Here I introduce another volunteer who worked with the Seeley Collies and Dachshunds at the SPCA of Upstate New York located in Queensbury, from last fall until January 5 (see the January 13 report). As always, her real name will not be used.
"Maureen"
Maureen has always adopted her dogs, greyhounds and other breeds, as rescues, sometimes driving long distances to pick them up. Some have had severe behavior and health problems, which she managed throughout their lives. She trains all her dogs in obedience and some in agility. Maureen has also managed non-profit organizations for more than 20 years.
This is her story:
"I was asked to assist in walking the Seeley Collies on a Saturday morning in early December. As I walked into the side door I was struck first by the overwhelming stench, and secondly by the cacophony that surrounded me.
"I was introduced to the fourteen dogs that were awaiting placement. We walked each of the dogs and were reprimanded first for walking them too far away and secondly for keeping them out too long. Each of the dogs was eager to escape the confines of miniscule crates. Each dog was torn between wanting attention and wanting to play. Each balked when asked to return to his or her crate.
"As I listened to the shelter staff tell us the dogs were all professionally groomed each week, I looked at a gentle white collie standing at my side eager to leave the building. Her fur had been shaved recently. Her feet were encrusted with fecal matter and her haunches were stained grey from newsprint and yellow with urine.
"The dogs were not allowed blankets to sleep on or raised areas to get out of their own mess or toys to occupy their minds. We were also reprimanded for giving the dogs treats.
"As I moved from area to area I was repeatedly faced with chaos and disorder. Newspapers were kept in heaps, there were piles of blankets and comforters that people had donated thinking they would bring comfort to dogs that needed solace. Other generous community members had donated travel crates thinking they would transport critters to their new lives. The crates had been thrown into a dark corner and left to gather dust.
"Donations of bags and cans of dog and cat food were left unused throughout the facility. Some of the bags had water damage and were left to grow mold.
"I have 20 years of non-profit management experience. I couldn't help but view the organization with this filter. Many of the staff and volunteers were dedicated to helping the animals left in their care but seemed stymied in their efforts to support their charges.
"The Collies were not the only animals caught in the disconnect between conditions represented in the media and the reality of each animal's life. Many crates were cramped and existed side by side or stacked one on top of another. The conditions clearly stressed the residents causing them to bark in fear and frustration and agitation.
"The nervous Collies seemed to shrink inside themselves and the bolder ones craned their necks to see what was causing the commotion. Once outside they all seemed to enjoy the relative quiet. None of them were eager to return to their small wire crates."
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Folks, we are still very concerned about the old gentleman, as well as the remaining Seeley Collies and Dachshunds held in crates at the SPCA of Upstate New York in Queensbury. Again we thank you for your continuing messages of concern for them.
The old gentleman might now be pain-free, breathing fresh air, lying in the sunshine watching the squirrels or snoozing on a comfortable bed in his own home. He might be cuddling a stuffed toy, delighting in his treats and dinner, leaning on his person for strokes and scritches, and going for short, gentle walks to maintain his health. He had many opportunities for just such care and loving, at NO COST. Even now it is not too late; the original offers of adoption and rehabilitative care still stand, and there have been others.
Instead, at his age, constantly crated in near darkness, and without appropriate senior care, his condition and his pain can only continue to worsen.
We tear off the calendar pages of all their lives, day by cruel day, and ask WHY these gentle, kind creatures still are without homes, love and needed care despite offers of adoption, after 166 days.
Calmly,
Jean Levitt
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