For all of us who work at the Animal Shelter, it often feels like we’re living out a video game where the goal is to save as many animals as we can while fighting off various opponents.  The “attacks” to thwart our goals come in a variety of forms:

• A mother cat and her seven kittens are found in a closed box outside our gate.  They had been abandoned there during the night.  When the box is opened, the mother cat takes off into the woods leaving her kittens behind.

• A man wants to turn in his dog because it’s too hyper, digs out from under his fence, and is difficult to control, yet insists that it’s very adoptable and would make someone a “great pet.”

• A cat that we’re hoping to move to the adoption building suddenly gets sick and is now sneezing on all of the cats around it, jeopardizing their health.

• A woman turns in her dog’s third litter of unwanted puppies.  Even after much pleading by our office staff, the woman refuses to have her dog spayed.

• A man brings in a wild cat demanding that it not be euthanized because “it should only take a couple of weeks to make it friendly.”  In the meantime, if we were to keep it, our staff would be at risk trying to care for it, and a much friendlier, adoptable cat would be put to sleep to make room for the wild one.

• We are visited by yet another individual who is who are “in the market” for Pit Bulls to be used for breeding or suspected illegal activity.  (Don’t worry.  These folks are always sent away empty-handed.)

• A man wants to turn in his puppy because he doesn’t want it any more.  He is told that there is no available cage space and asked if he could come back the next day.  Becoming indignant and unwilling to cooperate he says, “I guarantee you that this puppy is not coming home with me.”  A staff member resorts to showing him another puppy that we’re trying to save and tells him that it would have to be put to sleep to make room for his and he replies, “And how long will that take?”

• Animal Control brings in a teenaged dog that suffered a gunshot wound to its face evidently some days earlier.  One half of the face is completely gone but the dog is still alive.  Having been unable to eat or drink for many days, the dog is dehydrated, emaciated, and half dead.

• A lady calls to report that a litter of week-old kittens have been abandoned in her yard.  One of them had been attacked by a dog and one of its legs seriously injured.  The kittens are brought to our shelter and we then discover that the woman took matters into her own hands to “help” the kitten and cut the injured leg off with a steak knife.

• And the most prevalent recurring “attack” is when someone threatens to shoot their own pet if we don’t take it.  We always have to inform the individual that that is illegal and then we jot down their car license number as they drive off.

            The list could go on.  Staff members work to muster the strength not to dwell on the people and situations that push their emotions to the limit.  They focus their thoughts on the people who have blessed them beyond imagination and the situations that have proven to have been miraculous.  To keep smiling, we maintain an attitude of “thanksgiving.”

            Despite the feelings of frustration, stress, and sadness, there is more that we are grateful for than we are frustrated by.  Although people’s irresponsible actions are a source of stress, there are more people out there who are our constant source of strength.  Because of the faithful army of supporters who give of their time or donations or kind words we are able to keep moving forward.  Each time a plea for help is printed in the Index-Journal, we are deluged with donations.  The outpouring from the community has been overwhelming and inspiring.

            It is especially gratifying to meet people who “get it.”  They understand that a real problem exists concerning animal welfare.  Whether it’s overpopulation, neglect and abuse or out-and-out cultural ignorance—we have a problem.  And this problem adversely affects everyone.  I’m thankful that more and more people have become aware and are willing to help to make a positive difference.

            The adoptions are, of course, the biggest blessings of all.  Those people who have made a commitment to include their new pet as a member of the family always produce the best adoption success stories.  There’s a rush of adrenaline felt when we receive pictures and stories of the dogs and cats that have gone on to their new families.

            “TLC” is a recent adoption success that’s worthy of rejoicing.  She was our three-legged Shepherd mix who everyone loved and she loved back.  It was her right front leg that was missing, so it was especially difficult for her to move around for any length of time.  When she was let out to exercise, she would hobble across the yard to go to the bathroom and then return to her cage to lie down and relax.  Although she had the desire to be active, she tired very quickly.  “TLC’s” new adopter is seeking out the possibility of having her outfitted with a prosthetic leg.  She’ll be traveling to the University of Georgia to see what sort of new technology is available for her.

            Above all, we’re thankful for being entrusted to care for and getting to know the 6,000-plus dogs and cats that have walked through our doors over the past two years.  Even for those animals who weren’t adopted, we’re grateful that we could provide them care and comfort.  While they were with us, we loved them as our own.

            None of us at the shelter will forget Woody, Jeka, Brie, Daddy-O, Little Mia, Scully, Samantha, Hardy, and so many others that didn’t have names.  These were the ones that knew us as their last family.  I am so thankful to know that they were provided care, safety and love.  They didn’t have to scavenge for their food or live in fear of being shot at or run over.  They didn’t have to try and find warmth on cold nights or seek water during the squelching heat of summer. 

            And I, personally, am so thankful to the Humane Society staff.  I couldn’t ask for a group of people more committed to caring for each of our 250-plus animal residents.  Their acts of self-sacrifice and dedication are the reasons we have wonderful animals like Cowboy, Harpo, Willy Big Head, Calloway, Cheese the Smiling Dog, and Mr. Bigglesworth – just to name a few.

            I’m thankful that we will win this “game” of saving as many animals as we can.  Our strategy is simple:  Fight five minutes longer than the enemy.  And our weapons of warfare are surprisingly not what you would think.  We utilize the disarming combination of patience, perseverance and a positive attitude.

            We at the Humane Society of Greenwood wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.