So
the stage is set, the decision is taken, you are going to get a (or another)
dog.
The
first image that comes to mind is that cute, sweet, wiggly, small and totally irresistible
puppy…Puppies that come in all shapes, colours and sizes…Floppy eared, bat eared,
small eared, pointy eared, flat eared, with myriad tail types: long, whippy,
short, stubby…but all waggy, accompanied by a licky tongue and an ability to
snuggle that is totally disarming!
I know, only too well, been there done
that…in fact I have three adolescent Potcakes in the house as I write this,
because last year my family and I fell prey to the irresistible charm of these
rescued puppies who needed homes!...sharp puppy teeth and all!
My
house proudly displays the scares of this ambush on peace and quiet. My shoe
selection is greatly diminished, the arm of the new sofa, in my den, hastily
sewn up now sports a throw cover made of
Indian fabric. The carpet in the T.V. room has been drenched more times
than I can tell because Boss firmly believes that if he digs in the water bowl
frequently enough he WILL reach Australia! There are puppy gates everywhere you
look. Yes, we have three young dogs in the house! The two adult dogs (four and
five) sit back with a disapproving look on their faces when I discover that yet
another personal favourite has fallen prey to
the antics of my teenager pups!
Now
picture this:
At
the Shelter today we have 50 adult dogs. Mature dogs, who have grown out of a
lot of those frustrating and naughty habits.
We
have 50 animals who are literally begging for a home. Some of them have had
such a tough time of life so far that when you approach them the take a step
backwards, convinced that you are surely going to yell at them, or hurt them or
make an angry gesture. Just imagine how dreadful it must be to fear all
humans…how the trust of the natural friend of man must have been abused for
these dogs to be afraid of us…we are supposed to be a team, that’s why God
created companion animals!
Some
of the other dogs in the shelter came from loving homes!!! Yes loving homes,
who for some reason or another just did not want their canine family member any
more…Some of the reasons that these sweet trusting faces are given up is just a
crying shame…barks to much, scratches too much, doesn’t bark enough, too lazy,
too energetic, too much work…Opps ! sorry, almost forgot!
Needs to be fed and walked, and
brushed!
What do people think they
have here a stuffed toy from Toys R Us? Of course, they need to eat, walk and
be brushed, of course they scratch bark and demand attention…they are living,
breathing creatures!
I have seen
the look on those trusting faces when the owner “drops them off “ forever…We
are left holding the leash as the previous owner hops into their car and drives
off, no more worries…The dog broken hearted has no idea why he is here at the
shelter. We have to cheer him up, or at least try to!
These
magnificent, handsome, adult dogs are all available for you to choose from.
They are ready and able to protect your home with a faithful resolve that comes
from the fact that they WILL know that you have saved them. They will be
grateful for the rest of their lives to the kind soul who opened up their
hearts and homes to a dog in need. Many of them have had some training and are
already house trained. But even if not the Potcake learns very quickly and house
training comes quite naturally!
There
is nothing more faithful or protecting than a potcake at the gate. I know
people have come to our house well before the doorbell rings. My pack of five dogs
are the best security team I could ask for and shower me and my family with
love and understanding.
The
50 dogs at the shelter need you to help them have a new life. It will all start
with you deciding to take the first step. We do not want to put any of these
beautiful, sweet, hopeful and deserving dogs to sleep…but, what is going to
happen when we are so full that we literally cannot take in one more animal?
Without the help of the general public,
WITHOUT YOUR help, this WILL happen, and even though I have pledged that as
President of the Bahamas Humane Society, I will move mountains, beg, borrow,
and beseech, we are rapidly coming to the point of no return…Only you can make
the difference. Adult dogs will remain free of adoption fees for the next week
31st of October to the 5th of November. House checks will
remain in effect to ensure that you home is suitable for a dog (shelter,
fencing and adequate space).
On
behalf of the dogs at the Bahamas Humane Society I am begging and beseeching
you to PLEASE take in one adult dog, in essence, you will ultimately save a
life. Time and space IS running out! You don’t need to move mountains, just
please give
an adult dog a home
before it is too late!
About
the author:
Kim
Aranha grew up in the Berry Islands with her first dog, a beloved potcake named
“Friendly” (who was anything but!). First educated at home, and then in
boarding school in Switzerland, Kim moved to Rome, Italy in 1974 to pursue a
career in the dramatic arts and ended up working as an interpreter. She moved
back to The Bahamas in 1980, and now lives in Nassau with her husband Paul, and
their two grown sons. Kim has 5 dogs, 2 goldfish, 12 fresh water turtles,
1 Asian box turtle and 3 Budgerigars. Her idea of relaxing is being home to
take care of all her pets. Kim is President of the Bahamas Humane Society, and
serves on the board of BREEF, and is co-chairman of the Bahamas Sea Turtle
Conservation Group. Kim can be contacted at
berryislandgirl@gmail.com