Mush Mush
My name is Brenda Jacobs and I had to write to tell you my story. On October 3, 1995, I saw the pet of the week in the Daily Review. Scooter was her name and she was a English Springer Spaniel that was liver and white. I immediately knew that I wanted her as my pet. Within an hour of seeing her picture, I came to the shelter and adopted her. She was 8 days shy of being 2 years old, with her birthday on October 11th. I was told that her previous owners had turned her in for being to hyper. I knew that was a characteristic of a Springer and adopted her anyways. She was the best pet I could've asked for. Just yesterday, on December 26, 2006, I had to put my beloved Scooter to sleep. She had developed a brain tumor and was suffering extreme pain. My heart is broken but I know that she isn't in pain any more. I had 11 wonderful years with her and not once have I regretted my decision of adopting her. I can't begin to tell you how much I loved her. I was with her in the end and knowing that I was there, made it easier for her. Our last few moments were beautiful, just like when I first met her. Will I ever adopt again, you bet. Not for a while though as I need time to heal. I will praise your facility to everyone who will listen. Thanks to you, I experienced the joy of unconditional love, devotion and loyalty. I like to think that due to my actions on October 3, 1995, Scooter experienced the same. I know now that Scooter is in Doggy Heaven, living life as she should. Thanks again for a wonderful life experience.
Brenda Jacobs
Warren Center, Pa.
Added 12-27-06
Dear Mr. Hosie:
Two NYC dogs (Mush Mush and Lady, both pitbull mixes) have taken themselves on an excursion that nearly cost them their lives. Having originated as homeless dogs from the streets of Brooklyn, NY, they were rescued by the Spay Neuter Intervention Project (SNIP) and adopted to a family that resided in Brooklyn. Unfortunately, living arrangements changed and they were unable to keep the dogs. The dogs were returned to SNIP and subsequently were boarded in Pottstown, PA while awaiting adoption. The former owner contacted SNIP and stated his living arrangements had changed again and he was able to take the dogs back. Mush Mush and Lady were returned to him. Several weeks later the dogs were found wandering in Laceyville and were taken to the Bradford County Humane Society. Luckily, both dogs had been microchipped by SNIP and the Bradford County Humane Society contacted SNIP. SNIP in turn contacted the owner and he refused to communicate with SNIP.
How the dogs wound up in Laceyville is anyone's guess. Today a representative of SNIP is driving to Bradford to retrieve the dogs and return to Pottstown, PA.
I am most grateful to MaryAnne Mosier, Shelter Manager, Babette Zimmer, State Dog Warden and all the staff at the Bradford County Humane Society for their relentless efforts to reunite Mush Mush and Lady with SNIP. It was not easy. Their first attempt was to track down the owner with the microchip id. Unfortunately, the veterinarian that chipped the dogs did not want to release the information and so Babette Zimmer stepped in and the information was relayed to Warden Zimmer. Warden Zimmer was adamant about getting the owner information and reuniting the dogs. Thank God for Warden Zimmer. SNIP has addressed the issue with the veterinarian and it will not happen again. Had Bradford County Humane Society not made the effort to retrieve the microchip information, both dogs could hve been euthanized if not adopted. All animals are at risk at shelters, with overcrowding being one of the reasons. I have spoken with the staff at the Bradford County Humane Society and sadly, they are faced with the grim task of euthanasia as are so many other organizations.
As the Director of the Spay Neuter Intervention Project (SNIP), I often see the tragedies of overbreeding in pitbulls. While most deem them dangerous, the truth is that they are in abundance, exploited and the number one breed put to death in shelters throughout the United States. I commend the Bradford County Humane Society for the ability to see beyond the myth of this breed and to have had the courage to come forward to save these dogs.
Soon the season of giving will be upon us and I ask that you share their plight with your readers. It is my belief that there are others just like those that comprise the Bradford County Humane Society will answer the call and give the most precious gift one can give to another...the gift of life! Do not surrender your beloved pet...rather save a life and adopt!
In closing, I will stay that all year round shelters across the nation are in need of volunteers, money, food, shelter. I hope that your readers and the local community appreciate the efforts of the Bradford Humane Society and reach out and offer assistance.
Regina Massaro
Spay Neuter Intervention Project (SNIP)
917-658-4524
Mush Mush
Lady
Added 10-20-06
Dear BCHS
Today I put to sleep my fourteen-year-old Lhasa Apso, a loving friend and mother of many of my puppies. Only days before, on a different type of journey, my daughter and I visited the Bradford County Humane Society in Ulster. Both were sad occasions, but for very opposite reasons. My dog was leaving a happy life and home; those in despair at the shelter were looking for just that.
We went to the BCHS to see a male Siamese cat found near Ulster almost six weeks earlier. We found him. He was a gorgeous blue-point called Gordie. He was, also, very defensive, on guard constantly, and had, obviously to us, been abused. We were told that his time is running out. In the same room, numerous cats (tigers, sleek blacks, longhairs, tabbys, and some with exotic markings) pleaded for attention, while young kittens, oblivious to us, played on the floor. In the canine room, some dogs jumped and barked in their cages; others sat quietly with sad eyes. All of these animals were interesting, some beautiful, some charming, some comical.
Over and over, I find myself reflecting on my two experiences and why they happened almost simultaneously. And I think what a tearful week it has been.
What a miracle it would be if many of us could visit the shelter and agree to provide homes for so many of those wonderful creatures. To me, they are all beautiful, and I would prefer that homes could be found before the open house. The hectic holidays are not the ideal time to bring a pet into an unfamiliar environment, but now, a few weeks beforehand, would be a good adjustment period.
The Siamese, which is a neutered and declawed male, needs to be claimed immediately, for his time is numbered in days. He has to be re-habilitated. Therefore, he requires a very special person and home.
All of the animals appeared healthy, the rooms and quarters were clean and neat, and the staff was friendly. I urge interested persons to visit and take a useful gift.
I am writing this letter in memory of my spirited Mitz’u, hoping that residents of the Bradford County Humane Society will find happy homes and families such as hers.
Sincerely,
LaVaughn Chenot