Several years ago on the eve of my late daddy’s first year yahrzeit, I saw a facebook post of a dog named Peluche who the tireless and kind folks at Louie’s Legacy Animal rescue pulled from a shelter. Imagine a shihtzu surrendered at a shelter?
I had always wanted to get another dog, to be a companion for my then 13 year old Shih Tzu Mellie and I felt like this was my dad coming to me (did I mention he adored my dog and he was not really an animal person)? It was the universe’s way of telling me you say you have these lofty goals and you want to help these animals but what have you physically done other than donate money?? Maybe it was or maybe it wasn’t my father calling to me- but what I knew is that this barely discernible shih tzu needed me and I needed him; we needed each other in a way that felt almost primal.
I can tell you that these animals that people just drop off at shelters you walk away and don’t truly realize just how livid the conditions are and emotional toll such a decision impacts on an animal. Imagine being thrown into a cage, with no human contact and none of the familiar creature comforts you are used to-in the case of my sweet boy Lazer, he was neutered while at the shelter ad then put back in a cage- without being properly cleaned in other words they performed major surgery without grooming him first. So this sweet boy developed an infection, licked and reopened the infection all while in a shelter.
I don’t fault the shelters they are overrun, understaffed- I fault the owners who surrendered him to a shelter knowing that he would probably be put down and entrusting him into unknown territory. These shelters are also like massive incubators for illness and so on top of this large infection he had by his groin he had also developed a cough, congestion and a nose that did not stop producing mucus which was making it hard for him to eat and swallow. This boy was in so much pain- and what is so sad about his story- is he is just one of thousands of animals that experience this on a daily basis.
I just have such incredible respect for the women who do this on a daily basis and the team of women I’ve come to know and adore behind the animal rescue Louie’s Legacy who inconvenience themselves non stop caring for neglected and abused animals, rescuing them- nursing them back to health night after long night- making deals with every and anyone who can help and offer their services.
I am just one of thousands of people who have been touched by Louie’s Legacy it has been an awakening for me- in so many ways : To stop being complacent about things- to stop giving lip service to lofty goals and ideas and to just do it, To do them. Because time waits for no one- and gosh there are so many creatures, ideas and things that need help ESPECIALLY in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey! The good news is that Louie’s is working together with some other rescues to evacuate from the Austin area to make room for the overflow from the Houston area, now that their shelters are completely shut down.
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Louie’s Legacy will be making a trip to assist in evacuating shelter cats and dogs (not owned animals) for medical care and eventual adoption. We are taking part in our own mission from Cincinnati, OH and will be part of a coalition of groups from the Northeast to assist as many animals as possible. In order to evaluate our potential for assistance, we need to know how many foster homes, new and seasoned, we can depend on to assist a needy hurricane shelter animal.
Your response in the next 48 hours is critical to our assessment.
Please submit a foster application online if you would be willing to help by sheltering one or more hurricane animals for placement through Louie’s Legacy – http://
Unable to foster but still want to help? If you are available to help in any other way, please reach out to us with your offer of assistance at info@louieslegacy.org. Thank you!
#hurricaneharvey
And just one last thing before I get off my soap box please don’t surrender your pets to a shelter find a reputable rescue who can foster them until an adoption can be made, no dog should have to be in pain like my lazer (Lazer is short for my dad’s name ELIEZER zl)
Wooowww…..
My heart hurts for dogs left at animal shelters. Each one is so precious with a unique personality. They must be so darn scared and confused. Thank the Lord for good people like you and others who rescue these beloved animals.
Thank you for doing this and for sharing this info. Animals are often the forgotten victims when tragedy strikes….
I am so saddened by the people leaving their animals behind in situations. And it hurts my heart to see some shelters not allowing animals.
I am so heartbroken about what people do with their animals. In situations like a hurricane I can’t image how terrible people must feel about not being able to protect those they love. I am so happy there are awesome people and organizations out there that can help.
Thank you so much for writing this very important and timely post! I hope it gets lots of positive response!
My heart breaks for all of the animals that were stranded and left behind because their owners didn’t have any other choice. I’m so thankful that people are coming together and finding ways to help the people and animals in Houston.
My dog was surrendered to a kill shelter by her first family because she had fleas. The mom put her 2 young kids on a city bus. I think a lot of people don’t even think about the fact that these shelters are kill shelters. Luckily, the kids didn’t know what they were doing and entered through the exit. And a woman from the rescue I got her from bumped into the kids before my dog could be admitted. And she was rescued and then adopted by me. Louie’s Legacy is doing a great thing to help in such a tragedy.
I’ve seen a lot of mistreated animals after and during the hurricane and it breaks my heart to see them so helpless. I’m glad there are the ones who have been rescued but what about those who weren’t able to get help or those who are strays. It’s really important that we raise awareness on this.
This breaks my heart. Seeing so many helpless animals being abandoned during the hurricane. My dog is part of the family and would be the first thing I would bring with me, aside from my child, if I ever had to evacuate. Louie’s Legacy is doing such a great thing and I am glad you are getting the word out there!
Thank you for sharing this. Adopting a rescue puppy was the best thing I ever did. She gave me such love and I know I will adopt another soon. I will never understand why people surrender their dogs to kill shelters. It breaks my heart and it breaks my hear to see what is happening to pets in Houston. I plan on donating some items to my local Humane society as they are taking a truck to Houston to help out.
I am such a huge animal lover! I really appreciate this post and I am so thankful to hear that people are pulling together to help them!
Wow this is amazing! I don’t any animals and unfortunately at this time in our lives we cannot truly take care of an animal, but I am happy to see that people are still thinking of our 4 legged friends. Good luck with this amazing endeavor.
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
I saw so many images of the pets affected and left behind in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. It’s great to see that there is someone advocating on their behalf.
So glad you were able to rescue your dog. I feel so heartbroken for all the families in Houston and the pets. Thanks for showing me another way to help.
It is truly heartbreaking that so many companion animals have been caught up in the aftermath of this devastating hurricane. Bless those are taking action and going out of their way to help them.
Your post touched my heart…truly! I feel so much for the folks in Houston with the devastation, but I could not help but think of the pets that are affected too. Through the coming days and weeks I hope everything will be much better and okay.