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4:59am

Deserving Shelter

No welcome from the attendant as I entered, only a finger to point me in a direction as I asked where the dogs were that were available for adoption. As an outsider with no preconceptions or expectations, I was overcome with the unpleasant odor that comes with the housing of many, many animals. Being very nervous, I took a deep breath and convinced myself that I was making the right decision. Upon entry into the dog kennels, again I was at first startled then overwhelmed by the penetrating and shrill barks of the many, many temporary residents. As I sauntered down the aisle and peered into each run, my heart was heavy at the thought of this being the temporary or last home for these beautiful and loving animals, each one greeting me at their gate and begging me with their pleading eyes and most persuasive bark. The runs were filthy, horribly demeaning homes and existences for the dogs, but I stayed. For almost two hours, I assisted myself, forgotten by the person at the desk, as I tried to familiarize myself with each dog, not sure if it was safe to remove them from the run or if there was even a location where I could go in order to be alone with my potential new friend. I struggled with the decision to only choose one, as I wanted to save them all from the unspeakable conditions and circumstances that found them here in such an unfriendly and uncaring environment. Finally, as I sat in the middle of the floor with a female, corgi/sheltie mix, through all of the continued commotion of the many others who wouldn't be so lucky, I knew that I had connected with the creature that would be my forever friend. I quickly paid my fees, no thank yous or smiles, no history, no vouchers for future spaying, but I was thankful. This was my experience with the Henderson Animal Shelter in October of 1987.

After that experience, I was often haunted by the images of the animals that I left behind. Thoughts of the conditions and the idea that no one cared tormented me for years as I felt a need to somehow make a difference. As a college student,I remember calling repeatedly to see if I could volunteer to bathe and love the dogs, but was discouraged from doing so and warned of the difficulties and heartbreak of becoming attached to animals that would eventually only be put to sleep. I was devastated. I felt that there was no hope for the animals that found themselves as residents here, like they were "walking the mile," and with no dignity or compassion from the people who should be responsible for them. I thought of this every day that I passed Drury Lane on my way to the community college.

After a while, I only thought of the shelter on occasion, until I began to see momentary video clips on the local news, or read about the shelter in the local paper. It seemed there was a change taking place there, and immediately I became very excited. I knew that I wanted to become involved, but I was hesitant as I recalled the my dispiriting past experience. Finally, I made the call and was so thankful that I did! It was Christmas of 2005, and the students in my class had opted to donate items to the shelter instead of exchanging gifts in the classroom. They were very proud of their efforts and wished to visit the shelter to personally deliver their donation. Our request was met with open arms! I felt like the red carpet had been rolled out for my students and parents as we made our spring visit to the shelter. I was so pleased with the helpfulness of the staff and to see how clean and cared for the tiny shelter had been. The children proudly hung the thank you card from the shleter staff on the classroom door, where it remained until the end of the year. Many students and family members were awakened to the need for active volunteers at our shelter, both that year, and the year that followed, when we made our 2nd annual visit and donation (plans for the 3rd are underway!). Many parents were initially hesitant to allow their children to participate, as the shelter hadn't always been highly spoken of. Many thanks were expressed as each one was touched by the personal rewards they received from simply giving of their time and hearts. I was so moved by the learning of my students that day; the learning of being a compassionate and giving person and concerned citizen in their community. The animals get all the credit for that. This wouldn't have been possible if not for the new and wonderful staff at the Henderson Shelter.

As I believe that each shelter needs and is deserving of the makeover, I know that the homeless animals of Henderson would benefit from a remodeled or new facility. As I had been 20 years ago, I believe that people are hesitant to come because of past experiences or past images they have of the conditions there. I believe that a makeover would spark new enthusiasm for the shelter within the community which would ultimately lead to more animal adoptions and awareness of the existing animal population problem. The financial needs are certainly there, wall-to-wall and ceiling-to-floor. I can only hope that in the short visit the zootoo judges are able to recognize and understand the amount of love and care that exists from the individuals currently involved with the shelter, including all staff, volunteers, and people who care in their hearts that are waiting for an opportunity like this one to be encouraged to make a difference. As I know that each shelter will be considered, I can only ask that our shelter be given as much time and consideration as the other 19 qualifying shelters across the country. For now, I can temporarily enjoy the pleasant thougths and dream of the difference that would be made if Henderson were chosen for the makeover.