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In this Issue: Herndon Tragedy Leaves Felines Homeless; Casey's Story; Cassandra
(cat); Believing in a Miracle (dog); In the Spirit of Giving - Please Remember the
Animals; SPCA Spotlight - Alfie, Maggie; Blacky Needs Your Help; A Dog or Cat is
for Life - Not Just for Christmas; Holiday Hints; 2nd Annual SPCA Dog Wash;
Fundraising Events; Meet our Volunteers (Kristen LeClair); Humane Education.
We don't have the whole newsletter online but here are a few extracts:
In July 1999, during the noon hour of a day of record-breaking heat in
Northumberland County, Virginia, a farmer happened upon a limp dog lying on the
ground in a large open area. The dog, a young female Rottweiler mix, was tied up
with no shade and no water. Realizing that the dog was in imminent danger, the
farmer called the Northern Neck Humane Society. Three members of the group
immediately responded to the call. The dog, who was unconscious and could not be
revived, was rushed to the nearest veterinary hospital for emergency care. She was
given ice baths to lower her temperature from over 106 degrees (a dog's normal
temperature is 101.5 degrees) and IV's for dehydration. Several other dogs were
were found on the property tied to makeshift shelters with some shade and water.
Because of this blatant mistreatment, the sherrif filed charges of animal
cruelty and the Northern Neck Humane Society took custody the dogs until the
trial. In October, the owner was found guilty of animal cruelty.
Court testimony and graphic photos taken by officials helped convict the owner.
Several days after the Rottweiler was rescued, an open wound appeared on her
back - a twelve inch by twelve inch section of hair and decaying flesh peeled
off her dorsal spine. The dog was named Miracle because of her amazing survival
against the odds. The veterinarians agreed that it was the result of trauma to the
skin from heatstroke - the dog had literally baked in the sun. Fortunately
Miracle did not suffer permanent neurological damage and after five months of
treatment for her skin condition and heartworm disease, she was on the road to
recovery.
In December 1999, Debra Barnes, Humane Investigator and President of the
Northern Neck Humane Society, called John Taylor, one of our humane
investigators, asking for help in finding a new home for Miracle. The SPCA of
Northern Virginia agreed to accept the young Rottweiler, have her spayed, and
provide basic obedience training until she found a permanent home. At first,
Miracle was hyperactive and unfocused; she barked aggressively at people and
other animals. After months of training, behavior modification and
socialization, Miracle is now ready for a permanent home. She is a healthy,
energetic 2 1/2 year old who needs a firm but gentle owner willing to provide
lots of exercise and love. Because of the cooperation between the Northern Neck
Humane Society and the SPCA of Northern Virginia, another story of a "miracle"
can be told.
Read the happy ending to Miracle's story on our Alumni Animals page.
If, as the song goes, "Love is lovelier the second time around", Wade Binion
and Toby must be very happy indeed.
Toby was a three month old puppy in December 1994 when Wade adopted him. The two
quickly formed that special human/animal bond, and for two years man and dog
enjoyed each other's company.
Then the inevitable pressures of making a living interfered. Wade's job required
him to travel every other week, and he realized that spending so much time in a
kennel wasn't a happy option for his dachshund-lab buddy Toby. Reluctantly, Wade
turned to the SPCA of Northern Virginia in 1996 for help in finding Toby a more
suitable situation. A good home was found, and Toby went to live with another
dog lover who was able to give him the time and attention every dog deserves.
Tet Toby's fate once again was in the hands of powers beyond his control or
understanding. His mistress was being transferred to Florida, and her apartment
there had a "no dogs" policy. She contacted the SPCA about this new upheaval in
Toby's otherwise serene life, and the SPCA put Toby on our website in the hope
that he'd have a third chance at a loving home.
By the time, Wade had received a promotion at work and he no longer traveled; he
wanted a canine companion again. On a whim he checked the SPCA website (here!)
and saw a description of a dog needing a home. Could it be...yes! Toby!
Wade arranged to go pick up Toby. But there was a real chance that after a three
year seperation, Toby would have forgotten Wade. Toby quickly dispelled those
fears - with joyous licks, he let his former master know that a mere three year
seperation couldn't erase memories of their wonderful relationship. Wade too was
a bit emotional at being reunited with Toby, who didn't leave his side during
the visit.
It was a fortunate click of the mouse that brought a man and his dog together
again, this time for keeps, and both would surely agree with the last line of
the song: "so glad we met the second time around".
SPCA of Northern Virginia,P.O. Box 100220, Arlington, VA
22210-3220
703-799-9390
