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Spanky's Corner
Hi Everyone, Spanky here!
We've got GREAT volunteers at Tri County, if I do say so myself. We have close to 100 humans that walk dogs, groom the cats and even attend and help organize our fundraisers and spread the word about our great shelter. Some of our volunteers come every single day to walk dogs. Pretty cool, huh?
Because we're a no-kill shelter, you know that animals like myself that take a little longer to get adopted could be here for months or in my case, years! The goal here at Tri County is to get every single dog out for at least 2 walks a day. With close to 200 pups, this is no small feat. And since we only have about 25 staff members, it's our volunteers that really keep this place running - or at the very least, keep the animals spirits up and keep them happy and active. And that's what our mission is about after all.
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I hear a lot of people say "it's just too hard for me to walk into the shelter and see all those animals" or "I can't understand how someone can work at Tri County every single day and not be heartbroken." This really got me thinking...I mean, sure it's definitely a little tough to see an owner surrender a scared animal at the front desk or to see a stray cat rushed into our vet clinic in dire need of medical attention after having been on the streets or neglected. But here's the other side of it - you also get to volunteer at a place where every animal is "under protection." Just like our Tri County motto reads, our director, staffers and volunteers make sure that every single dog and cat (and occasional rabbit or bird!) is tended to, nutured and given what they need to be healthy, happy and well-adjusted. We refuse to let any animal slip through the cracks. If that means finding a foster home for a frightened, pregnant Chihuahua like Cocoa so she's in a safe and quiet environment or having 4 of our frail senior dogs live in our secretary's office so they feel secure, than that's what we'll do. If a dog isn't eating dry food, we serve up shredded chicken breast or cut up hot dogs (MY personal favorite, but now they've got me on low cal food - come on, do I really look that chubby?!). If we notice a kitty has a slight limp or one of our puppies just isn't looking right, we'll make a vet appointment and do whatever is necessary. We treat every animal here like you would if you had a HUGE farm and started up your own animal rescue. We don't believe in treating every animal the same, because every animal is different and has unique needs. We tend to those needs and make sure to match up each potential adopter with the right animal that will fit into their lifestyle, ensuring a forever home.
So I say, if you're hesitant to volunteer at or even visit an animal shelter, DON'T BE! Because this wonderful place wouldn't exist if everyone turned their backs because it was too hard or too emotional. I hear our volunteers say all the time how empowering it is to come and walk dogs and give them love and match potential adopters with the right animal - there is really nothing more rewarding!
But if you really can't bear to set foot inside our shelter, make sure you join us at one of our "Paws for the Cause" fundraisers. These monthly networking cocktail parties are held at different hot spots all around Boca and Delray. (Click on our EVENTS tab to see the great venues we've got lined up throughout the summer and fall.) You'll enjoy cocktails, appetizers and socialize with fellow animal lovers. And all of the money goes right back here to the dogs and cats at Tri County. How do you think they pay for my treats, after all?
PS If you're interested in becoming a shelter volunteer, e-mail Susan at tricountyh@aol.com for a training schedule. Nap time folks, gotta go ...
Hi everyone!
Welcome to Spanky's Corner! This section of our new (and might I add, very cool) website will be devoted to my thoughts and perspective about the goings on here at Tri County (I am the "King of Tri County" after all)! I might want to update you on a special dog or cat that came through our shelter doors who's story really tugged at my heartstrings or about an animal welfare issue that I think is important. Although really, as long as I get 3 Milk Bones and 3 walks a day, life is good and I can't complain too much. Sometimes, our development director Sasha might take over and write a post about all those fundraisers and events we have going on. And sometimes, we might let a guest come and write a special story about their Tri County adoptee or a certain program they might be working on to benefit the over 375 animals here at our shelter.
I'd like to start this first entry by telling you my story:
I am a two year old German Shephard/Chow mix and I live here at Tri County Humane Society, a no-kill animal shelter in Boca Raton, Florida. The thing is, most days I don't even realize I live in an animal shelter! Even though I'm now the aptly named "King of Tri County," I actually almost didn't make it as a puppy. You see, I was a stray as far back as I can remember and was hit by a car and left for dead at only 4 months old. Both of my back legs were broken and I was in dire need of medical attention.
No other animal shelter would take me in, afraid of the expensive costs associated with orthopedic surgery. Tri County heard about me and decided to step in and get me the medical treatment I so badly needed. Our assistant director Donna agreed to have me recuperate in her office, where every day I made a little progress.
Fast forward two years later and if I do say so myself, I rule the roost! I STILL live in our main office, comfy and cozy in my dog bed right under Donna's desk. I gets kisses, walks and (too many) treats from our volunteers and staff. Because I can be a little territorial with other dogs at times and pull WAY too hard on a leash (come on now, I just get excited!), it's been a little challenging for me to find the right home. But I think at this point, you'd have to convince me to leave Tri County! One of my favorite activities is splashing around in a bone-shaped dog pool outside. Then I have no problem whatsoever prancing right into the office and leaving muddy footprints for the staff to clean up - I am the king after all! Sigh! Life is good and I can't imagine being anywhere else.
All kidding aside folks, I am just one example, one story out of thousands, that reminds us that each animal, every living thing, deserves a chance. Tri County not only gave me a chance, they gave me a home! And I am forever grateful to them and respect the great work they do every single day of the week, year in and year out.
More next time!
Spanky
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