Where are the dogs?

Thank you, Sonoma, for your love of my two little dogs! Yesterday, while doing errands, everywhere I went people said, “Where are the dogs?” Each time it surprised me. I don’t know why; I guess I’m lost in my own world sometimes. But it always makes me happy. People often pull out dog biscuits from behind counters and send them with me. I love people who love animals – and right now we need you!

This week I was honored to visit the Sonoma County Animal Shelter in Santa Rosa with Bob Edwards, head of our Sonoma Valley Dog Owners and Guardians organization. Amy Cooper, director of the county shelter, and Ken Crane, the supervising animal care and control officer were gracious, articulate, well-informed and overwhelmed with cases and concerns.

We were shocked to learn there were over 300 animals at the shelter that day. The staff was struggling in the heat just to provide enough dog food and trying to keep up with the pace of a tough economy. I knew it might be hard but I was whirling with thoughts, wanting to do something and wondering, as a community, will we step up and help?

During our visit the hairballs were growing in cages and in me. We knew that Sonoma and Santa Rosa needed to connect and build cooperation to help animals and we wanted to think of something that would inspire people to help protect them.

We talked about a local Witness Program. Everyone thought it would be great if we could encourage people to make a phone call and document suspected abuse where they see it – like snapping a picture of unusual situations with a cell phone and get license plates, time of day, etc. (It’s harder for them to help without evidence and or pictures.)

While I was full of fury hairballs after the visit I was also hopping around, like a gleeful rabbit. I felt I had done something meaningful – I was part of a conversation with people who care about creatures in need. What reverberated in me was gratitude and sorrow.

Being active in the animal world is like any other service in community – fulfilling. I talked to some people at the dog park who said that they witnessed abuse and managed to save an animal. I know a landlord who invites renters to enjoy their pets, with clear agreements. I was uplifted to overhear that some locals telephoned each other and saved a frightened creature. They connected and stopped  cruelty – for the voiceless ones!
And we can help locally, at Pet’s Lifeline where people work tirelessly. Right now there is an urgent need for small, loveable dogs to be adopted by responsible homes. They have been there too long. On July 28, there is a day of parade and Bark in the Park at Depot Park! Any dog under 30 pounds is 30 dollars – call 996.4577 for more information. And there is also an amazing opportunity to double donations sent to the Santa Rosa shelter at: sonoma-county.org.

I just wish we could each take a little time out of our lives to give an animal relief. Imagine a place without animal suffering, a town with wagging tails and furry faces. I know there are starving people in the world and there is so much on the plate. But whatever you care about – do something.

For me, this poem says it all, by Kathy Flood with “Animal Rights Online”
”A dog sits waiting in the cold autumn sun,
Too faithful to leave too frightened to run.
He’s been here for days now, with nothing to do,
But sit by the road, waiting for you.
He can’t understand why you left him that day.
He thought you and he were stopping to play.
He’s sure you’ll be back, and that’s why he stays.
How long will he suffer? How many more days?
His legs have grown weak; his throat’s parched and dry,
He’s sick now from hunger and falls, with a sigh.
He lays down his head and closes his eyes;

I wish you could see how a waiting dog dies.”

Katy Byrne, is a psychotherapist, writer, and public speaker in Sonoma, Ca.