Rescued Pets Now On Death Row

Our worst fears are now coming true. Some of the shelters that are housing Katrina animals are starting to euthanize some of the victims that were rescued, simply because they have Heartworm. Heartworm is a treatable disease, but it costs money to treat. Some shelters are choosing to simply put animals down because of cost.

So...we are pulling our first one this weekend. It is a cocker spaniel, and it will be going to a good foster home. We are taking care of the issue because we know about it. Also, we've had to handle it very delicately, taking care not to rock the boat and anger the shelter to the point of euthanizing this dog anyway. Shelters have a high sensitivity to rescue groups and will just as soon put an animal down if a rescue group seems too zealous or condescending. With this in mind, some of the very good folks I am working with have taken great care in handling this first case. To this end, I will not publish the name of the shelter here. We can't afford to tip the scales for one when it could be to the detriment of many. When we have specific information about shelters, we will ask those of you who live LOCALLY to make some subtle inquiries and to help us handle this in a quiet way. If you are angered by this injustice and want to help, please contact me. BUT, I caution everyone...please be prepared to handle this quietly and gently...we can't handle it in a radically-charged, emotional way or we will lose all those precious pets. Unfortunately, even though this issue makes our blood boil, we have to handle it as if it didn't. This may be the only way to get these rescued animals off death row.

Yes, it is unfair and heartwrenchingly sad, but we must play the hand we have been dealt. When it is all over, we can start to right the injustices.