Six years ago, I was still working for the Foothills Humane Society. 

I was in the midst of many special cases holding all my attention. I didn’t know it at the time, but many of the health problems I experience today were rising. I had just lost my older brother, and my work with the animals was just as beneficial for me as it was for them.

I had walked in, and a dog that had been brought in on my day off was in one of the cages.  I do not remember much about the dog except that it had been on a chain that was staked in the ground for the first year of its life.

The dog had such a sad and confused look on its face that struck me to the core of my being. All at once, every feeling and emotion that was inside of me erupted and I began to sob uncontrollably.

That evening, I went home and wrote a Special Case and titled it, “Whose fault is it?”  The article was submitted to a statewide contest for newspapers under 13,000 distributions, and, on Feb. 27, I won the award as No. 1 article for the year 2013.

Two weeks ago, a momma Lab mix and her pup were picked up on the side of the road by a dear lady who I will keep anonymous. At this time, the age of the mother hasn’t been determined, but the pup is around 3 months old. 

Both animals were infested with fleas and ticks, and the pup had a broken leg. Momma would not leave her pup, and I thank God for my friend who found them.

I received the call that help would be needed for medical care, and my friend would foster and help find them homes afterwards. I was told that they were both loving and friendly and, though they were frightened, were docile when they were handled.

When I arrived, Momma (which they named her) was already treated and checked out, and she went home with my friend. Momo, the name given to the pup, was scheduled to have a splint put on him. Tests had already been taken, and he was cleaned up and rid of parasites. 

When I went to the cage to visit Momo, I had a six-year flashback when I looked into his eyes and I began to sob. 

“You give this boy and his mom everything they need, and bill my fund,” I blurted out. 

I had to leave the clinic because I’m uncontrollable when I get like this, and then the staff can’t do their job. I thought as I did many years ago — whose fault is it?

I came to the same conclusion. 

It’s my fault, and it’s yours, and it’s anyone who could have done something along the way.

Both Momma and Momo are at the fosters and recovering.

Please forgive my rants. Come to my gala and, for God’s sake, help me to help them.

Thanks for listening.