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This week, I’d like to begin on a personal note. I’ve been sort of weak and listless lately. I’m on some new meds which are helpful, but sleep seems to be the best cure and I do a lot of it. That being said, though I’m not as active as I used to be, my devotion to my kids is just as strong as ever.

 

When I learned of the 23 pit and pit mix puppies recently turned over to Polk County Animal Control, I asked if there was anything I could do to help. I learned that all the animals were sent to the shelter, so that very day after dialysis I went over to FHS to learn the situation. I learned that each one of them is under foster care, with the exception of  two who are being examined at the vet. I saw the list of those who are fostering; most foster homes took one or two puppies, but two homes took five. Of course, my good friends, Sue and Richard Wallahora, took five. They’d just finished weaning another group of four pocket pits. I’ve known the Wallahoras for a little over 15 years, and besides adopting Gizmo ( the second story in A Voice in the Hills ) I can’t remember a time when they weren’t fostering animals. It’s not just Sue and Richard that I wish to recognize; all of these wonderful people who give up their time and homes to foster animals in need deserve our thanks for doing this work.

 

The shelter and rescues could never hold all the animals without homes, especially when they arrive from hoarders and puppy mills and such. Without these fabulous people who foster, many of these animals would die, usually of disease or malnutrition. It takes many people who give their time to help these wonderful gifts from God. Today my heart goes out to those who foster. God bless you all.

 

On another note, Animal Control made it clear that these animals were not being abused and the owner admitted the puppies “just got out of hand.”  I have so much to say about it, although I honestly believe the owner of these animals truly meant well. As I have often said, most of the animals that reach the shelter do not come because of actual cruelty, they come due to ignorance. Many well meaning people have their hearts in the right place, but aren’t aware of the consequences of their actions until it is too late. I suppose the best we can do is try to educate and pick up the pieces.

 

Before I close, I have a message to all those who asked how Kapone, the little gangster Pug, was doing. I heard from his owners this week that Kapone is doing fine; he’s almost back to his feisty self again. He’s eating well, playing again and though he’s missing an eye, he seems not to notice. The family asked me to thank you all for your prayers and your concern. Thanks for listening.