January 31, 2010 @ 3:44 pm
Silent Friends
MaxFund, Denver, CO (5)
As I began planning the various organizations I would visit on my “48 States” journey, I was certain that at some point I would be working with animals in some way, as they are my greatest passion. You see I’m one of those people who considers my pugs, not just members of the family, but key players in the decision making process when choices arise for our family. They are simply, the loves of my life. Like I said, I knew that at one point or another some of my time would be spent with animals. When I looked at the different orgnizations in the Denver area I found the perfect fit- A no-kill animal shelter and adoption center, all in one. MaxFund was created after a stray dog, later named Max, was hit by a car. The good Samaritan who found Max paid for the initial medical bills but with no owner, after ten days he faced euthanasia. In addition, Max was in need of incredibly expensive orthopedic surgery, for which no one was willing to pay. Dr. Suro, a local Veterinarian heard about the dog and agreed to get involved. After meeting Max the staff found him to be extraordinarily special. With the help of other doctors, a fishbowl full of donations and a yard sale, there was enough to help Max with his needs as well as those who would need help in the future. Today they strive to meet goals set at its’ beginning; focusing on animals neglected due to overpopulation, and those not receiving responsible pet care. All involved agree that they will continue to be, “the small shelter that makes a big difference.”
I quickly began preparing the day for the arrival of hopeful new parents everywhere. Washing bowls, cleaning cages and folding laundry I heard the constant barks of the dogs in a room at the end of the hall. I decided to quickly take a peek at who was desperately yearning for attention. I slowly walked toward the back of the hallway and as my eyes met Ko-Ko’s, Dimitrey’s, London’s and Lane’s, my heart somewhat shattered. Crocodile tears streamed down my face and I slowly made my way outside. Despite the tremendous care they were receiving these beautiful dogs were wanting so badly to move home with their new family.
I quickly composed myself and spent most of the end of the day in a room full of puppies-small breeds, large breeds, Chihuahuas and a little man I seriously considered taking back to Georgia. His name would be Bayon. He arrived at the shelter shortly after I did. A couple found him wandering alone, cold and clearly hungry, rummaging through a pile of garbage. He placed his nose to the cage as I introduced myself and licked my hand to say hello. He was brown and black, fierce and courageous, oh, how I wanted him to be mine.
The case of my “Bayon” made me think. In this life, I truly believe that as people, we receive what we contribute. At MaxFund there is a donor wall that reads, “This is dedicated to my lovely wife, Mina and our posse, Beau, Raven, and Kota who have taught me the true meaning of unconditional love. No easy task. Love, Gary.”
It’s the unconditional love that sets them apart from us. People choose often times, to hate, hurt and we change continuously; our feelings, our opinions, who we love, who we don’t. With animals, of one thing you can be certain, they wish nothing more than to love you, make your bad days seem bearable, your problems fade away. They’ll not ask for the latest trends, big diamonds or fancy cars, just to love you, wholly, beyond reason, without doubt, for as long as they’re able to love.
As I drove through the streets of Denver, my cheeks were dry, my mind was settled. I sat knowing that the faces I held and the playful growls I heard would be playing rambunctiously tomorrow. Sadly however, this is not the case in so many situations. Animals are abandoned because of aging, illness, size, and so on. This concept to me is absolutely unforgivable. We must realize that as a people, the way we treat the animals of this world is merely a reflection of our character, moral integrity and ultimately, the way we treat those weaker, those who need. So many of us have the ability to change the circumstances in which we find ourselves. We must remember that it is our responsibility to help those who don’t.
As we move through life and experience different situations we quickly realize what we have and what we’re missing. At some time, I wish everyone the love of an animal; dog, cat, horse, or anything else. Should you allow yourself, the connection is unbelievably powerful. I think of my pugs now and my vision fogs. My life without them would be so incomplete, much heavier with fewer memories. I laugh as they snuggle into my chest and when I’m sad they lick my tears away. Life is good, thanks in large part to them, life is oh-so-good.
Note: Max eventually recuperated and went on to live a full and beautiful life And to Chelsea…people like you, who work for great causes despite the sadness they see, are God’s gift to us all
