June 1, 2010 @ 6:16 pm
Sad Eyes
Loess Hills Humane Society, Inc., Glenwood, IA (29)
Before reading this please realize that I have been incredibly judgmental in this particular post. Under no circumstances could I hide my true feelings.
When originally scheduling my visit with the Loess Hills Humane Society, Inc. the wonderful people who’d created this barely year-old establishment had planned a day full of activities for me. From laundry to dog walks to feline entertainment and dishes, my day would have been full of goings-on. Plans changed however, and though the circumstances were more disturbing than any I’ve ever seen, the exposure brought me back to reality, and reminded me that yet again, life can be bad. I’m not referring to the kind of bad where children fail school grades, or even when sickness overwhelms us…but the kind of bad that stems from pure evil. I was fully aware that the day would most likely be a difficult one (considering I called my mom and husband from the animal shelter in Colorado sobbing hysterically, to the point that my mom thought I’d wrecked the rental car). I wasn’t however prepared for exactly what was in store.
When Michael Vick was implicated in a dogfighting ring several years ago, I think we can all assume my reaction to the news. Unfortunately I didn’t really understand the extent of the terrors experienced until today. Obviously I knew what was happening. I hated what he had done, and pitied the people who once idolized him. I heard the stories; the torture, the drownings, the hangings. But until this visit I wasn’t able to fully understand the effect of his actions and how, in the process of his hatred, he was able to ruin all that is good in humanity. Just days before I’d arrived, the Humane Society raided a home where owners were suspected of being involved in dogfighting. Subsequently, 26 pit bulls were removed from the residence.
They sat only feet from me; some malnourished, some bleeding, others unable to walk to their doors. As I neared the cages, one male, white with black patches, attempted to come forward. A large, open wound consumed his backside while his head fell forward as he cowered at the sight of a human. As he hesitated to move toward me, I spoke gently, trying to mask my tears from the others walking past. I looked into his eyes, hoping that in some way he knew that life for him was just beginning.
As I mentioned before, previous plans were no longer possible. At first it seemed as though I’d be unable to serve in any way, but after careful consideration we found something that would help employees, these feeble creatures, and would keep me occupied…dishes and laundry. What can I say? I love to clean, and even if it wasn’t something I enjoyed (which it absolutely is), each time I pulled a towel from the dryer, or washed uneaten food from a stainless bowl, I thought about these poor creatures; trapped in puddles of their own urine and feces, unaware of life being anything but repulsive, and I was so glad to provide a clean space, just their own…safe, protected, peaceful.
The Humane Society has been “celebrating animals” and “confronting cruelty” for over fifty years. They investigate to ensure responsibilities are being met, they teach the public how to correctly care for our animal friends, they enforce the laws set surrounding these creatures, and for those animals scorned in the real world, they provide care in their rescue facilities, rehabilitation centers and mobile clinics. They’ve proven to be an incredible force in fighting animal cruelty, exploitation and neglect by confronting national and global issues such as dogfighting, cockfighting and canned hunts. Their focus, is to create a humane world for animals and humans alike.
As I write now, my chin quivers and tears fall to the couch below. For the first time since beginning this journey, I have left this “Purpose” angry, worn…broken. The people working here are relentlessly attempting to save the lives of so many, and I marvel at their ability to leave every night with images such as these burned into their thoughts, only to return the following day to the same horrifying conditions. Knowing that given the circumstances, these animals are in the best place at this time, I can’t help but leave incredibly saddened. Whether it was the oversized chains used to confine and strengthen the dog, or the scratched faces and torn coats, I’m not sure. This time however, the hurt is simply too great. It’s impossible for me to understand the kind of person who not only ignores the inherent rights of all living beings, but chooses to profit from encouraging the annihilation of many, destroying the good of the human spirit, something so many of us fight to uphold.
Though I leave Iowa heartbroken, I in no way regret spending time with the organization. Seeing firsthand the evil of which we’re capable, forces me to recognize the work yet to be done. We must never lose sight of reality. We must never become so absorbed with ourselves, that we neglect those who need us most.
I’m not certain how much longer they’ll live. I’m not certain they’ll ever know the gentle touch or the incredible love and appreciation felt by the animals in my life. I am certain that their days are improving. They were beaten, tortured and expected at any moment to give their lives for the hateful master that deprived them of goodness. And yet, they survived. Against all odds, they survived and somehow still hold the ability to accept strangers, and yearn for love. I’m hopeful families will make homes for these precious creatures, in their houses, and in their hearts.
These animals were saved, but so many remain encaged, mistreated; but a side show to the drug trafficking, gang violence and prostitution that accompanies them. I so very much wish that this post ended well. Unfortunately, this is not the case. What I can say is that 26 lives were saved, 26 animals are being healed, and 26 wrongs are now made right. This is what will help me fall asleep tonight…that, and the hope that good will indeed overcome evil, that with efforts and dedication, there will be fewer fights, and happier dogs.
