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Holiday Issue 2005
Tributes
Shhhhh Elves at Work!
Okay, we caught you red handed, and all the while you probably thought what you did would go unobserved. We saw the newspapers neatly stacked by the door, the dog and cat food left on the front bench, little toys left in the cages for the kittens and puppies to play with, and we saw the dogs and cats munching away on treats you doled out to them ..... and you thought all the time we didn't notice. We have names for people like you, "TLC Elves". You set out about doing your work swiftly and quietly, never asking for any special thanks, just a purr from a cat or a wag of a dog's tail is reward enough as far as you are concerned. All you want to do is make things nicer for the animals, during their stay at TLC.
Even though some of "TLC Elves" live too far to come to the Shelter, they worked their "magic" in other ways. The monetary donations that these "elves" sent in helped keep the doors of the Shelter open, for so many animals in need. There were more times than I wish to remember when finances were so bad, we worried ourselves sick wondering how we would manage to keep the Shelter afloat. We despaired over how we would manage purchasing the medications and vaccines we needed for the cats and dogs, let alone be able to afford their day to day care, while all the while the bills kept pouring in. Many a restless night was spent tossing and turning, wondering where could we turn, then, as if an answer to a prayer, an unexpected donation would arrive in the mail, alleviating some of our financial woes.
With the holiday season upon us, it is this time of year that makes us think even more about what special friends you are. Friends that really care, and have shown it in so many ways. Regretfully, we don't often get to tell you just how we feel, and how grateful we are for all you have done for the animals at the Shelter.
As I sit here writing, I pause momentarily to gaze out the window, I notice the frigid winds blowing the limbs on the trees, but inside the shelter there is a certain peace and tranquility that envelops everything here. As I look around I notice the dogs and cats relaxing. Some of them are eating at a leisurely pace, they seem to sense there will always be plenty of food for them at TLC, and they won't have to face another day of hunger, nor will they have to ever have to suffer anymore from the bitter cold. The puppies are sleeping, and a few of the kittens are quietly at play. All the animals are quite content doing things that they would be doing if they were at home. Your concern and generosity for the animals at the shelter, has made TLC home for these otherwise forgotten and cast aside cats and dogs.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our "TLC Elves" for all that you have done this past year for the Shelter, and especially for the joy you have brought so many animals and families like the Majewski's. We may not always get to thank you, but we want to let you know how much we appreciate what you have done, and we do notice!
We wish you and yours a joyous holiday season and may the New Year Bring you the very best!
The Majewski Family's holiday message simply stated
"Thanks for making our family complete."
You may have remembered this little guy from the story in Shorty's Shelter news the holiday issue 2003. This was one of six puppies that had been tied up in a burlap bag and left for dead. Fortunately the pups were saved from certain death and brought to TLC, where they all found good homes.
Here is our baby boy that we adopted from TLC. He is the joy of our household, and a very spoiled puppy. He loves everyone, canine friends and human, alike! He loves the park and pond at the end of our block, and loves to swim and splash. No trouble giving him a bath, he won't get out of the tub without a fuss. He loves our rottie, Bella, and they play all day. He always has to be touching someone and loves to snuggle and sleep on us. He has many canine friends and loves all the dogs in the neighborhood, the dogs take turns playing at each others houses. He is a happy little character, and for such a cruel beginning Bogie has a great happy ending in his forever home with us. Thanks for the chance to take him into our hearts and home.
Sincerely,
The Kopecky Family
Doc's Sad Tale:
Doc was one of the saddest looking dogs we have ever had at TLC and also one of the sweetest. We only wish we knew what happened to Doc. His long floppy ears were full of scars, not the type of scarring that would have come from being in a dog fight, these scars were straight not jagged as if someone had intentionally sliced his ears with a razor blade. There was also 2 deep v's cut out of the ends of his ears, that were still in the process of healing, when we got him. Somebody had obviously tortured this poor dog, no wonder he looked so frightened. Your heart would melt when his soulful eyes looked at you, and then his little tail would start to wag, as he seemed to plead, will you adopt me and take good care of me?
Several people showed an interest in Doc, but there was one woman in particular that looked at the little dog and wept. She sensed the suffering he must have gone through, and she also saw his heart of gold. Doc had won her heart and she adopted him, vowing that he would never suffer again as long as he lived, she would see to it.
Dumpster Kitties:
We tend to be a throw away society, but some people carry it to the extreme. The kittens pictured below were found in a dumpster. If their pathetic cries had gone unheard, they would have been crushed by the garbage truck when they came to pick up the refuse!
Sadly this is not an isolated incident, we have had several cases like this not only this year but in previous years also. How anyone could do anything so demented is unimaginable. Fortunately for these kittens, were saved and brought to TLC, where they were adopted out to people who will love them and give them a good home.
Nearly blind she was thrown out on a country road:
The owner loaded the little dog up in the car and took her for a ride out in the country. It was a remote rural area where the little mixed Chihuahua was dropped off left to fend for herself, as the car sped off. I am sure the poor little dog must have thought there must be some mistake! Nearly blind in one eye and poor vision in the other, without food or water and just acres and acres of fields without a house in sight. She was scared to death! Fortunately a passing motorist on the little traveled road spotted the dog and picked her up. She was brought to TLC where she found her forever home.
Battered and Abused:
Her husband had never professed to be an animal lover, but he was gone much of the time with his job, so the woman did not think it would be a problem to take a kitten from a litter a friend of hers had. When her husband was home he seemed to delight in teasing the kitten. As the kitten grew the teasing turned to tormenting. Although the woman protested loudly, her husband paid no attention to her and soon the tormenting turned into down right abuse. The final straw came, when her husband threw the cat against the wall. She knew she had to get the cat out of the house before he ended up killing it so she brought it to TLC. We assured her we would get her cat a loving home and we did.
Thanks to all of you who helped make it possible to change the lives of these animals, animals that didn't stand a chance. You are an important part of our team as we work together to save these animals, and on behalf of all of them we wish to extend our deepest thanks.
We want to thank each and every one of you who have made a contribution to the Bertha Fund this year. Because of your generous response, we have been able to help more animals than ever before, that were in need of more extensive medical help. Several successful eye surgeries were performed, forty three cases of heart-worm were cured, several cases of mange were treated, and other various health problems all because you cared!
We know in the New Year will bring additional animals in need of more extensive medical care, and as a team we can provide it. Your donation, does make a difference, many of these animals would not be alive today if it were not for your benevolence. On behalf of all the animals whose lives you helped save we wish to thank you.
One of the heartworm dogs that was saved because of you. Photo courtesy of Sandi O'Brien
Your discount book with numerous coupons for fine dining, informal dining, amusements, and goods and services. Also makes a nice gift and a good stocking stuffer for Christmas. The cost of the book is $25.00 which will pay for itself in just a couple of uses. We can ship one to you for an additional $5.00, and $3.00 for each additional book thereafter if they are all going to the same address.