Star of the North Animals
June 2005
ARLO was ADOPTED
Star of the North is always in need of cash donations to continue providing a safe haven for the 100 animals that call SOTN home on any given day. If you have been considering donating to a good cause the time is now. Remember- its not too early to think about next year's tax returns- donations are deductible!
July 2004
Jigs Jigsy is a 2-year-old neutered male is now back. A dog had attacked his mother while she was nursing and her back was broken. She had to be put down but her offspring lived on due to the efforts of several kind souls. Jigsy is afraid of dogs and small children but loves to be held and given attention.
And remember, if we show kindness, we receive more in return
March 2004
Star of the North Humane Society resident dog Lucky shared a special story with me in the hopes of finding wonderful homes for himself and 2 of his friends. Here is his story…
“We once were used to pull sleds across vast areas, proudly racing against the wind. It was a good life. But one day things changed. No more food was put into our dishes, no more warm water or straw in our doghouses. A dead cow was drug into our area, our stomachs growled until we shuddered off our feet and hit the ground. None of us could reach the frozen meat; the chains were too short. We just laid down on the ground and closed our eyes, trying to imagine what it would taste like…”
“The air cut into our lungs like a knife, twisting and turning. Our stomachs were empty and shriveling because we had not had a meal for as long as I can remember. Some of us wouldn’t last long, their bodies were skeletons with skin stretched over it. The chains around our necks once cut in but now no longer choked us unless the people came out and tightened them. I don’t understand why- we couldn’t run anymore.”
“Someone made a phone call, a life saving appeal for mercy, humanity and compassion. People came and carried us all away to a place where we were treated gently and fed often. They would point at us, with worried looks on their faces saying they were surprised we could stand up. We needed care for a long time. Some of us never made it… they remained still forever, but some of us survived. We would like to get out of these cages we have lived in for so long, and into one of those home places we have only heard of, dreams of hugs all day, food and kind words until the day we grow old and finally sleep forever, happy.”
This is the story of 17 husky and husky mix dogs who were seized from a owner by the court system after many months of investigation. The dogs were neglected, starved, dehydrated and not shown any love or kindness. Lucky, White Fang, & Myra are the last 3 dogs from this rescue that still need homes. These dogs are timid when you first meet them- understandably so. But once they know that you mean no harm, they want only your love.
As I was sitting in my living room looking out the window today, I realized that winter has once again won the battle over a warm spring. I was reminded that all our outside pets and livestock still need the protection of a good shelter; warm straw bedding or an insulated dog house to survive these continuing winter days. Plenty of good quality food and warm water will help them maintain the body fats needed for warmth. Sometimes we forget that our wish for a warm summer is a far cry from what Minnesota’s weatherman has in store for us
Cinnamon is (ADOPTED) a dog that really pulls at my heartstrings! She came into the shelter last April, terrified of everyone. She came on a cold and rainy day, abandoned at the shelter in the night. She was scared and shook with fright. She was also pregnant, and gave birth to puppies at the shelter. Some of her babies died. The ones that made it have already been placed in loving homes. Cinnamon has either been debarked or is unable or unwilling to bark. She keeps her kennel very clean, and the shelter feels she would even be happy in an apartment. Cinnamon has been through so much trauma in her little life. She is easily frightened by loud noises and is unsure around new men. They report that she no longer crouches in terror when a hand is lifted to her, and does not seem so timid as she used to be. Cinnamon would be best with a calm, patient and quiet woman or older couple to work with her.
And
remember, love can journey many miles before it comes home!
Summer 2003
A little kitten came into their shelter on a Sunday afternoon with severe injuries. The kitten appeared to be about 7 weeks. She endeared herself to the staff with her loud purring despite her obvious injuries. Her back leg was partially missing and her front leg and neck were injured. This frail little angel purred when caressed in the arms of those that could not bear to see her pain. She was taken to a vet. They first thought about amputating the leg because it would have been a quick fix but later decided to try and save the remaining leg that this little darling had. With constant care, bandaging, medication and love, the baby seemed to be improving into day 7. This little being had been attacked by a much larger animal, causing the terrible injuries. On day 8, the foster caretaker was brought to tears when she found the little baby lying curled in a restful position, forever. The baby had passed in her sleep leaving behind warm memories and encouragement to try no matter what the odds might be. Sometimes in a shelter, there are stories that are not a success; sometimes the animals pass after trying to regain a normal life despite the odds. These are the animals that are hardly known to anyone, except those left behind to cry the tears for them and the legacy of memories of how strong a will can be. In doing the job that shelter workers do, sometimes an angel comes along that reminds them just how fragile a life can be and to make sure that those that are left behind are found good, loving homes.