UPDATE 4/06/08 on the 19 Seeley Collies Rescued in Upstate NY
Statement by AWCA President Jean Levitt
The Volunteers
Part 4
In our previous updates of March 16, 23, and 30, 2008 (see the Archives link below) you met volunteers "Gretchen", "Renata", and "Maureen". Today I introduce another volunteer who worked with the Seeley Collies and Dachshunds at the SPCA of Upstate New York located in Queensbury, from last fall until January 5 (see the January 13 report). As always, her real name will not be used.
"Dora"
Dora grew up with Lassie and always wanted Collies. She spent a number of years breeding and showing Collies successfully, winning the Smooth Collie Variety at Westminster in 1989. Later she worked for years with various rescue groups, local shelters, etc., finally reaching the "burnout" point. Though she hasn't owned a Collie for many years, she hopes someday to have the sable smooth boy she's always wanted.
This is her story:
"My heart sank as I heard those words "Collies in trouble". I listened and then tried to put the words out of my mind. "No, Dora, you're not getting involved -- been there done that." Another call.. updating me to the desperation of the situation. "OK, I'll help." The one saving grace in helping this time was I knew I could not bring anything home. Two Golden Retrievers (forgive me Collie friends) and a Welsh Corgi in new living circumstances would not enable me to even consider one of these dogs. I felt I could go without getting 'attached'.
"The Sunday I volunteered was a beautiful day. The ride over I kept going over past experiences with situations similar to this--not only with Collies, remembering similar circumstances.
"I arrived at the shelter early. As I pulled in, it looked more like an auto parts warehouse than a shelter. Except for the few runs off to the one side, it could have housed anything inside its walls. Reluctant to go in without the support of the other volunteers, but not being able to avoid the call of nature any longer, I asked a shelter worker who was bringing dogs in and out of the building to the outdoor runs, if I could use the facilities.
"I entered the building and the stench just about knocked me over! My first thought was, what COULD the bathroom be like! There were bags of dog/cat food lining the hallway. Fortunately the bathroom was acceptable, but holding my breath was definitely a useful thing.
"When the other volunteers arrived and we entered the building, I could not believe what I saw. I felt like I was on an episode of Animal Cops. There were dogs everywhere and the smell was progressively worse as you neared the dog rooms. Crates were stacked on top of each other. It looked like a warehouse with animals waiting to be shipped out to pet stores or laboratories! The noise was deafening.
"I was guided upstairs to the 'room' where the majority of the Collies were being held. We had to muddle our way through a huge pile of dirty laundry as the washing machine was broken. We went up a back staircase that gave you an aerial view of the main kennel room. It was even more frightening from above.
"The 'rooms' upstairs where the collies were crated were really hallways--no windows, dark and cramped. I wanted to leave right then and there. That little voice saying 'this is why you don't do this any more, Dora!'
"Instead I placed my lead on a petite white-factored rough sable. She had been shaved revealing the dry flaky skin and painfully thin body. She immediately climbed into my lap wagging her tail, looking at me with those eyes. As I am now doing reliving this, I had to fight back the tears that day. I quickly got her outside where she (and I) welcomed the fresh air, sunshine and the opportunity to relieve herself. I guess she didn't want to use their facilities either!
"I walked a sable-headed white rough male, a blue smooth, a tri female and then the sable smooth male -- uh-oh Dora -- a sable smooth male -- you're in trouble now! Well, to make a long story short, I still do not have my smooth sable male, but he does have a wonderful home. That doesn't make the thoughts of those remaining at the shelter go away.
"Because we feel the way we do about our beloved Collies or whatever breed of preference we have, we cannot forget that there is a whole shelter full of dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, birds, etc. that are experiencing the same life."
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Folks, we remain very concerned about the old gentleman, as well as the remaining Seeley Collies and Dachshunds held in crates at the SPCA of Upstate New York in Queensbury. We thank you for your continuing messages of concern for them all.
We often think of what might be. The old gentleman might be spending his twilight time of life in gentle comfort, basking in love. The sweet, cheerful Triplets might be romping in their own yard, or quivering with eagerness for their evening dinner and treats. All the Collies and Dachshunds might be enjoying sunshine and snow, and the first green signs of spring, in newfound freedom and caring homes. But those thoughts, it seems, are only dreams.
We think of all the efforts to bring about those happy endings, all the work, love, supplies and the thousands of dollars the Collie people and others dedicated to making these dogs' lives better, to no avail. We think of the unexplainable rejection of all those efforts, of all those hopes and homes for the Collies and Dachshunds.
In our report of February 17, Dr. Amy Nesselrodt, DVM, described the stress behaviors that can come about from long term crating. Besides the physical problems, she described circling, spinning, panting, pacing, excessive licking or other obsessive/compulsive disorders. She says that "Eventually the dog may shut down (extreme depression, lack of response, fearful posture with a dull, glazed expression, staring at nothing). This is the saddest state ever to see in a dog."
Are the remaining Seeley Collies now spinning in their little crates? Are they panting, pacing, licking their feet raw? Have they shut down, are their eyes glazed and dull and staring? When they see a human, do they still hope for love and freedom, or have they given up completely? Why are they still there, crouching in cramped, dark crates, numbly awaiting they know not what, after 173 days?
Calmly,
Jean Levitt
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