Last week I had the opportunity to attend the SPCA's "Brave Little Dogs with Big Hearts" fundraiser for the Jones County puppy mill pups. Puggie came from a puppy mill, so the second the bust hit the news, I had a very soft spot for these animals (as though I didn't have soft enough spots for every animal ever already).
Going to the event meant getting my hands on these little bundles of sweetness and trying to give them all the love and all the support they've been needing their whole lives but never getting. I had prepared myself for an emotional night, because even though they were two weeks removed from the mill, I knew that some would be visibly ill or injured and others (all) would be emotionally scarred. I promised myself I wouldn't cry, but I knew it wouldn't be an easy promise to keep. Let me recommend that you read Molly Stone's account of the puppy mill bust, because she made the same no-crying promise to herself when she went in as a first responder to the bust. (Molly is the SPCA of Wake County's animal behaviorist, and a miracle worker).
As I approached the building there was a volunteer out front with a white French Bulldog who acted as the event greeter. That pup was very well adjusted and starving for love - I, like everyone else entering the place, couldn't resist the chance to give her a rub down and some kisses. As soon as I walked away from her and entered the building, my eyes filled with tears. There were photo postcards of many dogs rescued from the mill, hung from clips on strings on the wall when you entered, and everyone was encouraged to take one of the photo cards home. I chose a Pug that looked so much like Puggie that I could feel the threat of tears and that awful burning in my throat immediately. But I really didn't want to cry because animals are so receptive to your emotions, and I came to support them, not stress them out.
I bypassed the food and drink and went directly for the first room I saw, which contained three Pugs. I went in and visited for a bit - they were a lively, playful bunch. I couldn't get good photos because there was never a point that they stopped moving. I think they were so happy to move around and play that they couldn't possibly stop.
Just across the hall was another room of Pugs (plus an adorable black Frenchie), and this group was much more subdued than the last. I sat for a long time and one of the Pugs (I realized after a while that it was the same Pug whose card I'd chosen on the way in) setup camp in my lap and wasn't moving. I didn't exactly want her to. She was a precious snuggle bunny and I loved every minute. Eventually I lured her from my lap and towards some other folks and I made my rounds to visit all the non-Pugs.
There were just over 60 pups from the mill at the event, divided into rooms of 3-7, mostly organized by breed. I visited each room and made sure I saw every sweet face, and believe me, they were all sweet faces. Some were scared, some were eager, some were happy...but they were all hopeful, and that's what really struck me. Only two weeks removed from the living hell they had likely never known a life outside of and they were hopeful. The SPCA of Wake County has done an amazing job - two thumbs WAY up to everyone involved.
I eventually landed back in the subdued Pug room, unable to resist Pug cuddles and kisses and snorts. I spent the rest of my time there trying to infuse as much love as possible into each pup. I couldn't help but think about my Puggie, who came from the same situation last year and all the volunteers and fosterers who poured their time, money, and love into her and the fantastic difference that it made. Sigh. The most rewarding part of the evening was when the most senior pug (see Ms. Grey Snout below) finally trusted me enough to let me pet her without cowering or lowering her eyes. And when LuLu (that's what I named Puggie's look-a-like) hopped out of my lap, Grey Snout jumped right up and took her place. Heart melter, folks. Heart melter.
I left with a full and happy heart, but I cried the whole way home. How anyone could ever treat these precious animals so badly is beyond me. I truly can't think of a punishment severe enough - but for now all I can think about are ways to raise money to rehab not only this round of rescues, but the next round, and the next round. I have many ideas in the chamber, but for now I've finally put all time excuses aside and signed up for volunteer orientation! I'm also still collecting donations and recruiting team members for the SPCA K-9 3K (please consider joining us!).
