photos by Jeff Harbin, Life of Riley Photography

Hope and Healing at the SPCA

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I was wary of visiting the SPCA from the minute we decided to feature the organization as one of this month’s volunteer opportunities. Let’s face it. We tend to protect ourselves from the often ugly side of life because we don’t want to feel sad or uncomfortable. I didn’t want to see animals suffering and had images in my mind like the ones you see in those heart-wrenching commercials on T.V.

So after swearing to my husband that I wouldn’t bring home ten dogs that needed me, I squared my shoulders and told myself to be brave. What I encountered was far from what I expected. The facilities at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are very clean and ordered. Every staff member was friendly and even joyful. I first met with Sheila Kiker, current president of the SPCA, and Janet Varlea, the executive director. I could immediately see and feel the love they had for the work they do every day and for each animal that they’ve rescued.

Growing up, Sheila wanted to be a veterinarian. Instead, she raised her children, went back to school and works full-time at the Veteran’s Administration by day. She spends the majority of her the rest of her time at the SPCA as a volunteer. She’s quick to tell me, however that even an hour or two from a volunteer would be a huge help.

Janet has worked for the SPCA for six years. She began her time as a volunteer and was hooked after she found herself laboring to save the runt from a litter of Rottweiler puppies. She ended up adopting that puppy (and still has her) and found that working at the SPCA fulfills her. “There’s nothing like the love you receive from a dog. They love you when no one else will. It’s the neatest love,” Janet tells me.

As the two women take me on a tour of the facility, they introduce me to each dog. We start with the smaller dogs and puppies, and then move on to the larger dogs and the cats. Janet has named every one of them. She knows details about each one, where they were found, how long they’ve been there and a little bit about their personalities - just like a proud mother. I talk to each one but keep my distance; visitors are discouraged from putting their fingers in cages, which works for me because I’m struggling to avoid tears as I see all those brown eyes staring at me.

And then I see him. His name is Joey, a Chihuahua mix that came to the SPCA after he was found starved nearly to death by his owners. As Janet tells me about him, I can’t help myself. I have to touch him. He’s a fragile little thing and cowers in the corner, shivering. I tell him I’m sorry and he comes over and lets me caress his neck and then his stomach. It is everything I can do not to cry. I desperately want to take him home with me but Joey will stay at the SPCA until he’s healthy and unafraid. “You don’t have to own a pet. It’s a privilege,” Janet says. “That’s what makes me mad when I see abuse cases.”

Puppies, small dogs and cats tend to get adopted pretty quickly but they have a few older, larger dogs that have lived there as long as five years. Big black dogs are the hardest to adopt out because people are threatened by them.

The SPCA is a no-kill facility and can house about 100 dogs and 40 cats at a time. They let animals live there until they can find a home. Every animal must be at least three months old and fixed before they are adoptable. Before someone can adopt, they fill out extensive paperwork. Janet and her staff feel that owning a pet should be looked at as a lifelong commitment. They want owners to know that they could possibly have their pet for at least 15 years. It’s not “just a dog” that can be easily disposed of.

Janet’s vision is for a larger sanctuary so the long-term residents can run and play outside instead of spending their time in a dog-run. She wants at least 20 acres for the sanctuary as well as a new building for sick animals and cats. Since the SPCA has long-term residents, they have high medical bills which are currently hurting their budget. In short, they need help. There are many ways volunteers can help from transporting animals to PetSmart for adoption to walking dogs. In the end, the biggest payoff you’ll receive is the look of gratitude you’ll see in each animal’s eyes.

YOU CAN HELP:
Walk and play with dogs
Bathe animals
Wash blankets
Do yard work
Pick up trash
Help at PetSmart
Maintenance work on facilities and pet cemetery
Fostering puppies and kittens
Taking care of cats (bathing and grooming)
Helping with adoptions
Sponsor a dog-run
Donating just $5.00 a month would make a difference

by Michele McAffrey

Born and raised in Amarillo, Michele enjoys cooking for her large family and spending time with them on the weekend.