Hello From HSSC !

Shelter Virtues - Faith came to the shelter in wretched condition - emaciated, dirty, vermin infested, wickedly long nails. Found in early summer collapsed near a trail, she had been long on her own. Ragged ears testified to viciously gnawing by insects; broken-down wrists indicated many miles of hard travel. Her weakened state challenged her continued survival. Perhaps as a puppy she had once been a typical gamboling, happy youngster of mixed Rottweiler and black/tan hound heritage. Whatever fate she suffered in her youth greatly compromised her well-being. Remarkably, she sensed safety in the people who found her, confidence in the man who transported her to the shelter, faith in the staff and volunteers who cared for her and about her. Hence, her name – Faith. If she would keep faith with us, we would do everything reasonably possible to help her. A promise is a serious oath not to be broken, and neither the dog nor those who now were concerned about her broke that faith. Hearts swelled when Faith thumped her tail the first time and every time thereafter. Caring arms held her gently and patiently when she dared climb into a lap. Tears threatened to spill when her lovely brown eyes followed us with trust. In a fairly short matter of time, Faith rallied. Eventually, a bath, a nail trim, some meds and good nutrition resulted in her marked improvement. Interest replaced listlessness. Her energy began to return. A sweet and docile personality emerged. Not long thereafter, Faith went home with her hero - the man in whom she had intuitively known to place her confidence and trust. Hope is what creatures like Faith find at the Eva Burrell Animal Shelter. Lost, bewildered and unwanted cats and dogs populate the shelter. Fortunately, they find good care with us and eventually a second chance. And, we are all about hope. Chance, the golden retriever shot in the head and left for dead, would agree. Sonny and Cher were found together tied to our front door so dirty and tattered that their gender and breed were barely discernable. However, their fate went beyond hope – it was a dream come true as they were happily adopted into the same home. Smokey came for a weekend and has stayed a lifetime in her forever home. Tiffany, our laundry madam, lived out her days with purpose and contentment. Velcro adhered to hope and now clings to his adoring owners. Whitney and her mistress, Emily, will grow up together. Our shelter tales/tails, mostly happy, go on and on - nearly 2500 of them over the past ten years. Because we are a “life-oriented,” shelter, every effort is put forth to find homes for these waifs. Humility is evidenced perhaps in many unsuspecting ways at the animal shelter. The HSSC board is ever grateful for the cooperation and confidence of our community. We are humbled by the steadfast dedication of our volunteers and supporters. However, the greatest humility finds expression in the animals themselves. Even the most rambunctious of dogs or the most aloof of cats will offer a gesture - the trusting glance of an eye, a timid wag of the tail, a shy lick on the hand, a softly murmured purr – a simple, honest gesture which conveys a grateful and quiet thank-you. Shelter animals boast no pedigree, but in no way is their magnificence diminished. Often they are a unique combination of many admirable inherited qualities, loyalty being foremost. The dignity of these animals who have endured loss, abandonment, fear, neglect and/or abuse is humbling. We are honored to have the opportunity to care for these modest champions of the heart.