The
Springfield Humane Society is dedicated to improving the quality of life
for
animals by providing protection, compassionate care and adoption services
for homeless animals. Through public education, we advocate for
a humane
community by promoting responsible pet ownership and prevention of cruelty
to animals.
Who
Are We? The
SHS is a small, progressive animal welfare organization working out of
Springfield, Vermont. We operate a small Shelter handling dogs, cats,
rabbits
and other small companion animals numbering 350-400 a year. Animals
are only
euthanized if a veterinarian deems them too ill to humanely save or if
their behavior
would be a hazard to the community.
We
strive to solve problems before animals have to end up at the Shelter,
using
creative solutions to individual and area wide problems.
The Princess Fund comes
to the rescue once again.
The Discarded Beagle
He was left
off at the Londonderry dump as if he was so much trash. The kind
owner(s) did leave him his dirty old bed for comfort until someone showed
up
to help him. He was seen hanging out there for “a couple of days”
by neighbors.
The individual who found him felt they could not do right by the old
dog so he
came to our Shelter.
The veterinarian said he is about 8 years old, give or take. Shelter
staff named him
Fergus. Unfortunately Fergus had some serious dental issues going on,
which left
unattended much longer would cause him more than just pain. Dental problems
allowed to continue unabated will cause damage to various internal organs
from
heart to kidneys. Ultimately this can shorten an animal’s life.
Fortunately
Fergus ended up at Springfield Humane Society where his dental issues
have been addressed so that his physical pain could end and his life
vastly improved.
He needed six teeth
removed, the rest cleaned and he was on antibiotics to prevent
further infection.
Unfortunately
the bill was high despite all the help our vet gives us. Beyond the
cost of
the dental work, which is a few hundred dollars, Fergus was also cryptorchid,
which
means one of his testicles had not dropped and the vet had to “go
in” for it making it
more surgery and cost. So Fergus was an expensive dog for us to rehabilitate.
However, we
at SHS look at each animal as the individuals they are, not as a potential
burden to our budget. Our mission is to prevent their suffering and
find them responsible
new homes. For Fergus we just could not look into those deep brown Beagle
eyes and tell
him he had to die just because he is a little older and needs some expensive
dental work!
So we looked into his eyes and said “Fergus sweet boy, you have
to make a trip to the vet
and then we’ll find some lucky human to spend the rest of your
life with. You are NOT trash
– you are a wonderful dog who will never be discarded again.”
Such expenses
for “above and beyond” medical care come from our Princess
Fund. Learn
more about the Princess Fund .
