My First Day - Meeting Marty

It was a very, very cold day. My mom and dad and I drove up to the SPCA emergency shelter to help walk the dogs. There are over 40 husky mixes who were saved from a bad owner who did not take care of them. They all needed to be walked. We started with the shy girls named Bettina, Hope and Nanouk. They were very happy to go outside even though they were skinny and it was cold. Some of the dogs were very nervous and didn't like being outside. It was very sad to see them so scared. Some of the dogs like Arnold and Lola loved going for walks and liked to chase old coffee cups. The most fun though was meeting Marty. Marty is a big goofy golden retriever mix that loves to hug. He didn't even want to walk just hug.This was my first day ever helping with the rescued dogs at the shelter. We stayed for over 4 hours. It was cold and I am sad that the dogs do not have a home but it was fun to see all the dogs. My dog Ginger had a mean owner who left her tied to a tree in a snowstorm without any food. She is still a little bit scared. I am glad we adopted her.

Note: These dogs were seized in late December from a hoarder who wants them back. They were tied to trees and many are emaciated. Some are very timid and fearful, some are a little aggressive with other dogs and others are very well adjusted. A court date is set for February 8. Until that time the dogs cannot be adopted out and must be kept in cages. They need as many volunteers as possible to help socialize and walk these poor dogs. Some really dedicated people show up as much as 3 times a week but it takes over 7 hours to walk all of them even if only for 15 minutes each. CK

Update: The owner released them to the SPCA and all have gone to fosters, rescues or have been adopted.