What if there were no Lincoln County Animal Shelter that folks could visit? I felt this as never before on Saturday afternoon. The thought is always with me, but seeing older rescued animals go to their forever homes and one blind beagle being taken home with a loving family, it reminds me that our shelter is a Lincoln County treasure.
On Saturday a bottle-feeding gray squirrel, held by Shelter Manager Betsy Pratt, was gently patted on the head by children and adults alike. This wee baby is one of over a dozen tiny gray squirrels rescued by the shelter this spring.
Among other rescues are five infant ground hogs, three baby red squirrels, and several flying squirrels. These babies are being cared for by staff, volunteers, and a shelter board member.
Miles, a 7-year-old lab/shepherd mix, spent the past year and a half in another shelter before coming to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter. The sweet boy went home Saturday and his enthusiasm as he jumped into the car brought tears of joy from the staff. Thankful tears were shed by those of us who watched Miles’ glad goodbye as his loving person took him home.
Hank went home next. He is a 12-year-old lab that came in as a stray. He was never claimed. Saturday was a new beginning for this old boy. His flying tongue made it seem as if he could almost taste the good times to come. A loving home with three younger dogs that he has met will give him new life as he lives out the rest of his years safe and loved.
Blind Gracie, a 5-year-old beagle, went forever home. The amazing thing is that her sight seemed to return as she spotted her new family car and, wagging her tail, tried to jump into the front seat.
With a little help she made it and her new mom, Amanda, got in beside her, then held her in her lap. Special-needs animals need special families and those that have adopted some of the shelter’s less fortunate have received such love from them that their own lives have been enriched beyond measure. They know. The animals know. I believe all adopted animals know they are going home to special rooms and yards of their own forever.
Another special-needs animal I met on Saturday was oh-so-beautiful kitty Kotori. Kotori is a year-and-a-half-old spayed young lady. Her beautiful self greeted me when I opened her cage and petted her. She purred and gently nibbled my hand.
She is a tiger cat with a white chin and paws. Her right front leg is disfigured but she gets around fine, uses her litter pan, and is the sweetest kitty. Oh, please, someone come for dear Kotori. Of course, she has to be an inside cat and has not been tested with other cats or dogs.
Thanks to all who visit and bring love to our wonderful shelter.
