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One of the hardest volunteer jobs I
ever did, was working with the S.P.C.A. "Society for the Protection and Care of Animals." A friend
of mine asked three of us to volunteer, to run an actual shelter. My husband and myself agreed to do our best.
This was all written up in the local Courier Post. Our South Jersey Paper. Also, this whole story was
also presented on TV, Channel 6 news. The present manager of the shelter, committed suicide in another state, which
left the shelter without proper guidance. Eydie, being his wife, decided she wanted to run the shelter and asked
for our aid. We went in without a penny, requested a new charter and our busy days began. We spent sometimes
20 hours per day, working with the animals. Cleaning... The place had been left a mess. Our only source of
heat was two kerosene heaters and it was January, freezing cold. The animals needed food, clean blankets
and most of all loving care. We worked our butt off cleaning every inch of the place, proud as a peacock when we fininshed.
We sent out letters introducing our new shelter and what we do for the animals. Donations started coming in.
We had to go once a month to Trenton to the main S.P.C.A. Head building. Which took us, with traffice over an
hour to get there, 2 hours, for the meeting and then home. It would be 2am in the morning before we all arrived home.
We had to be back in the shelter at 7am. Eydie was President, my husband John was Vice President, Chuck was Treasurer
and I was secretary. Yes that left me to do the minutes for each meeting. That is what you do after you put in
for a Charter, which is legal for who runs and operates the shelter. You must also be approved by the state of New Jersey,
finger printed, have no bad record,etc.. After all S.P.C.A. Agents, those who are qualified carry guns and have
law status, to answer complaints of cruelity to animals. I remember raiding a cock fight, it was the most scary,
yet fasinating experience, and yes you are trained by the State S.P.C.A before you can do this. As office manager
at the shelter, my job was to open up, feed all the animals, answer the phone, do bookwork, etc. All the food
that we had to use to feed the animals, was unbelievable. One thing I will never forget is when feeding the
dogs, I had to go in their cages, you had to close the cage door behind you, not to let the dog out. Well this one particular
dog was not friendly, and I locked myself in, I was all by myself. Panicking with this unfriendly dog, I tried
to get my hand through the fencing, injuring it, I screamed for someone to help me but not too loud to upset the dog.
Well that was to no avail, because no one was there but me. I had to wait until a custumer came in. When finally, someone,
a nice man walked in, its a public place so anyone is welcome when it is open. Scared to death, I murmered,
"Sir", "Sir", "would you please open the door, feeling some relief that someone was finally there. The man looked
at me in surprise, he could barely believe that a human being was actually locked in the cage. He opened the
door, after I instructed him and let me out. Phew! I was sweating, lol, the man said:
"Yes, I will buy you and take you home." I laughed said: "Thank you, but I am not for sale." What a
wonderful day this was going to be. One of the hazards of working at the shelter alone.



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This is "Bandit" my beloved dog,
who passed last year. Her spirit will always be with me.
I purchased Bandit at the "German Shepherd Rescue Center".
She was 3 months old, the first thing I did, was get her use to the car. Every where I went, Bandit went
too. Bandit was like my shadow, not only was she a loving dog, but also very protective. No
one would come near my car, when she was in it. I could go anywhere alone, as long as Bandit was there, nobody but nobody
would hurt me.
She knew when to be the big protector and when to be a normal loving dog. I
miss her with all my heart and soul. She was our dear companion for 9 years.
Her last trip was to Boston, we had a suite and she was welcomed. Little
did we know how sick she was, we thought she was getting old, a little tired, maybe arthiritic but never dreamed she was in
the pain and agony, until we took her to the vetinarians.
A cancerous tumor in her bowel. She had it so long
it was swollen like a tennis ball and burst.
We bought her back home to make the decision. She was in bad
shape. But we loved her so.
The next day, we took her to the vet. Where we held her, while the
Vetinarian gave her a shot to put her to sleep. We talked to her, holding her and rocking her, crying our hearts out.
We left her go in peace.
She was too good of a dog to let linger in agony. She is my pride
and joy.

In peace, she went to "Rainbow
Bridge". I believe all animals go there as a transition, then join our relatives who have passed into the spiritual
world.

This
is Luna.....This dog was layed on the steps of a veterinary clinic, lifeless, emancipated, chewed up. Not too much of
her body was left untouched. She is approximately 5 years old, a female who prime purpose was to breed as many babies
as she could. Then when she was no longer breedable, they put her in an arena for a dog fight. Dr. Quinn and all
their staff worked hard on Luna to save her life. They suceeded, they spent a month dressing her wounds, fattening her
up and when I received her, Luna was only 45 pounds. We can only guess what was done to her. Spending all that
time in the clinic, everyone fell in love with "Luna" and she became very social with people and animals. She
is still wary of strangers, she has to get to know you and will back off immediately if you have something in your hand.
She does not know how to play ball or any normal doggy things. That is my "Luna", we plan to give her plenty of love,
a good home, fatten her up a little and of course some discipline is necessary. My gratitude goes to Carol who
bought "Luna" to me.


Always had a dog in my life, we
decided since we are in our retirement years that Luna would be the last dog. It is taking time to get use to. It
can be very quiet with no sounds of doggy footsteps to greet you. Or when you wake up there is no anxious face looking
up at you.
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