Friday, July 31, 2009

Back, finally

It must have been a bittersweet return to work for Toronto Animal Services staff. It probably felt good to be earning a pay cheque again but, on the other hand, it seemed as soon as the doors opened, people were lining up to leave behind animals.

The first dog that was brought in was for an owner requested euthanasia. The JRT was old and had been seizuring all night. It was time to say goodbye. Glad I wasn't there for that.

Shortly after that, Bach was brought back from his stay up at TAS north (more on him tomorrow).

The rest of the animals were dumped by their owners. Nine cats and three dogs today, I think, was the count. Some of the dumpers were crying. Why? Were they really expecting sympathy for tossing their pet so they could go move into a new condo?

Oh what a hard decision. Oh boo hoo. A new trendy downtown condo or kick out my dog? Oh boo hoo. It's just that the condo's got rules against dogs and it's such a beautiful condo. Overpriced just right and really trendy - not that I'm a follower of trends, but you know how it is. My friends will just gush when I invite them over for cocktails. I know. It's too bad, you don't fit the new condo weight requirements. I'm sure you would've had a great life there too. No hard feelings, right? It's hard on me, also, you know. Boo hoo hoo. I hope you don't get euthanized. Sniff, sniff. Oh look. Time to go. Gotta pick out some new curtains. I want sheer, really sheer. So sexy that way.

Phury, too big for the new condo:


Smokey, too expensive:


Smokey's a beautiful dog with a rich black coat. We're guessing he's a Doberman/Great Dane mix. He's come in with such a bad ear infection that his right ear is completely swollen shut internally.



You can see how scared he was in the video at having been abandoned. He was owner searching the whole time I had him out, peering at everyone in the far distance to see if his owner had come back for him and looking away disappointed and anxious every time. Yep, it was heartbreaking but hopefully he'll come around in a few days.

As for the dogs at Hamilton/Burlingon SPCA and other private fosters, they will be be brought back to TAS South over the next few days. There really wasn't much anyone could do today in that regard because city council didn't ratify the workers' contract until late in the day. It would have really sucked to have brought all the animals back in only to have to ship them out again if council hadn't approved the contract.

11 comments:

Michelle said...

That video is so sad.

Joanne said...

I hope the new condo is filled with roaches, silverfish, ants, spiders, mice and rats (well the rats are already moving in)... I hope the roof collapses and there is not enough in the reserve fund to fix it...I hope the ceiling in the underground garage collapses right on their dumbass heads. I hope the market tanks and they can never sell the thing and have to take a huge loss. What loyalty, what compassion...what wonderful human beings.......I hope karma repays them in kind... For a stinky-ass, cheaply-built, overpriced, the developer duped you sucker condo, this is the agony they create....

Heather B said...

I have a good feeling about both these big dogs. They have known love, sort of, and will do well with the right families.
I love them both already. Their ex-humans on the other hand..........

deakat said...

Phury is gorgeous! If I had room in my life for another big dog, I'd be there in a flash to see if he/she wanted to come home with me.

Smokey breaks my heart. I hope he finds someone who deserves his love and loyalty as soon as possible.

Social Mange said...

I'm in complete agreement with your comment about people who dump their animals because they're too freaking lazy, self-obsessed and selfish. Let's hope the animals find someone who truly loves them and puts their welfare first.

Marcie said...

That video really made me sad :( People are so F****** stupid. I'll never understand the people who don't keep their pets because of a move, I'd live in a box on the street before I gave my dog away.

Anonymous said...

If I were closer I'd come get Phury.

JennyB said...

I was doing some random googling because I can't sleep at 1am. I thought it would be nice to report that "Phury", now lovingly renamed Bear, has his forever home now with me. He has a nice big apartment that he shares with me and his brother, a collie cross. He has a huge fenced yard to play in with his extensive tennis ball collection. He and his brother have their own bedroom with a queen sized bed, though they opt to spend their nights in my room sharing my bed with me.

Phury/Bear is getting lots of love! As I write this he is laying beside me fast asleep!

Fred said...

Thanks, JennyB, for the update on Phury/Bear (I like Bear better too). Great to hear he's doing well and living up to his potential as a winter bed warmer.

Anonymous said...

smokey is one of the most beautiful dogs ive ever seen! so gorgeous, has he got a home yet?

Fred said...

Hi Anonymous, Smokey got a home about a week after going into general adoption.