It is a known fact that 2020 has been a year that will go down in history. In the past eight months people have been forced to change not only the way they see things, but also the way they do things in order to protect themselves and others in an effort to stop the spread of COVID.
Many jobs were lost, or workers were forced to stay at home. But others, who have become known as frontline workers or “essential workers” have carried on in their daily activities, pushing through in an effort to save lives and keep America up and running.
The Kennett Humane Department is one of the places that has to keep going because even during the COVID pandemic, some decided their house pets didn’t fit into their future plans and they abandoned them, leaving some to die and others to starve.
In the past few months, Kennett Humane Officers Tena Petix and Kayla Gozell have responded to calls where the caller reported animals being abandoned in homes, after the owners moved away, leaving them locked inside with no way to retrieve food or water, or an escape route.
But instead of seeing the negative aspects of this situation, Officer Petix is praising the people who have stepped up during these difficult days and remember that KHD is still in need of donations, rescues and adoptions.
“Recently, we have responded to a few locations where dog owners just up and moved, abandoning the animals and leaving them inside to die,” Petix stated. “When we got on scene to one home, we discovered one dead, and several others close to the brink of death.”
In these situations the dogs are in very poor condition. And in order to truly save them, it takes far more than just food and water. “These types of situations are horrible,” Petix stated. “The dogs had no way of going outside, so of course, they went inside, in the same area where they were sleeping and forced to live, if you want to call it that. They of course, had feces in their hair, which is all mangled, and they are infested with fleas and heart worms too,” she added.
Petix said the first thing they have to do is get the animals in to the see the veterinarian. “The animals we picked up recently are all in need of vet care,” Petix said. “They were in terrible shape. I just can’t understand how people can take off and leave these animals with no way to even get out and attempt to find food. They left them to die,” Petix added.
Even in the midst of all of these terrible situations, Petix says that it’s the people who reach out, wanting to help, that show her that even during some of the darkest days, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“We had an anonymous donor to contribute $2,300 to help us out recently. And it’s only because of people like this, that we are able to save as many animals as we do,” Petix stated. “We are so thankful and grateful for all of our supporters and for those who continue to help us.”
The KHD is working closely with the local police department and prosecutors to hold pet owners accountable for crimes against animals as well. “We will do everything within our power to ensure those who commit crimes, such as abandoning a house full of dogs, see their day in court,” Officer Petix stated. “And, we are so blessed to live in a community where people do not stand for crimes against animals. We are thankful people watch out for these animals who can’t speak for themselves, and they call us to report concerns.”
KHD is always looking for rescues and those who wish to adopt, but the pandemic made it extremely difficult to transport the animals due to area restrictions, therefore, they were unable to move the animals for a period of time.
Currently, KHD is going strong. “We are always needing donations,” Petix said. “Because every animal is in need of vet care and we provide food, toys and treats, blankets and chew toys for those we house. We are always having to restock. So, it’s a never-ending cycle. We just pray that our supporters know we are still going strong and we are still working hard to save every dog possible, therefore, we need their help.”
In addition to caring for dogs that are homeless or those that are turned over to KHD, the Kennett Humane Department is also very active in helping lost pets find their owners as well. With a booming Facebook page, KHD utilizes their connections to share pictures and information on lost or missing pets.
“We want to thank each and every KHD supporter,” Petix said. “You are the reason we are able to do what we do. No donation is too little. Each and every person who has contributed is a hero in our eyes. Because of you, no animal goes without.”
If you would like to learn more about how you can contribute to help feed, or how to donate items for those at KHD, visit the Kennett Humane Department Facebook page. They also have a link for PayPal if you are interested in contributing to vet care, so that you can send your donation directly to the Veterinarian.