WORK DAY AT PAT'S

August , 3, 2003

Hi, all, Here is the Shutterfly link to the pics I took yesterday at Pat's.

http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jspi=67b0de21b325465184e5

I do apologize that the pics are so haphazard. I didn't really
concentrate on getting photos of everyone involved - just picked up the
camera when it seemed a good idea, so I know I missed a lot. But the work
everyone did really shows - made me proud! Thank everyone for all your
work - yesterday and before on behalf of our husky friends.

Lou

J.R. "Rudy" Cunningham, Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 , made the ruling Monday morning, releasing the dogs to the Christ-Yoder Animal Shelter/Adoption Center (CYASAC) in Buchanan Dam. An overwhelming response from the husky rescue community led to optimism that all the animals would have another chance.

The JP said it was a "sad case" for 29 Siberian Huskies found in a small home at 3353 Nevada Ave. and for their owner, William Hamilton. The man may have been "well-meaning," but was unable to care for animals, said the judge. Hamilton, who was arrested by the Llano County Sheriff's Department Wednesday (July 23), was visibly shaken at the news that he had lost all his dogs permanently.

The owner was a familiar site, offering Husky puppies for sale in and around the parking lot of the HEB (huskies were "pedaled behind his bike in a homemade cage.") on RR 2900, but, it was neighbors who finally took pity on the large number of malnourished animals at his home. Twenty-nine dogs were removed from the Hamilton house, which reportedly does not have running water (and hasn't for sometime). Three animals were taken away by a relative and two escaped. Of the 24 taken to Christ-Yoder Shelter Wednesday, five were young puppies and 19 are adult or juvenile dogs.

"We asked Judge Cunningham to immediately release the animals so that they could be adopted," said Linda Christ, volunteer manager of the CYASAC and vice president of the HCHS/SPCA. Holly Griffith, CYASAC office coordinator, took inquires from rescue organizations (after sending out an e-mail plea for help to the Husky community) in Austin, Houston, Garland, El Paso and even Seattle, WA, (where they refer to the dogs as the "Texas 24"). All but three of the dogs went to the experienced rescue groups. An 8 week old puppy and two 5 month old puppies were adopted into homes.

Skeet Steffy, HCHS/SPCA president, spent the day Thursday contacting legal authorities in his role on the CYASAC manager's team. The dogs, none weighing more than 35 pounds, were examined by Toby Tanner, shelter supervisor, and separated to reduce pack behavior. Christ, who is an Appointed Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator, described their dehydrated and starved condition as "pathetic." She viewed the residence from the street, observing the several small wire cages there were "inhumane" and the space for 24 medium-size dogs was "totally inadequate."

She said in her opinion of abuse and neglect to the JP court, the defendant "should be punished to the full extent of the law." The judge's ruling pertained only to the defendant's fitness to own dogs and he was remanded to the Llano County Jail on the cruelty charge. He already is liable for owner-surrendered fees of $55 for each adult animal and $10 for each puppy, a total of $1,095.

"It was fortunate, Christ said, that the owner did maintain heart worm treatment for the dogs, even though unable to afford complete veterinary care. The adult dogs were all tested for heartworms and found negative. Most of the adult dogs were collared and all the dogs were identified by name by Hamilton who assisted in their transportation to the shelter. Treatment for malnutrition, intestinal worms was provided.. The most poorly socialized and fearful of the group will have to go to rescue facilities, according to Ruth Miller, lead animal care technician.

Potential adopters must meet certain requirements and realize that these dogs have special needs for patience and training, according to a news release from the shelter.

"I really don't know what we'd do without you (CYASAC)," said one Sheriff's Deputy to Humane Society officers at the Monday hearing.

"We've worked closely with them (CYASAC)for years, and appreciate what they do," said Judge Cunningham.
The Huskies placed Christ-Yoder Shelter at double the normal and manageable capacity, and temporarily suspended their owner-surrender program. Donations are requested for towels, blankets, Frontline/Capstar flea treatment, healthy dog treats or financial assistance. All the animals at the shelter can be viewed on the CYASAC website: www.christ-yoder.org or at the shelter, 9150 Hwy 1431 in Buchanan Dam. The facility is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The phone number is 512/793-5463.

"The majority of animals here are strays people bring in to us," said Griffith, who explained that, as an open admission shelter, CYASAC accepts all strays (without charge although donations are needed and appreciated) from Llano and Burnet counties. Owners who surrender their own family pets must pay an owner surrender fee of $55 per adult dog/cat and/or $10 per puppy/kitten in a litter. Over 2000 animals come into the shelter per year.

The internet yields general information for the prospective husky owner. Members of the breed range from 20 to 23 inches and from 35 to 60 pounds. Weight is in proportion to height and varies according to the sex of the dog. Huskies have little or no "doggy odor." Their coats shed dirt, and Siberians clean themselves like cats, making bathing requirements minimal. One husky club claims that people who are allergic to dog hair can often tolerate Siberians, but all sources warn that twice a year Siberians "blow" their undercoats. That is, they shed their considerable undercoats completely.

The Siberian Husky was originated by the Chukchi people of northeastern Asia as an endurance sled dog and herd animal who could live closely with families. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Siberian Husky characteristically is friendly and gentle, but also alert and outgoing. Another source says Siberians are gregarious and need plenty of company to prevent loneliness and boredom.

Huskies love to run and a fenced-in yard is o f the utmost importance, according to the AKC. Ideally, they would chose to live outdoors, most sources agree. They can tolerate extreme cold, and surprisingly, do not suffer (too badly) in hot weather. They need a dry, draft-free shelter in Winter and shade in Summer.

"A person who feels a dog should lie quietly in a corner except when obeying a command would probably not be happy with a Siberian Husky," says one internet source. " For someone who enjoys a fun-loving, boisterous companion and who doesn't mind a little back-talk, the Siberian is perfect.

Contrary to the popular notion, most outdoor dogs will not get sufficient exercise on their own, so even a dog that has the run of the backyard should be taken out several times a week and should have daily play periods with the family."

All breeds and ages of dogs and cats pass through the CYASAC, and strays are housed a (minimum of 5 days) before becoming available for adoption. Dogs now housed range from a tiny Cairn Terrier to a Great Dane. The local humane society asks that potential adopters seriously consider the responsibility that can stretch into 16 years and thousands of dollars before bringing home a pet. The shelter will help with information about the kind of dog you are considering and an evaluation of your circumstances and your home. By law the adopted pet must be spayed or neutered.