Taking a Stand Against Cruelty

Taking a Stand against Animal Cruelty
Laura L. Mckelvey

A 3-4 month old Australian shepherd mix named Mailin was lucky when a PAWS employee walked away from the shelter, towards Covington Highway to collect trash thrown out by motorists. He found Mailin crumpled on a small white blanket with nothing to eat, drink, or contain him. He presumed that Mailin was dead and flagged down a vet tech to help recover the body. Indeed, Mailin was alive. He didn't need a leash or a crate to keep him from wandering because he had been starved to the extent that he could not stand or bark. Mailin could have easily gone unnoticed on that hot July day, but instead he was brought straight to the clinic for IV fluids and testing. The PAWS Atlanta vet techs and staff gave him around the clock attention for days. Finally, he could meander around the room, hold up his head, and even let out a few barks. Mailin is growing in strength and with everyone’s attention and efforts he will be available for adoption in a couple weeks.
Animals come from all over the place to be sheltered and cared for by the PAWS Atlanta staff. Some of them are transferred from local animal control facilities that are always full and under constant pressure to take in more animals. Others are found as strays or surrendered by owners who have lost everything and can no longer care for their pet. It is always heartbreaking to hear the lonely howls of the homeless dogs in their cages, but the pets that suffer from acts of animal cruelty are always the most difficult to wrap your mind around. These two dogs have shown courage and forgiveness when it seemed impossible to have either. They have a lot to teach us about moving forward and enjoying life.
It is because of our volunteers and donors that PAWS Atlanta is able to reach out to these pets. The shelter is sustained by your generosity, but the number of animals that need our help seems to be growing. Please consider making a donation to PAWS Atlanta today, or come out to the shelter to meet Mailin and some of our other critters looking for a family that will love them forever. By doing either of these things you are taking an active role in saving lives in your community.