SOS SaveOur Strays has been assisting homeless cats and dogs for 14 years. This is done primarily by Lisa and Roy Haynes who are “full time volunteers” and run the rescue from their small home in the mountains of Vermont . In addition to Local needy pets and strays, they have coordinated transports to save pets on “death row euthanasia lists” from over crowded Kill shelters across the country, then bring them to Vermont to find them homes. To date, August 1, 2009 over 3,000 animals have been placed into loving adoptive homes.

Many times people turn to Save Our Strays when there is no place left to turn to, like when the Humane officer will not help or when the larger Humane Organizations refuse to assist due to “jurisdiction or budget constraints.” The dogs that arrive at our door step are NOT Lassie or Rin Tin Tin. Most have unknown backgrounds and even the “owner surrenders” often have untreated ailments requiring medical care. And as you know, the vets do not provide free treatment.

Save Our Strays is often the “last resort” for pets that have been overlooked by other rescues. It is not uncommon for us take in the “hard luck cases” We have personally assisted heart-worm positive dogs, dogs with mange, strays hit by vehicles, a cat mauled by a wild animal, a cat with burns, and even a dog with a bullet wound!

Two examples:

Barney is a Saint Bernard who belonged to a neighbor who left him tied to a tree for years and neglected him. He did not receive proper nutrition and no shelter was provided. His owner refused to give him up. The reason he gave: ”The dog was his daughters dog and she loved him.”

Save Our Strays would regularly check on Barney and bring food and water and straw and even provided a dog house. Finally, the “owner” agreed to relinquish him to us. Within 48 hours Barney started to exhibit the symptoms of “bloat” (stomach torsion) and our vet was summoned. This of course was at the worst time – a Sunday night. The vet confirmed reason for concern and knew this was serious. He agreed to meet us in his office. Barney was examined, x-rayed and it was determined he needed emergency surgery. There was no vet tech so Roy was told to “go wash up.” At time of surgery, Barneys organs were already discolored and Dr. Determined he would likely not make it through – his out look for recovery was grim – but Barney had other ideas…. And the operation saved his life! Shortly thereafter Barney had another medical scare that resulted in removal of his spleen. Again, Barneys zest for life proved too much for that to keep him down! He recovered once again and is now enjoying his time as an “indoor dog.” He continues to remind his family how much better it is to enjoy Life on a couch than Life on a chain. And every now and again our vet jokes and affectionately asks how the “million dollar Saint Bernard” is doing?

We learned of Stanley the Cocker/Mix In the midst of last years harsh winter when we were contacted regarding a deplorable situation. Three dogs had been abandoned in a steel shed with little food, no window or insulation. By the time Animal Control Officer responded to the complaint he discovered one dog dead lying in frozen feces and two malnourished remaining. One of the remaining dogs was blind.

The local “Humane Society” accepted the more healthy Doxie Mix but refused Stanley , the elderly and blind cocker mix. Save Our Strays to the Rescue! Stanley was obviously suffering from eye problems. We did not hesitate to take Stanley in and give him a fighting chance.

Visits to two different vets determined 11 year old Stanley was suffering, (much of which was preventable had his owners treated him properly) He had severe cataracts, advanced glaucoma, and ulcers to the eyes due to excess hair growth and living in feces. His eyes bulged due to excess pressure build up and they had actually hardened or “marbleized” allowing for no moisture but left much pain and caused the little dog migraine headaches. If Stanley stood any chance of a good life in the future, both eyes would need to be surgically removed – a costly operation.

Two vets conferred and they both agreed to relieve the pain both Sanley’s eyes would have to be removed. We were not comfortable with the thought of removing his eyes, but thought it was best for Stanley. The operation and recovery went smoothly. After much persistence and expense – we were able to find him a loving home.

Although Stanley is totally blind, he has adapted well to his new home and surroundings. He is thriving with his new family and even has an unexpected new friend – a goat! Barney the Goat (no relation to Barney the Saint Bernard in the first story J ) wears a bell so that Stanley can follow him around the property and they are often seen playing together.