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Dee Blair: The View From Sunnybank

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June 12, 2011

The View From Sunnybank: Pondering fur coats

By DEE BLAIR Local Columnist

I'm on my hands and knees, sniffing around tall Asian lily stems to thin out their offspring, which pop up around them like whiskers. It's a boring task, so I often space out as I find, remove, toss, repeat.

Today, though, I ponder distressing news as I work. The Cherryland Humane Society is dangerously close to dying of monetary starvation. Lately, donations -- its lifeline -- have been way down.

I love that organization. Once, many years ago, the humane society rescued Fred, an abandoned 8-week-old puppy who was a beautiful combination of cocker spaniel and collie. They scrubbed him clean, wormed and inoculated him, then tied a tiny red bandana around his neck. We were chosen, actually, as he sat on the cement floor and studied us with a long, quiet look I got to know very well.

Fred had many talents, but one stood out. He read my mind. When I called, mentally, he came. Every time.

We often went on long forest walks. He loved to sniff the news, but never allowed more than a 100-foot separation: a tether that was almost tangible connected us.

We created a game. I'd sneakily scramble up a tree and wait. A minute later Freddie would stop in mid-sniff, notice I'd vanished, and happily begin searching. As a pup the hunt was haphazard; as an adult his nose eventually led him to bark up the right tree. I'd shinny down, laughing, while his plumed tail wagged.

Water fascinated Fred. He'd stand chest-deep and gaze into it thoughtfully, but never swim.

When I was sad he'd put a paw on my lap, and press against me without comment.

He taught me patience, and showed me what unconditional love meant. When Joe was gone so much during medical school and residency, Freddie was there. I learned, by caring for him, what it would take to be a good parent. I'll always be grateful to the humane society for entrusting us with this wonderful dog. (His death, by the way, though awful, was as uncanny as his psychically inclined life. Maybe one day I'll be able to talk about it.)

Though a vital part of this community's heart and soul, the humane society, like any backbone, isn't normally noticed. Mike Cherry, its dedicated director, told me they have an award-winning facility, a compassionate staff of five full- and part-time workers, as well as tireless volunteers and veterinarians in private practice who support their work. More than 900 adopted pets are spayed and neutered every year. Euthanasia happens only when an animal is deemed too ill or injured to save.

Recently I wrote a two-part column about Emma, a yearling dog found nearly dead from starvation and abuse. (See the Record Eagle's online Northern Living section, or read her story in the June edition of the local, informative online magazine, Pet Friends (www.petfriendsmagazine.com). Emma represents the humane society's ability to transform an animal's wretched existence into one that offers a bright future. But this will happen only with our help.

The humane society needs $20,000 a month to carry on. You may gasp and say, that's huge! But think about it. These funds cover modest employee salaries, normal building maintenance, a rescue vehicle, fuel, heat, light, water, basic medical supplies, food, bedding, and many other essentials needed to minister to broken bodies and spirits.

If you're able to spare a few dollars, they'll use every penny wisely. You'll feel Good, and be the richer for their efforts, because your offering has helped to save a life.

Now, that's huge.

To help the Cherryland Humane Society, go to www.cherrylandhumane.org; send a check to 1750 Ahlberg Road, Traverse City, MI 49686; or call 946-5116.

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