The OSPCA Aftermath - How Do We Treat The Traumatized Animals

The recent events with the OSPCA York Region has sparked much controversy.  The general outcry is to SAVE THE ANIMALS, that Ringworm is not fatal, that justice must be served and that a criminal investigation must be launched.  To this I heartily agree. 

However, I'd like to take a moment to talk about the after effects of this fight.  A fight that we hope and pray will be positive for these animals.  In a fair and just society, the rest of the animals that have not been euthanized would be taken in by people who wish to provide them with a forever home.  Realistically, at this state, it is not the case as many remain severely infected and must be treated before rehoming can occur.  For the short term, we all know that the majority of these re-rescued animals will either be transferred to other facilities and placed under strict quarantine and the less severe cases may be placed in foster care.  In either case, these are temporary fixes and it is just another pit stop for an animal that has no idea what is happening to them. 

Let's keep in mind that these poor animals have just been through a very traumatic experience.  Granted, they have no idea of the fight that was brewing outisde the facility, but they have had to endure the pain and suffereing of severe itching from ringworm and perhaps may have even had treatment stopped because they were going to be euthanized.  Imagine the severe anxiety and stress they must all be feeling at this moment.  Add to this anxiety, a cage and almost NO HUMAN CONTACT.  They are in an unfamiliar environment and they are SCARED.

Fright combined with pain can make for a very traumatized animal.  I recently wrote a blog post on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Dogs and this would be an extreme case of PTSD for many if not all of these animals.  I've attached the link for you to read.  http://dogzenden.blogspot.com/2010/05/can-dogs-suffer-from-post-traumatic.html

It is extremely important that we take steps to help these animals regain their confidence and help them to relieve their stress and anxiety NATURALLY and HOLISTICALLY.  This means not using sedatives, but rather using holistic alternatives.

Now it's time to really getting down to the nitty gritty and working with these animals to create inner harmony and peace and renewing their inbred happy, vibrant sprit.

These animals are ripe to be diagnosed as aggressive if they are not retrained and given some major TLC.  Hugging and loving in this case is not enough.  If you are fortunate enough to be able to adopt one of these special animals, you are in for a lot of work.  However, it will be a labour of love and the results will be astounding.

Since my main goal is to see that all these animals lead as normal a life as possible and be as healthy and loved as possible, I am making the following offer.

When the adoption process begins and we are allowed to adopt these wonderful animals, I would like to schedule a free seminar for all the new animal guardians in which I will teach a number of stress reducing therapies that you can use to overcome their anxiety and stress.  This would include Relaxation Therapy, Massage and other modalities.

This is NOT a sales pitch, there will be no fee.  I am not looking for monetary consideration, just to know in my heart that I have done what I can to help in any way that I can.

If you are or will be a foster care mom/dad for any of these unfortunate animals, please contact me and I will work with you to assist in any way I can.

My dedication is sincere.  Let's save these animals and get them back to good health.

"He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog."  - Gene Hill