Hi Everyone.

It seems like yesterday that we were in touch, but a lifetime of events have taken place. The daily requests that come into our office for help are mostly a once in a lifetime event for the people calling. For us the accumulative impact of so much tragedy and suffering is stunning. It is as if you lived several lifetimes in a week. This week has produced more action than anyone could truly be ready for, but we are giving it our best.

On Wednesday the 28th I traveled to Tate County to rescue two dogs who were abandoned at a home that was largely burned. Jennifer Montgomery, the homeowner has been arrested for arson, and animal cruelty. Court dates are being set for these crimes. We had hoped that she would not fight the seizure of her dogs. She has asked for a hearing so we must postpone the placement of the dogs (which have already been fostered for adoption).

Thursday, Robin and I went to the Lowndes County Correctional Facility in response to complaints that the astray animals held behind the facility were being inhumanely impounded. They were. They were overcrowded, showed symptoms of disease, or perhaps chlorine poisoning. There is nowhere to put them while their pens are cleaned. Many of the dogs have fallen victim to the natural aggression that occurs when dogs are overcrowded, or kept in incompatible groupings. Though the pens were cleaned shortly before we arrived, there was no way that many of the dogs could lie down without lying in feces. I took an undercover camera in a supplied it to a local TV station.

Friday the Board of Supervisors pushed the Chairman into a vote for reentering into a contract with the Lowndes County Humane Society for the care of impounded animals. A meeting between the Society and the Board failed to produce an agreement. I am working with an attorney who serves on the Board of the Society to aid with a continued effort to get the County to agree to a reasonable contract. If we are not successful we will look into filing an injunction to stop, or limit the County from impounding dogs at the current site. Reports of dog shootings and poisonings are on the rise in close proximity to our sanctuary.

We inspected a Carrolton herd of horses suffering from ongoing neglect. We have had an impact on the care of the animals. There is now plenty of hay, but an increase in grain and some timely worming are in order. We will monitor the situation. If the herd continues to decline, or simply does not improve to our expectation we will take the matter to court. One of our deputies is looking into a second case for us, and we will look at another group of Carroll County horses tomorrow

Robin is a lifesaver. The sacrifice that she and Bob are making, being separated during the week so that she can work with us is invaluable.Our newest canine enclosure is nearly completed. It is so exciting to see Project Hopes growth.

We placed Boots and Champ this week. Sheba has joined the buddies Boots said good-bye to. Sadly, Toto was returned because his foster home received damage to the roof during this last weeks severe storm. He is happily adjusting to life at Project hope. He spends his nights in Robin's room with Beau - her handsome English Setter, Richie - a poorly but awesome cat we rescued from abandonment at a Fish House, Salem - our blind kitty friend, and Paxton Rat. They are a really delightful group. Richie stands by Robin's refrigerator door when he is not eating from everyone's bowl. The stately feline has really had a tough go.

We are planning a trip to a pet shop that has been reported to be neglecting animals. We actually have a list of cases to investigate. The logistics of investigating complaints and meeting our legislative goals for this session are challenging. The care of our sanctuary friends comes first, but with Robins commitment, and delightful altitude we can clear just about any hurtle.

The City of Grenada dismissed four officers for misconduct (the theft, and destruction of a large amount of corn for baiting deer). Sadly, one of the officers was the drug dog handler. Because Doc is the veterinarian the City has contracted with for addressing the needs of the animal shelter, the dog has been boarded at his clinic. Their is growing concern as to the fate of this dog. Firstly, he has been at the clinic for nearly a month. I have witnessed a notable change in his temperament. If the City has a plan for matching him with a new handler, or returning him to Louisiana for placement with another force the plan has not been made public. I have begun contacting officials to urge that they remedy this in situation. I may ask for your calls to City officials.

I need to work on a petition for the Lowndes County situation, and I have two other pressing issues that require my immediate attention. I am going to sign off for this week. I thank you for your support of our critical work here. Without you we would not have the spirit, or the finances to meet the challenges we face.

Past diary entries