Behind Champ’s deep, soulful eyes lies a story, one only he will ever know. That is because whoever had him before he arrived at the Humane Society of Genesee County dumped him in one of the dog runs behind the shelter after hours. That was more than 600 days ago.
Right now, Champ cannot be placed in a home because of an injury. Over the summer, the five-year-old Pitbull mix suffered a torn ACL while out for a walk with a shelter worker. When animals are sick or injured, the HSGC gets them veterinary care. Champ was no different. ACL surgery costs thousands of dollars. Fortunately, the shelter was able to get Champ’s repaired for a greatly reduced fee, thanks to the many relationships it has developed over the years with community veterinarians.
For more than 50 years, Dr. John Snell was one of those vets. In fact, Dr. Snell provided services free of charge in many cases. For most of that five-decade relationship with the HSGC, Dr. Snell sat on its board of directors; in fact, he served as its president for many years.
Dr. Snell, now retired, treated countless injuries and illnesses for animals in the HSGC’s care. A fellow board member once noted that the good doctor could be counted on whether the call for help came in at 2am or 2pm. That is why at its annual Ties and Tails fundraising gala this month, the HSGC plans to honor Dr. Snell, announcing a fund created in his name that will help cover the tens of thousands of dollars in emergency veterinary bills the shelter incurs every year.
“Tens of thousands of dollars” may sound like it could be a bit of an exaggeration, but it is not. Consider this: The shelter averages ten heartworm cases a year – treating one dog with heartworm costs $1,000. That adds up to $10,000 and does not include cases like Champ’s, or any of the other abused, neglected, injured or ill animals that enter the shelter.
Leaving the animals untreated is not an option according to shelter Executive Director, Dave Schmieder. With a live outcome rate above 90 percent, the HSGC qualifies as a no-kill shelter. The goal is to find every animal that walks through its doors a loving, healthy home—no matter how long it might take.
That is really good news for Champ, who patiently waits in his run in the shelter’s atrium for his person—or people—to come along and take him home. As soon as he heals from his surgery, Champ will be ready for his fur-ever dream to become a reality.
You can help animals like Champ by supporting the Humane Society of Genesee County. You can do it at geneseehumane.org. There, you will also find information about the HSGC Ties and Tails fundraiser (a fantastic event!) scheduled for Saturday, November 18 at the Captain’s Club at Woodfield in Grand Blanc. When you donate to the HSGC, you can specify where you want your money to go. When you do, don’t forget the John Snell Emergency Medical Fund.
