“There Are No Broken Toys”
Sometimes a story title catches my eye first, then a first sentence or perhaps a quote or two. “Broken Toys,” a story written by Perry P. Perkins in Chicken Soup’s “Think Possible,” did all of the above. The content was written about a role model, but as I read through it, I began to associate the message in an entirely different manner. This gentleman had a rough start in his life until several people came along who believed in him. They took him under their wings, never gave up on him, and never judged him as broken, unable to care for and fix. They pruned him, sanded his rough edges, fed him, and helped him get a job. The gentleman went on to become a successful businessman in his community.
Because I am on the Verde Valley Humane Society Board, my mind began to understand that even in our animal world, there are ‘no broken toys.” Our shelter has taken them all in. We give them a safe environment, feed and water them, and place elevated beds in kennels to keep them from getting sores from a concrete floor. We tuck soft blankets and stimulating toys next to them for more comfort. Most of all, we offer them unconditional love regardless of their size, color, uniqueness, or breed. We have medical techs available to determine their overall health, and hugs aren’t limited, even if they are dirty or smelly. Our groomer makes sure to give baths, smooth out tangles, and clip coats when necessary.
We patch and sand their rough edges. We attempt to mold them with skills so humans can see what we see in their souls and adopt them so they too can have a second, third, or even fourth chance at living a comfortable life in a ‘furever’ home.
We have an array of mentors… volunteers, who come faithfully each day to exercise the dogs. A brisk walk in the neighborhood or a stroll in designated hiking trails keeps volunteers and dogs fit! Our agility yard sharpens skills and keeps the dogs engaged in purpose. Our courtyard offers volunteers who can’t walk dogs for one reason or another, the chance to sit on a bench and throw balls to help direct a dog’s extra energy, or let a dog snuggle in their lap—a win-win for both.
Now let’s talk about the cats and kittens. No judgment here either. All sizes, colors, uniqueness, and breeds are welcomed with a gentle chest hug. Some have come to us with the umbilical cord still attached because a concerned citizen saw a wild animal or a car kill the mother. Whatever the reason, our concern is for the animal in our care.
We have foster families who can immediately take this type of emergency and begin bottle feeding and vet-approved medical care. Cats and kittens are also vetted, and then placed in properly sized kennels with litter boxes, food, water, and toys. Our volunteers come in regularly to socialize the cats and kittens. Recently, an eight-year-old from our community stopped in to deliver a massive basket of homemade cat toys and then told us she would be bringing in toys for the dogs in a few weeks. I repeat, “No broken toys.”
Believe it or not, we have had intakes of bunnies, a blind duck, chickens, a rooster, and even an Iguana. We have the resources to place the more uncommon animals in the perfect situation for their safety.
We may have an animal intake because of a death in a family. We can assure relatives that we will take good care of their beloved pet and place them with loving families. We also have surrendered pets. Again, no judgment here. There are all kinds of scenarios we see. Sometimes, it may be an elderly individual who is moving into an assisted living situation where animals are not allowed. The heartbreak we see in the souls of these people and the compassion it requires of our staff continues to remind me of the incredible things a shelter must do on any given day. Yes, we are required to mentor and soothe humans, too.
Animal Control Officers bring in strays who are lost or may have been ‘dumped.” They are also called on to handle more difficult situations of animal abuse, or injured animals who are running loose. These officers are true heroes. They are coming alongside the wounded, the forgotten, the lost, and the scared animal who can’t talk, can’t tell them how they feel, or what has happened to them. When they are brought to the shelter, we also have no idea how old they are, when they last had water or food. We scan them for a chip right away, hoping to be able to get them home, because introduction to a kennel can put extra strain on their already excessive fears.
We see beautiful creatures who have, like some humans, been beaten down by their circumstances, but most of all, we know what Perry’s mentors and role models saw in him. We see absolutely no broken toys here at the Verde Valley Humane Society, not even in the animal world.