Harvey: Poster Dog for Texas Dogs Needing a Foster Home

In lieu of this month’s newsletter, we’re sharing the story of Harvey, our foster dog.

You may recognize him from social media as the Dalmatian who looked adorable in his bright yellow hoodie. He had to wear clothing because he could not generate body heat.

This is what Harvey looked like the first time I removed his hoodie. He was near death.

Fostering Harvey

Some of you already follow Harvey’s Journey on Facebook , so you may know that he was found by good Samaritan, Katherine Lopez in McAllen, Texas and brought into rescue by Becca Isabel (Yaqui Animal Rescue). When Tena Price of Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado (DRC) asked me to be Harvey’s medical foster, I wanted to explain to her all the reasons why I wasn’t the right person. It wasn’t a good time for us. Our jobs, our pets, travel plans, our budget were all valid reasons not to foster. Not to mention neither of us had ever cared for a dog as fragile as Harvey.

Plus, we already had a new foster dog!

Side note: our matching caps are from PupLid. 15% of profits from the caps go to Shelter to Soldier, a non-profit that rescues and trains shelter dogs to become service dogs for active military and retired veterans suffering from post traumatic stress (PTS), traumatic brain injury (TBI) or military sexual trauma (MST). 

Our Foster to Honor Honor

Our dog, Honor, had been gone less than two months when a picture of the dog (above) came across my FB feed.

He was in a kill shelter, and I couldn’t stand to see him there. So, I reached out to Tena to ask DRC to save him. Tena and I had never met. I follow her on FB, so I already knew that she moves mountains for Dalmatians-in-need. But unfortunately, all of DRC foster homes were (and are) full. I convinced Tena that Charley and I could foster the dog from the kill shelter.

Charley, on the other hand, required more convincing. See, Charley and I had agreed on a 4-dog-limit. Noble makes 5. Charley and I also have a 2-cat limit. Barn cats don’t count, obviously, because they live outside and perform a service to the farm. Ash, Nori, Shebert and Nash are our indoor cats. Wait, is that 4? I can’t math. We have 35 animals, give-or-take.

Charley is great at math! But not so good at saying “no” to an animal-in-need.

We All Get to Decide the Kind of Person We Will Be

Great news! We all get to decide the kind of person we will be; whether we will step up when asked for help. Here in Texas, we have a popular saying, git er done. Are you a git er done kind of person? If so, you must be busy.

Busy people are doers. Not-busy people give (perfectly valid) explanations as to why they can’t. Busy people have exactly the same valid reasons for why they should say “no” too. Instead, they git er done.

Harvey has come and gone and none of those reasons as to why we were not the right people to foster matter anymore except to support my belief that busy people make great foster parents. When first asked, I thought we should decline. A friend even told me to decline. But this –

“Love” is an action verb.

Knowing Charley as well as I do, I said “yes” to Tena and to Harvey. He was working out of town at the time, so I texted Charley this…

Wynne:   Please don’t be mad. I agreed we would foster a Dalmatian.

Charley:  I’m not mad. Noble is great!

Wynne:   I mean another Dalmatian. He’s in pretty bad shape. [attached this pic] 

 

Charley:  Thank you for taking in that beautiful boy. My heart goes out to him. I can’t wait to meet him.

He Needs Help, But Why Us?

One reason Tena placed Harvey with us is because she knows I’m able to handle death. I witness dogs leaving this earth more often than most folks, and what I have learned is that dogs do not fear or lament death as we do. For them, it’s a graduation, a transition of sorts, to a place of light, peace, and perfect health. I still get sad when a dog dies, but my sadness is for the humans’ loss.

Larger than my sadness is the joy I feel when we are able to celebrate the LIFE of a loved dog.

If Harvey couldn’t heal, Charley and I would be tasked with helping him graduate as a loved dog. Not a starved dog. We were prepared for that. What we could not have imagined is how feeding this starved dog would feed our own souls, making us better people.  Or that we would get so attached to him that we would want him to stay.

Never mind having five other dogs. Our experience with him was that special. Before telling you how he changed us, a little more about Harvey’s situation.

Body Condition Score – More than a Number on a Scale

When Harvey came to Wynley Park, he had a body condition score of “1”. He wasn’t just skinny. He was only skin and bones. Simply walking exhausted him. Sitting resulted in decubitus (open sores). Had Harvey gone one more day without care, he quite likely would have died. Hard to understand, but even half a cup of dog kibble could have killed him.

Refeeding Syndrome

During starvation, a hungry body will convert any stored carbohydrates into fuel first. In order to stay alive, the body will then deplete whatever fat or protein it has left, eventually feeding on itself. Protein is vital to life. Without it – a slow and painful death occurs as your immune system, liver, kidneys and heart stop working.

First discovered in the concentration camps of WWII, Refeeding Syndrome happens when a victim of starvation is fed too much, too quickly. In the process of shutting down (or dying), their system has lost the ability to process the nutrients; therefore, it must be reawakened slowly with small portions of highly digestible vitamins and minerals. Starvation kills. But if you’re not careful, feeding a starved body will kill it too. See more information about refeeding syndrome in animals. 

The Plan

Harvey’s care plan was for Charley and I to be his short-term medical fosters while we waited to see if his heart was strong enough and his digestive system could be reawakened. We fed him small portions every 2.5 hours. His protruding spine knobs and pressure ulcers broke my heart. I doctored his wounds; he nuzzled my face. He was so patient with us, so polite, after all he had been through.

Not for the first time, I wished dogs could tell us their stories. I wished dogs could choose their own people. I wished dogs could vote. They can’t. So, we must tell the stories of dogs like Harvey.

Harvey changes lives for the better simply by being Harvey. First, he reminded me of how special Charley is. Re-read his last text to me. 

Life, and doing the hard things, is so much easier when you are equally yoked with another who shares your calling. Our shared love of God and dogs is what first drew me to Charley twenty years ago.

Fostering Can Improve Your Life in Just One Week!

We both fell in love with Harvey in one short week with him. We also made new friends who share our passion for dogs! And we gained confidence in our ability to care for medically-fragile animals.

I got cuter too! In my own eyes, anyway. Checking on Harvey every two hours meant sticking close to home, so I ate healthy, started yoga-at-home and lost three pounds. Cuter to Charley too since nothing is more attractive than watching someone nurture another living creature.

Sharing in the responsibility of someone as needy as Harvey meant rearranging work and staying home more. We passed the time with card games, enjoyed moonlit cocktails on the front porch, and we celebrated each of Harvey’s tiny milestones together.

As thousands of his supporters watched his progress via social media.

The world was enamored.

Us too! At Peace Pet Services has trained, boarded or rehomed lots of dogs. Harvey is somebody special though. This gentle, beautiful, worthy dog has enriched and inspired us! I kept a log and wrote letters to him while he was here.

I hope that Harvey Sunshine, my action-verb hero, inspires you too. Here are those letters.

December 9, 2023

Dear Harvey,

Tomorrow’s gonna be a big travel day for you. 318 miles from Thames Drive, Edinburg to Coupland, Texas. To get you from your first real home to your second real home, it will take eight volunteers, two veterinarians, three vehicles and seven hours.

You’re gonna learn what it feels like to float on air tomorrow. Literally, because we can’t risk the chance of you coming into contact with germs on the ground. Figuratively, because you will be surrounded by so much love, that your heart will soar, maybe for the first time. The rest of you, dear Harvey, will be carried on a large bed to avoid chafing your fragile skin.

You won’t understand this, Harvey, but your story is awakening people to the injustice of a defenseless dog’s life. Two terrible people are responsible for the emaciated, near-death condition you’re in now. YOU are responsible for an eclipse of compassion and generosity. You have redeemed my hope in humanity Harvey. You’re not even here yet, and I already see your purpose. You inspire me to be a better human.

We need to believe that good trumps evil, Harvey, so please continue to fight. A bed is just the beginning of the perks waiting for you to discover as a rescue dog.

 

December 10, 2023

Dear Harvey,

You’re here! You’ve made it to Wynley Park and I am so nervous. We are happy for the opportunity to help you heal. And cautiously optimistic.

We know so little about your personality! You grumbled a tiny warning when we popped the back door and came close to your crate. Don’t blame you a bit. It’s already been a long day. You are exhausted and now, here are four strange women peering at you and yapping in our high-pitched voices. What must you think of us?

I back 6 feet away from you and kneel on the ground, speaking softly. You respond with a wag and come over to sniff my legs.  You and me, Harvey, we’re gonna be okay.

We all work to get you situated into your new private digs. Since we know so little about you, this includes protecting the floor from accidents.

More importantly, we need to protect you. Your room has been sanitized. Every surface is padded. You have no fat, nor muscle mass to protect you. The cats and dogs who live here (we call them Wynley Parkers) have been crated so that you don’t come into contact with them too soon. A simple germ could overtake your compromised immune system. Excitement could stop your heart.

All electrical cords, pillows and some of the furniture has been removed. You’re starving, Harvey, I know baby. You have eaten things far worse than what you could find in this room already. We have to guard against blockages though. Assuming your organs have not already shut down, we need to protect your digestive system, buddy.

You arrived at Wynley Park with bags and bags of supplies and a sack lunch prepared by Foster Becca. Four sack lunches, actually. Enough food to get you through your first night and give me time to learn how to mix & measure your portions.

Oh boy, you are skin and bones. I saw pictures, so I knew this already. But seeing in person what has been done to you…the wounds on your hips…a dog shouldn’t feel pain simply from sitting.

Tomorrow, I will take you to meet Dr. Brandon, our trusted veterinarian. Until then, I will wrap you in soft blankets and sleep next to your crate; too afraid to leave you alone yet.

December 11, 2023

You did great in the car and at the vet clinic this morning Harvey!

I was a nervous wreck driving you there! You, however, sat serenely, gazing out the back window of the RX, with your cape draped around your frail shoulders. I prayed the whole trip, hyper-alert for the precious cargo I carried. You.

I can’t lie, I was also a little worried someone would spy you in my car and report me for animal cruelty. Then I thought, “No. I would welcome the opportunity to bring awareness to your story”. Besides, ANYONE paying attention to the plight of maltreated dogs encourages me these days. Ignorant people. Ugh. Cruel people. Ugh. People who say, “I would help, but…” Ugh. Just ugh.

You looked and acted like royalty. Very skinny royalty. Dr. Brandon could see how special you are Harvey. She called you a sweetie and said that you would probably be fine with proper feeding. Amazingly, your liver and kidneys are working fairly well. She went on record, stating that there is no medical reason for your condition. You are anorexic because a person deliberately kept food away from you.

I’m sorry Harvey. Thank you for giving us humans another chance. You weigh 23.12lbs today. A healthy weight for you would be 50lbs.

December 12, 2023

7am (Harvey’s 1st meal of the day. He eats every 2.5 hours, until 10pm)

Good Morning Harvey! Best news from yesterday’s vet visit is that we will up your food intake! As of today, you get to eat 1 pound of food per day. You will have to keep taking antibiotics a bit longer while your sores heal. You still have to take iron (pet tinic) to treat your anemia, and you don’t like it much. You open your mouth for me though, like the gentle soul that you are.

Also Harvey, Dr. Brandon said you could have TWO treats per day! Sshh, this may be our secret for a couple of days. We will see how you do. I love you Harvey. Is it too soon for the “L word”?

December 13

You pooped Harvey!!

Tonight at 8pm, foster Charley texted me this super exciting news. He also took a photo because proud papas take pics when their foster pup poops. You are so loved Harvey. We will still go to Dr. Brandon tomorrow for tummy x-rays. We want to see what you got going on in there. Good Night, Mr. Sunshine.

December 14

Back to the vet we went today, huh Harvey.

Your second visit this week. We had to remove your hoodie for x-rays. Have to take photos as “proof of maltreatment” for the judge who will hear your court case.

Mental illness is real, Harvey. I am so sorry for what you’ve gone through. You seem to know that those people weren’t functioning normally though. The way you calmly watch new people as they enter your space, you’re assessing their energy. You know Harvey. You know.

December 15

Harvey, you pooped @ 7am! You got out of bed before 7am!! Look at you thriving! Go Harvey! You are my action-verb hero, precious sir.

Since you’re feeling better, we spent some time outdoors. You met the boys (Brogyn, True and Giddy) today, and you were not shy about giving Brogyn a piece of your mind when he booped your nose. I love that you feel confident enough now to bark at Brogyn and to explore outside of your room.

We found out that your new foster is named Esmer. That’s a nice name. Esmer is getting ready for you Harvey. Your bed and all of your stuffs will go with you to your new home, including your elephant from foster Becca and the dog we gave you. Monday afternoon will be tough. But familiar smells are cozy.

December 16

My hero, my Sunshine, you warm my heart. While everyone rages (rightfully so) at the man and woman who did this to you, I see hope for humanity.

Two mentally ill people damn near killed you. But one week ago, you drew together eight people, some of us strangers, who joined forces to get you from the Valley to the Hill Country. You are going places, Harvey Sunshine, in more ways than one.

We got news about your abusers today. Police found the sick house. Your two dog friends (the husky and shepherd) have been rescued from the sick house. They are eating and getting medical attention because of you Harvey. They’re safe now because of you. You were brave enough, and somehow strong enough, to leave the backyard of the sick house.

And Harvey, guess what, there are people in the UK who are following your journey. What’s the UK?, you ask. It is far-away place. Even in far-away places, people clearly see the wrongness of your situation.

December 17

What a full day we’ve had, huh Harvey?

You barked at the big white fluffy dog (Cozy Josephine). You took a walk with the bigger white fluffy dog (Finch). You discovered funny, flighty things (called chickens). Then, you spent the afternoon watching football with Charley on the HUMAN bed.

Oh, and you pooped again today; for the 3^rd day in a row! Now you’re wrapping up our perfect day by snuggling with our Domino’s hedgehog- quite possibly the biggest honor.

I don’t care for your new foster mom, Harvey. Not one bit. I’m lucky Becca didn’t feel this way about me. Did she feel this way? I’ll have to ask her.

P.S. my eyes are green today.

P.S.S. This is not Esmer’s fault. You will love her Harvey. I promise.

 

 

 

December 18

3pm Harvey moves on ☹

Dear Harvey,

Thank you for coming to Wynley Park. We took lots of photos today, my never-to-be-forgotten dog. And Becca’s dog. Now Esmer’s dog.

Our friend, Gina was here for emotional support, and did we need it.

No need to write more. You already know how we feel about you.

Is This Justice?

My first day without Harvey, I get disappointing news of the husky and shepherd. So, I write again, this time to those who may care –

December 19

Dear Team Harvey,

I thought today could not possibly be sadder than yesterday. The Texas justice system proved me wrong. Today, a genius judge sent two emaciated dogs back to the people who abused them and Harvey. The place Harvey and I called the sick house, right back into the arms of their tormentors. Why?? Those dogs had already been tagged for rescue. Those dogs had a future of health and love awaiting them. Yes, I am angry. You should be angry too.

What Can We Do?

• Judges are elected.
• City attorneys are hired by city managers.
• City managers are appointed by your city mayor/council.
• Pay attention to whom we are voting into office. Once they’re in, hold them accountable for holding abusers accountable.

Animal Welfare in Texas

Texas is listed as #12 on the  U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. But before breathing a sigh of relief, google the plight of dogs in Texas, especially in our border towns. This report is misleading, according to our shelters and rescues who are reporting higher than ever numbers of dog neglect and abandonment.

The truly grim reality for many dogs in “the friendliest State” is unacceptable. State animal welfare laws are as useful as pockets on a hog without enforcement. How and when Texas animal welfare laws are upheld is often determined by city ordinances.  Clearly, Texas is failing to protect and control its dog population.

The term “No Kill Shelter” makes us feel all warm and fuzzy, but the reality is that dogs are spending months in shelter because there is no foster home available. Too many dogs, too few homes. Texans are failing Texan dogs. Not all Texans are failing dogs though.

A few Texans, like herculean rescuers, Becca Isabel and Tena Price, are doing a lot more than most of us to address this dog situation that we humans have caused.

Texas is home to the kindest, biggest hearted people and I know you care about dogs. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading our Wynley Park Newsletter. There are so many of us dog-lovers; we can do this!

What need will you fill?

Foster a dog in Harvey’s honor, if you can. If you can’t foster, sponsor a dog for someone else to foster. Transport a dog, if you can. If you can’t, donate a gas card so someone else can transport. Spend two hours next weekend cleaning yards or cages for your local shelter. Take cleaning supplies with you. Report abuse of dogs, stray dogs and abandoned dogs. Advocate for low-cost spay-and-neuter and microchipping programs in your town. Contact your representative (city council member if you live within city limits). Tell the stories of dogs like Harvey.

Educate yourself and others until we all know what to look for in a puppy; so that we STOP purchasing puppies from backyard breeders.

December 19

Dear Judge Lauren Sepulveda:

Please take time to educate yourself as well, so that you do not fail the next dog in the way that you have failed Laurel and Curt, assuming you even know their names. I understand that your ruling was based on the city attorney’s recommendation, but you missed our only opportunity to ask the owner how or if he plans to properly care for his emaciated dogs, which you have returned to him.

You have failed to protect these dogs; you cannot afford to be uneducated. You are a judge in a border town that is overrun with strays and known for its mistreatment of dogs. You, yourself, have a dog. Please do better Judge Sepulveda.

Two McAllen Dogs Returned in Harvey Animal Abuse Case

December 19

Dear Roel Roy Rodriguez, McAllen City Manager:

Please reconsider assigning Ben Alonzo, city attorney, to animal welfare cases before he egregiously mishandles another. Dogs do matter here in Texas.

December 19

Dear Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado and Yaqui Animal Rescue:

Thank you for rescuing Harvey and for attempting to rescue Laurel and Curt. For all of the dogs you have rescued in the past and will rescue in the future, we are so grateful.

Why Are Dogs Abandoned?

If you have ever gotten rid of your dog, you did it for one of only two reasons. 1. You chose poorly and ended up with a dog with whom you are not compatible or 2. You are heartless. Most people are not heartless. Most people deserve the joys that come with having a good dog. And the way to end up with a good dog is to learn how to choose the right dog for you, for your family and your lifestyle.

Fostering is the best way to learn about dog behaviors and your own needs. Because all sizes, breeds and ages of dogs need temporary homes, you will have a plethora from which to choose.  You’ll improve your understanding of different dog temperaments and activity levels, and you’ll become a pro at reading body language,

Experience the joys of pet ownership without the long-term commitment by fostering until you find the right dog for you. You will learn lots about yourself, all while making new friends with other like-minded dog rescuers.

You will also be more attractive! That’s right, nothing is more attractive than a person who nurtures an animal-in-need.

If you still think you can’t foster, what other need will you fill? Go on then, git er done.