A DOG SITS WAITING

A dog sits waiting in the cold autumn sun
Too faithful to leave, too frightened to run
He's been here for days, now with nothing to do
But sit in the road and wait for you
He can't understand why you left him that day
He thought you and he were stopping to play
He's sure you'll come back and that is why he stays
How long will he suffer? How many days go by?
His legs have grown weak, his throat parched and dry
He's sick from hunger and falls with a sigh
He lays down his head and closes his eyes
I wish you could see how a waiting dog dies

-By Kathy Flood

On the island of Vieques we at VHS are facing many battles in the our efforts to help animals. There are many current issues that demand not only our attention but the attention of people like you!! We have a serious population problem with cats, dogs and horses as they wander the streets putting themselves and the people of the island in danger. There are too many unwanted puppies and kittens, too many unvaccinated animals, too many dogs with heart worm, too many dogs chained up alone in people's back yards. TOO MANY heartbreaking tales to tell. We hope that all the people that understand our passion and our love with think of the animals of Vieques and maybe even more. We need innovative ideas on how to battle such issues and we need all the help we can get.

We hope that through education we can reach people in our efforts to save these animals. We want people to know how much pain these animals go through and that more responsible ownership HAS TO HAPPEN. The following examples may be graphic and painful, but a reminder of what we see REGULARLY. It is so easy to look away, but that is what most people do. We will not look away and we will keep fighting for these animals no matter how hard the battle.

This hungry horse was left to wander around town and was hit by a car. He stood alone for hours before someone called the Humane Society and then we were able to come to his aid. He had two broken legs, a smashed hip, fractured skull and who knows what else. With limited help and no large animal vet on the island, VHS has a challenge on their hands. We do our best to help the animals but there is only so much we can do.

Friends of the Humane Society called about two dogs that were tied up and abandoned. There was supposed to be someone feeding them and giving them water, but that did not happen. We checked on them and gave them food and water and finally after days, with police help, obtained the two and brought them to safety at VHS. They both recovered from skin problems and gained weight. They also turned into happy dogs that were so greatful to be rescued! One has already been adopted to NY and the other is here waiting for the perfect home!

Here are the photos of the dogs tied up, scared and skinny.

Here are some pictures of one of the dogs who is happy now and well cared for at VHS.What a difference!! Salem is also ready for adoption now!