A Single Voice by Amanda VanDamme Being that I was raised around both cats and dogs; I have grown up with a great appreciation for having a warm dog hanging half on the couch and a cat purring in my ear as we all watch America’s Funniest Animals. I have been told that I am only one person and can’t change the massive amount of suffering America’s pets go through. However, I feel entirely different. It takes only one single voice to speak up for the dogs & cats that are suffering and in need. It only takes one individual to make the needed phone call to the proper authorities to make a huge difference. It only takes one un-selfish moment in the day to take a bowl of fresh water and dog food over the dog who sits alone waiting for her owner to just offer something to stop the pain in her tummy. As a self-proclaimed animal advocate I take my position in caring for pets very seriously. Some have described me a “rabid” advocate. I take this comment
with pride in knowing that I am one of those “single voices” make a difference one day at a time. I appreciate the rescues that work so diligently to make a difference. I visit the local animal organizations just to stop and say hello all the to the cats and dogs that are deserving of a home, however somehow found themselves placed behind bars. I take great pride in raising my children with the same passion for compassion, kindness, and giving as I have. Someday, it will be their
“job” to make a difference. My love for fostering and caring for cats & dogs began the moment I found my very own place that allowed me to do so. I worked hard at removing animals from not so good situations to the worst possible situations. Every cat and dog that has come in my life has come with a unique
story. I have always felt blessed that they eventually learned to trust me and share their lives with me. There is no better feeling for an animal lover than to have a dog or cat who has had nothing but terrible connections with humans to crawl up on the couch next to you and place his head on your chest as though to say “Thank you …. For loving me”. The worst feeling in the world is approach an animal in good faith and intentions and have him cower. To see a dog or cat so
afraid of humans makes me feel almost ashamed to be “human” in another light. Who do we humans think we are taking for granted another being? I could share with you so many stories that would touch your heart, bring tears to your eyes, or perhaps even make you go hug your own animal friend. Touching light on
abuse and neglect, as this is the most common scenario I see. In 2005 I was given a cat from an individual who just “didn’t want her anymore”. The cat had been through 4 previous homes and all the adopters gave up on her because she just would not “come out of her shell”. I was told she would sleep, eat, and go to the bathroom under beds, couches, etc. I opted to take her in and I was determined to break her with love and kindness … no matter the length of
commitment it took. The first evening she was in my home she would not come out from underneath my bed. I managed to get her out once and when I went to give her a bowl of cat food she shivered so bad, she cowered in fear, and peed all over the floor. A sign to me that a human or humans were terrible to her. Someone at some point inflicted such fear in her that she had no control over herself. She remained in my car for over a year. After 8 months I broke her of her shell. She came out at
night when it was quiet, she would sit on my bed next to me while I read a book, she finally trusted me. This was an barrier anyone of the adopters could have overcame if only they had the compassion and understanding. As time passed her beautiful personality shined through. She became social with adults, I caught her playing
more than once with the other cats I was caring for, and she slept almost every night at the top of my head. She didn’t care for children (from which have 3) and so decided adopting her out to a quiet environment would be in her best interest. A wonderful, elderly couple from Dansville, NY adopted her. It was reported to me 2 months after her adoption that she was playful, happy, and very social. If I hadn’t of taken her in - what would have been her fate? Perhaps I should tell you about the Pitbull who stole my heart when his owners brought him to me stating they couldn’t care for him anymore. He was so emaciated that he couldn’t walk from their car to my front porch. He was the most loving dog I have ever encountered. He just loved life and to my dismay still found it in his heart
to wag his tail as the owner who was abandoning him came over to say goodbye. How dare you - is the only question that comes to mind. With love and lots of medical attention I was able to get him up to a healthy weight. He was adopted out to a wonderful family in Rochester, NY who reported only a few initial problems in adjustment of the new environment, but in the end - they didn’t give up and he is a loved family member. Most recently as the cold Northern winter blasted us with snow I watched out my back window as a young puppy shivered cold, hungry, and tied in her dog house outside. I watched as no one fed her, no one offered her a blanket, no one visited her. I did! I made her my priority and I know in my heart she was grateful. I brought her a blanket (that she
ate), water, food, toys, and of course most importantly friendship. I was her friend, her only friend. I know she appreciated my presence because we had a routine. Each morning before I left she was given her food & water and as I got in my car I would remind her of her upcoming evening dinner. She would cutely cock her head all the way to the side and bark. Upon my arrival home in the evenings she would be patiently sitting there as though to say “You’re finally home! I
missed you so much!”. The heartbreaking scenario of this situation was, she wasn’t even my dog. She belonged to people who didn’t even care that she existed, let alone got fed by the neighbor. I was her voice. I made the call the proper authorities. I told her story, I share her needs, and today - she is
sitting in a warm place surrounded around by people who care about her well being and needs. Who cares if she’s healthy, if she’s eaten, if she is comfortable. It was because of one individual that she didn’t die chained up to the doghouse out back. It was because one person was willing to stand up and say “Hey! I’m hungry! I’m cold! I don’t feel well!” … that she was saved. I don’t foresee myself ever stopping what I do. As it stands in the past 8 years I have had well over 100 dogs and 200 cats come into my life and out. Each one has left a paw-print on my heart and each one was so special in his or her own way. My over all point is ….. If you are willing to loan your voice … if you are willing to step and speak out for those who can’t. Than do it! The accomplished feelings you feel after doing so will never leave your heart. And those that you help will forever be grateful. Authored for Boomer (gray and white cat) - the cat who finally crawled out of her shell. (Photos enclosed) and Morgan (black cat) who was adopted from the shelter in Rochester, NY and has been a loved family member for nearly 6 years now!  
Boomer and Morgan
Copyright (c) February 2009 by Amanda VanDamme. All rights reserved. Copying / distribution are allowed only for the article and full contents including this copyright notice which must be included. Partial and/or revised content
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