Sheltering the Star-Beings

The chalky grasses are whispering madly in the vigorous breeze riding this narrow channel of river. My mutt, Bu, has disappeared from view, obscured by the three-foot-high growth along the riverbank, now gone to seed as the season shifts into freeze.

Suddenly, the fluttery flags of goldenrod part and a fuzzy black muzzle appears, topped by two mischievous eyes dancing with dog-joy. I swear he’s smiling, this 30-pound Buddha-being, caught up in the wild world of riparian border and its mysteries of scent and sound, of texture and topography.

When Bu fully emerges, he appears to have donned a blanket of stars. Across the cottony landscape of his coat, tiny goldenrod seeds have attached themselves to the tips of his fur. He is instantly transformed into a magical star-being.

I return his smile, thinking of our life together. On the day I first met him, Bu was looking forlorn, having lost his home. The Dessin Animal Shelter in Wayne County, PA, had taken him in, kept him warm and filled his belly until fate led me to find him. To say he is one of the sweet miracles of my life is not saying enough about how he lifts my heart, stirs my spirit, lightens my attitude and even leads me to surprising insights.

Animal shelters are full of such beings, whether they come in the form of dogs or cats or guinea pigs, whether they’re sporting fur or feathers or scales. And it isn’t easy providing for their needs; there are cages to clean, mouths to feed, medical bills to pay, fear and stress and illness to alleviate.

My local shelter, the Pike County Humane Society, is struggling to keep its doors open while faced with financial hardships that might result in its closure. Located in Shohola, PA, this shelter serves all of Pike County. It provides adoptions; low-cost spaying and neutering; care for animals whose owners become homeless, are victims of domestic violence or are serving our country in the military; assistance with investigations and prosecution of animal abuse cases; and shelter for sick and injured animals.

According to a recent fundraising letter sent by the shelter’s board of directors, only four of Pike County’s 13 municipalities contribute funding—Dingman, Lehman and Milford townships and Milford Borough. If you live in a non-contributing township, consider approaching your local officials to encourage their support of the Pike County Humane Society. Pike County commissioners provide $4,000 annually, but basic operating expenses total more than $48,000.

During this season of abundance, can we set aside something to support our animal shelters? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are roughly 55,000 people living in Pike County. If we each scrounged up five dollars, our shelter could continue caring for these special beings until they find their way to permanent homes.

Please put the Pike County Humane Society on your gift list this year. Send a donation to 189 Lee Road, Shohola, PA 18458, or call 570-296-7654 to find out how you can help. Do it now, before the holiday rush sweeps your intention into the past. If you can’t afford a financial contribution, perhaps you have time to volunteer. And if you’ve got room in your life for a star-studded companion, stop by or visit online at www.petfinder.com/shelters/PA90.html to see who’s been waiting there for you, eyes shining with hope.