Washington Humane Society HLE Division

Last week I was at a video store in Takoma Park when a couple came in with a dog. The dog was a pointer mix liver and white in color. She had on a gentle leader collar and was greeting everyone she passed by. I was waiting at the counter to check out my movies when I saw her jumping up towards me out of the corner of my eye “no, Ginger” the woman with her said and Ginger sat back down. Ginger then began to whine and finally I looked over at her. That’s when I realized that this was Ginger from our Washington Humane Society (WHS) shelter on Georgia Ave. “Oh Ginger!” I said and she immediately jumped up on me. “I know this dog.” I explained to the woman holding her leash. Ginger was a dog who stayed at the Georgia Ave. shelter for quite some time. She was very active and the people who came to look at dogs would pass over her thinking her too wild. But, Ginger had stolen my heart and I knew from walking her that she was sweet and very trainable. Ginger was like many dogs who come to WHS who have a lack of manners. These dogs have never been allowed to live as a family member and have yet to learn how to be a proper companion. We worked with Ginger and watched as people came and went showing little interest in her. Finally one weekend a couple who had previously adopted a cat from our Georgia Ave shelter came in and fell in love with Ginger. They adopted her right away. I hadn’t seen Ginger since her adoption almost six months before. I didn’t recognize her at first because she was so calm and well behaved. She looked like a much smaller dog outside the shelter and walking calmly on the leash. The couple who adopted her told me she is great with everyone especially kids. They said she sleeps every night between them on the bed. Ginger had gone home with them one weekend so I had never had a chance to say goodbye to her. I was thrilled to have the experience of seeing her happy and confident in her new life. This was just another reminder to me about why we do the work we do at the Washington Humane Society.

Carter was another animal who got a second chance thanks to WHS. Carter was a cat who was abused twice. First when someone threw Carter off the balcony of his home breaking his leg. The second time Carter was abused was when his owner failed to take him to the veterinarian for treatment for the broken leg. Thankfully someone eventually called the Washington Humane Society to complain about carter’s treatment. Humane Officer's went immediately to the address and were told that no cat lived there. But, unwilling to accept this answer the Humane Officers returned again and this time were let in by a roommate of the owner who showed them the cat who would not put any weight on one leg. The Officers impounded Carter and took him to the veterinarian where it was determined that he had a broken leg. The veterinarian stated the fracture was at least several days old and the leg was put in a cast. The owner later called and at first said he had vetted the cat but when pressed for more information he admitted he had actually not vetted the cat. Humane Officers met with him and another witness who stated that the original injury was caused by an old roommate who threw the cat off the balcony. This past week both Carter’s former owner and the man who threw Carter off the balcony were arrested. The case will go forward as two separate cases- one against the former roommate for throwing Carter off the balcony and another against the owner for failing to provide veterinary care for Carter. Though he went through a lot, Carter’s leg healed well and he found another home where he is doing great and will be provided with the love and care he deserves.
Carter’s case along with others was a case highlighted during WHS’ annual A Sugar and Champagne Affair. This event started by Todd and Ellen Gray of Equinox restaurant honors the work done by the Washington Humane Society Field Officers. This year it was held at Hotel Palomar and was heavily attended. Many people brought their dogs and there was food and drink for both two legged and four-legged attendees. Anyone who missed it this year should make it a must for next year. It is truly a unique event and a fun and tasty evening. It is also a touching event for the Officers of WHS who get a chance to bask in the spotlight during the event. It is a great chance for them to see how truly appreciated they are by the people of DC.