The Real Difference Between People . . .
June, 2005

Well, what can I say.  There really is a "difference" between people when it comes to caring about animals.  Some truly do care a whole lot--others, just enough to make themselves believe that they do.  Take the situations of "Clyde" and "Red" for instance. . . .

It was on Wednesday, October 18, 2000, that "Clyde" came to reside at The Trixie Foundation.  It seems that Clyde--a young Irish Setter of about three years old from Louisville, Kentucky--was at the "end of his rope."  Apparently, because he had bitten one of his guardians when awakened unexpectedly (and caused her to have to have stitches, if I'm not mistaken)--the local "powers that be" of the health department determined that he was a dangerous animal and therefore needed to be either euthanized or placed somewhere where he couldn't pose a threat to those in the surrounding community.  Thus, it was under those circumstances that John and Connie did some internet research and ultimately contacted The Trixie Foundation--asking if we would accept their beloved boy whom they had rescued from the animal shelter.  Even though Connie already belonged to a prominent, local animal welfare organization in Louisville (I'll give you a hint--evidently whoever named the organization must have had a thing for "shamrocks")--they allegedly hinted that the best thing she could do was to go ahead and euthanize Clyde.  After all, they obviously believed that not all dogs are "adoptable" and thus, some had to be "put down."  Luckily for Clyde--John and Connie felt differently; they truly knew what a good-natured dog he was.  So, not long afterwards, Clyde became a happy-go-lucky pack member at The Trixie Foundation--never once causing any trouble not biting me or anyone else, for that matter.

And then there was the situation concerning "Red."  Apparently, Red was "owned" by a couple (whose name escapes me) outside of Ashland, Kentucky, who were concerned that he was going to be hit by a car.  However, rather than contact us themselves--they asked their friends to do so instead.  Thus, sometime several years back--Sharma called us and told me about what was transpiring with this unwanted dog.  Simply because she and her husband Joe had personally been so generous to us over the many years--without any hesitation I said yes; The Trixie Foundation would indeed accept the unwanted animal.  Soon afterwards, Red came to reside here at the "care-for-life," no-kill animal sanctuary, Eden.

By now, I assume you're beginning to wonder what the big difference is here?  Well, you see--through the years, John and Connie inquired about Clyde regularly, even making the 10 or 12 hour drive here a few times just to visit him--taking him for walks, giving him treats and quite simply, showing him love and affection.  Moreover, they were quite generous financially with Clyde's monthly upkeep.  Conversely, the couple who had actually owned Red--never once came to visit him, nor inquire about his welfare and happiness or send a single penny to "help out" financially.  Thus, when I telephoned John and Connie back in early February to inform them that Clyde was very sick and undergoing medical tests to determine what was causing his illness--they were most concerned.  Three days later, they were emotionally devastated when I called to tell them that their beloved Clyde had died earlier that morning at the veterinarian clinic--ate up with cancer.  As for Red, also back in February--he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  From that moment forth, until his passing on Wednesday, March 18, 2005, here at "home" (with his precious head in my hand and me kneeling by his side)--Red was medicated, pampered and spoiled rotten.  Of course, weeks before I had telephoned Sharma--requesting that she inform Red's precious owners of his imminent demise so that they might come and visit; they never once called nor came to see him.  However, on the other hand, not long after Clyde's death, his former protectors, John and Connie--sent $150 and said they would continue making a "memorial contribution" in Clyde's memory--to be used for the support and expenses incurred in providing care for other animals here at The Trixie Foundation who hadn't been so lucky.  John and Connie truly loved Clyde; the other couple simply didn't give a damn.  And that's the real difference between people . . .

Randy Skaggs, Founder