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I Rescued a Human Today
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering
apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I
had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't
be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little
accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I
hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy
and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my
past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a
difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved
my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.
Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all
would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright
that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her
safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do
everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I
was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out
there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At
least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
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Have you ever met someone and knew right away they were special?
We have. His name was Dan Tucker, and he was someone we always
looked forward to seeing, and thinking of him always made us smile.
For many years he was the Animal Control Officer for the city of
Warrenton, MO, and that's where the memories began.
To many, he was just plain Dan, or "Dan the Man," while others
lovingly referred to him as "Dr. Doolittle" or the "Dog Whisperer."
That's because he had such a rapport with the animals that he could
quiet the most frightened with the gentle touch of his hands, and
calm the most aggressive with the soothing sound of his voice.
There were always cats and kittens at the shelter too, and they were
treated like royalty. From their own crates, to scratching posts and
toys, most of these felines never had it better. Stop by the shelter
at any time and if Dan wasn't busy doing chores, he was working at
his desk with kittens crawling up his legs, a cat curled up in his
lap and one circling his neck. He wore each scratch like a badge of
honor.
During this time, the City of Warrenton leased six runs at the
animal shelter to the Warren County Commission for use by the AWA to
house stray animals until they could be checked by the vet and
placed into AWA foster homes. Depending on our shift, different AWA
volunteers came to the shelter multiple times daily, to feed, clean,
exercise dogs, dispense meds, etc. We worked side by side with Dan,
providing the best care and most love and attention possible for all
the animals. We considered it an honor to share his company, and
enjoyed every minute we spent learning from his experiences.
His multiple times daily chores included feeding and watering the
animals, surgically scrubbing the kennels, and all the equipment
inside and out, dispensing any meds, and making sure each animal had
clean bedding and a toy or two if needed. Snacks were a given. Dan
always saw to it that the grounds, including the fenced play area(s)
behind the shelter, were always kept spotless and in good repair.
Sometimes, due to bureaucratic red tape, these repairs, out of
necessity, consisted of Dan's own duct tape and bungee cords. And
any sick animals were quarantined until they could be treated by the
Warrenton veterinarians. In the sweltering heat of summer and the
bitter cold of winter, Dan returned to the shelter each evening to
make sure the animals were comfortable and not suffering from the
elements. He even left a radio playing to keep them company (he even
knew the stations they liked best) and a night light on to comfort
them. In other words, the shelter was a good, safe place to be. And
all was well with the world.
Dan made sure to answer and return all phone calls, kept detailed,
meticulous records, and in his spare (?) time patrolled the streets
of Warrenton, returning to their owner any family pet that may had
slipped out a door, or found a way out of a fenced yard. He knew
almost all the dogs by name, where they lived, the owners names and
sometimes their life histories. Whenever anyone saw the animal
control vehicle drive by, they always stopped to smile and wave. In
other words, Dan Tucker was the personification of small town
America.
Yes, it's true. Dan didn't write many tickets, but that's because he
knew most of the animals, and felt the kinder, gentler approach was
to return the pet to it's home, explain the situation to the owner,
and maybe
even help repair the fence, or the latch on the gate to keep the dog
from slipping out again. Dan also realized that animal control at
it's best is never a money making proposition. So, he always viewed
his job as a community service and a labor of love.
Sadly, Dan Tucker (Dr. Doolittle) passed away unexpectedly in
November of 2005, leaving a hole in our hearts that can never be
filled. We continue to carry on his legacy of compassion in animal
control, and patience and love in animal rescue, as we strive to
find forever homes for each of the animals who find their way to the
safe haven of an AWA foster home. And, we feel comforted and blessed
to know that Dan is the Guardian Angel in waiting for the tortured
souls we must send across the Rainbow Bridge.
God Bless you Dan Tucker. You will always remain in our hearts, and
by our side as we continue to SAVE the STRAYS.
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