Sheltering strays at the Animal Rescue League of El Paso
Senior editor Leslie Smith meets Texas hero Loretta Hyde, and the animals who without her, would not have had a chance.
On the way to her stepfather's funeral, Loretta Hyde - a grandmother herself - shouted to her mother to stop the car. She had noticed two small puppies in a shallow ravine by the side of the road, and one appeared to be injured. Not only that, a storm was coming, and Hyde knew if she didn't rescue the pups, they would drown.
"Don't even think about bringing those dogs into my car," her mother said. "Besides, you'll ruin your dress."
But she was already halfway down the ravine.
For strays, a beacon of hope
Loretta Hyde is the founder of Animal Rescue League of El Paso (ARLEP), an organization she started in 1995 in hopes of reducing the amount of euthanasia the city performed each year. She tells me that at that time, the stray population had gotten completely out of control. Cats wandered the streets in alarming numbers, and dogs, hit by cars, lay dead on the side of the road.
Click to listen to the Road to Rescue interview with ARLEP founder Loretta Hyde on Animal Radio Network.
The final straw was hearing that El Paso Animal Control was spending over half of its budget putting down some 26,000 animals each year. She knew that somebody had to so something. Turns out, Hyde was that somebody.
The facility isn't fancy, or even particularly easy to find. But when I arrive in the middle of a weekday afternoon, both indoor and outdoor areas are bustling with animal caregivers, volunteers, and potential adopters. Spirits are high, so already I'm impressed. Any shelter that makes you want to stick around is doing something right.
Hard work, happy endings
The sheer efficiency with which the place is run makes it hard to believe it's a private organization that survives on public donations. But the numbers speak for themselves: Over 14,000 animals have been successfully placed in homes since ARLEP's founding. And with over a thousand coming in and out each year, and hundreds on the premises at any one time, I find it amazing Hyde knows each dog's name, and each one's story.
For example, Lilly. Witnesses report they saw Lilly's former owner attempting to drown the beautiful Shepherd mix in a canal. Not only did she survive the episode, the dog hurried up the banks of the canal, hoping to catch up to her would-be killer. Fortunately, onlookers intervened.
Or Griffith. For fun, neighborhood kids had set the dog on fire. But rather than getting him medical help, his owners simply dumped him. Thanks to ARLEP, both dogs now have permanent homes with devoted, loving families.
Saving as many as she can
Though she claims she can say no - and in fact, from a practical angle is forced to on a regular basis - it's a little hard to believe she ever does. Hyde goes home each night to 30 animals of her own: 26 dogs and four cats.
Several are special-needs cases who require hand feeding and regular medical care. I tell her that some people would consider her house a rescue operation in its own right. Hyde just shrugs and insists that they're all her babies.
And she means it. Clearly she regards every needy animal she comes into contact with as her own. Someone she's responsible for. She tells me that the hardest part of what she does is knowing that some animals leave this world without ever knowing even the slightest bit of kindness. She wishes she could save them all.
El Paso's still not a great place to be a stray. Unless you're fortunate enough to find your way to the Animal Rescue League.
Rescue me! Your pet rescue donation resource
March 31st, 2011
All over our country, there are rescue shelters who need our help to continue their efforts to house homeless pets and give them a chance for a future filled with love. There are many ways we can help...
Hundreds rescued in puppy mill raid
March 31st, 2011
In Carroll County, Virginia, more than 500 dogs were spared the fate of spending another harsh winter outdoors. In the fall of 2007, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), along with shelters...
Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus
March 31st, 2011
Dogtime's Road to Rescue program salutes Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus, dedicated to saving Dobermans in need in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana. How did your organization get started?We are...
|
I don't think you people understood me clearly.... She informed me that the dog was sick AFTER having signed the papers. Neither of you understand the position she placed me and my kids in giving this bit of information when it was too late. 5 months ago by Anonymous |
|
|
Gat story about a great organization... One thing to rmember when adopting from ANY rescue agency... only a few animals ar brought in by their ownes and IF they are honest that is the best info available. But most of the time the pet is "save" and any assesment is done quickly. Therte is screening done to determine overall health but not everything can be detected. And finally... The number of pets returned to the non-breed agencies is atrocious! If you're not sure then don't adopt in the first place but please don't create MORE turmoil for these animals than they have already had to endure! 7 months ago by John |
|
|
Whoops! Editing not done! Great story about a great organization... One thing to remember when adopting from ANY rescue agency... only a few animals are brought in by their owners and IF they are honest that is the best info available. But most of the time the pet is "save" and any assessment is done quickly. There is Vet screening done to determine overall health but not everything can be detected. And finally... The number of pets returned to the non-breed agencies is atrocious! If you're not sure then don't adopt in the first place but please don't create MORE turmoil for these animals than they have already had to endure! 7 months ago by John |
|
|
Sometimes there are people that have a pet and realize that it is ill. Some people think the best way to deal with it is to just dump it on the road or take it to the pound. Years ago I went to the pound. It was so sad.I saw a couple dragging two dogs ( they looked like litter mates) These dogs didn't want to go. A westie was in a cage crying to get out I saw it had an ear infection. My guess the owner didn't want to deal with vet expenses. The experience really bothered me. Loretta has alot of courage to go to the pound, and yes it is sad but true some of these dogs can be sick. These animal deserve love no matter what is wrong with them. I adopted an elder dog five years ago even when my husband wanted me to adopt a younger dog. She recently past away. Those last five years were precious. She came from a puppy mill and was scared to be around people. open your heart every one deserves to be loved even if your sick or dying. Dogs and Cats need to feel the love they don't need to be exchange for a healther animal. 8 months ago by Anonymous |
Recent conversations on these topics
-
Wounded Pup On DogFinder
I saw this poor puppy on the DogFinder page (link below)...someone in a wheelchair fell on him broke 3 legs/7 bones! I wish we could help him find a home! <a href="http://dogtime.com/finder/details/213664-champ-english-foxhound-american-pit-bull-terrier-mix-philadelphia-pa">Champ</a>
-
ugg boots clearance
<a href="http://www.australia-uggs.net">australia uggs</a>mework to provide a enhance goose much more generous fashion, but in add-on extremely comfortable A babe consistently wants to be informed, and absolutely hopes [url=http://www.longboots.org]ugg boots clearance[/url]
-
Reebok NFL Jerseys
<a href="http://www.ugg-outlets.org">ugg outlet</a> <a href="http://www.ugg-com.com">ugg bailey button</a> <a href="http://uggs-bootsoutlet.com/ugg-boots-clearance-c-106">ugg boots clearance</a> <a href="http://cheap-boots.org/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=97">UGG Roxy</a> <a href="http://uggs-bootsoutlet.com/ugg-roxy-short-5828-c-66">ugg roxy</a> <a href="http://www.uggs-bootsoutlet.com">ugg for cheap</a> <a href="http://www.uggs-bootsoutlet.com">uggs boots outlet</a> <a href="http://www.uggs-bootsoutlet.com">UGG Boots Sale</a> <a href=" http://www.buttonboots.org">Cardy ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.buttonboots.org">leather ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.buttonboots.org">ugg sheepskin boots</a> <a href=" http://www.buttonboots.org">tall ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.buttonboots.org">UGG Classic Mini</a> <a href="http://www.boots-online-sale.com">USA UGG Boots</a> <a href="http://www.boots-online-sale.com">UGG Sheepskin Boots Sale</a> <a href="http://www.boots-online-sale.com">ugg brand boots</a> <a href="http://www.boots-online-sale.com">buy ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">tall ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">Short ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">classic ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">ugg boots on sale</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">ugg australia boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">discount uggs boots</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">wholesale uggs</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">Cheap ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">buy ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">kids ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">ugg boots australia</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">UGG Sheepskin Boots</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">Uggs Classic Short</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">Classic Short Boots</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">classic short ugg</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">Classic Boots</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">UGG Short Boots</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">uggs short</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">uggs classic short</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info/ugg.roxy.short.5828.c.71">ugg roxy</a> <a href="http://www.uggs-bootsoutlet.com/ugg-boots-clearance-c-106">ugg boots clearance</a> <a href="http://www.uggboots-clearance.org">Ugg Boots Clearance</a> <a href="http://www.uggboots-clearance.org">UGG Clearance UK</a> <a href="http://www.uggboots-clearance.org">UGG Clearance outlet</a> <a href="http://www.uggboots-clearance.org">UGG outlet</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">Crochet Boots</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">Classic Crochet BootS</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">ugg Crochet Boots</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">ugg cardy crochet boots</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">crochet winter boots</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">knit ugg boot store</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">Classic Crochet for Women</a> <a href="http://www.argyleknitboots.com">cheap ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleknitboots.com">argyle knit boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleknitboots.com">chestnut ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleknitboots.com">Ugg Classic Cardy Boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleknitboots.com">Ugg Classic Short Boots</a> <a href="http://www.australian-boots.net">UGG Bailey Button 1873</a> <a href="http://www.australian-boots.net">UGG Classic Tall 5815</a> <a href="http://www.australian-boots.net/ugg-roxy-short-5828-c-65">ugg roxy</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">Cheapest ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">ugg boots uk</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">cheapest ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">cheap ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">ugg boots on sale</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">tall ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com">wholesale NFL Jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com">Cheap NFL Jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com">NFL Jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com">kids nfl jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/2011-nfl-super-bowl-xlv-jerseys">super bowl jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-new-orleans-saints-jerseys">wholesale Saints Jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-baltimore-ravens-jerseys">baltimore ravens jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-buffalo-bills-jerseys">wholesale buffalo bills jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-cincinnati-bengals-jerseys">cincinnati bengals jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-cleveland-browns-jerseys">cleveland browns jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-denver-broncos-jerseys">denver broncos jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-houston-texans-jerseys">houston texans jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-indianapolis-colts-jerseys">indianapolis colts jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-kansas-city-chiefs-jerseys">kansas city chiefs jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-jacksonville-jaguars-jerseys">jacksonville jaguars jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-miami-dolphins-jerseys">miami dolphins jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-new-england-patriots-jerseys">new england patriots jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-new-york-jets-jerseys">new york jets jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-oakland-raiders-jerseys">oakland raiders jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-pittsburgh-steelers-jerseys">pittsburgh steelers jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-san-diego-chargers-jerseys">san diego chargers jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-tennessee-titans-jerseys">tennessee titans jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-arizona-cardinals-jerseys">wholesale cardinals jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-minnesota-vikings-jerseys">wholesale vikings jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-san-francisco-49ers-jerseys">san francisco 49ers jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-atlanta-falcons-jerseys">atlanta falcons jerseys</a> <a href=" http://www.nfljerseysoff.com">wholesale nfl jersey</a> <a href=" http://www.nfljerseysoff.com">kids nfl jerseys</a> <a href=" http://www.nfljerseysoff.com">super bowl jerseys</a> <a href=" http://www.nfljerseysoff.com">Reebok NFL Jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.longboots.org">ugg boots clearance</a> <a href="http://www.australia-uggs.net">australia uggs</a>he flag of Australia and thus, it follows that every pair meet up with the standards and excellence of the country in order to be notably famous as best quality bootsIn a company statement, Emu chief operating officer Dave Porter said: The fact that UGG Australia has filed a lawsuit against a company for misleading consumers makes us laugh down here in Australia Sheepskin Boots100% authentic sheepskin for unrivalled comfort Furuggs on saleBoots is founded on the
-
replica swiss watches
If you want to buy some,I recomeend <a href="http://www.repliquemontres.org" title="http://www.repliquemontres.org">replique montre</a>,<a href="http://www.repliquemontres.org" title="http://www.repliquemontres.org" >replique</a>,<a href="http://www.sir-mgmt.com" title="http://www.sir-mgmt.com">swiss replica watches</a> to you!You maylike this <a href="http://www.sir-mgmt.com" title="http://www.sir-mgmt.com">replica watches</a> <a href="http://www.repliquemontres.org" title="http://www.repliquemontres.org">repliques montres</a> and <a href="http://www.replicaswisswatches.us" title="http://www.replicaswisswatches.us">replica watches</a>.Thank you for come to replicaswisswatches.us!
featured articles
Dog bites anchorwoman on live TV
by Leslie Smith on February 9th, 2012
Animal behavior: Like baby, like dog
February 10th, 2012
Video: Dog help in the office
February 11th, 2012
eBay: Please stop enabling unscrupulous breeders
by Leslie Smith on February 8th, 2012
Former ‘Bachelor’ star to help control dog population
February 8th, 2012
Romney dog redux: Car stopped for suspected animal cruelty
February 9th, 2012
offers from our sponsors
Coupons and free offers on dog food, dog supplies, and more
March 31st, 2011
Eukanuba 28 Day Challenge
July 13th, 2011
5 comments | leave your own comment