I believe we can all concur that animals are quite extraordinary.
They are not only our closest companions and devoted guardians, but they also enhance our world (and make it infinitely cuter)!
It’s no surprise that so many individuals choose to surround themselves with furry friends. However, at times, having a single pet may not suffice.
Some individuals invest their entire existence in aiding animals in distress, ensuring they experience joyful and fulfilling lives. Izaiah Perkins is one of those remarkable souls.
All Hands On Deck
For Perkins, animals are not merely pets; they are integral members of his family. Thus, to bring joy and health to as many of them as possible, he secured a position at the Maryland SPCA in Baltimore.
“The dogs reflect aspects of myself. They experience both good and poor days, possess specific preferences, and have favorite humans, similar to us. There’s a comforting feeling when I arrive and see them all, almost as if I belong there with them,” Perkins expressed.
After just a few months of working there, Perkins came across a three-year-old Pit Bull named Nola.
Prior to her arrival at the Baltimore shelter, Nola was a stray dog wandering the frigid, unforgiving streets in hopes that a compassionate human would take notice of her.
However, due to her previous behavior challenges, Perkins was unable to spend much time with her. His responsibilities included cleaning her kennel, providing enrichment, and only offering her treats from the door.
“Upon first meeting her, I was struck by how wide her eyes were; it was what captivated me. Unlike most dogs, she didn’t wag her tail or come to greet me initially; instead, she remained tense out of fear,” he recalled.
It didn’t take long for him to discover why she was only permitted contact with the behavior team.
Things Don’t Always Unfold As We Imagine
She genuinely disliked being in the shelter. The sounds from other dogs heightened her anxiety, causing her to become panicky and somewhat aggressive.
“Her wide eyes were indicative of being under constant strain. They almost never eased,” he realized.
This is the reality for many dogs. Given that shelters can be quite noisy, stray animals arriving have little time to acclimate and discern their surroundings.
“Some dogs can adapt to the noise of the kennels, but those like Nola seem to just deteriorate. The behavior staff did everything possible and exhibited remarkable patience and affection towards her,” Perkins shared.
Sometimes, time can mend wounds. Unfortunately for Nola, that was not the situation. The longer she remained in the chaotic kennel, the further her condition declined.
She even started showing signs of aggression towards humans, resulting in a few incidents of biting. Yet, Perkins was resolute in his determination to not give up.
“We would simply gaze at each other for up to ten minutes. There were instances where I felt I had finally reached her; I could see her eyes soften momentarily or witness a brief tail wag,” he remarked.
Regrettably, matters were not as straightforward as they appeared, and ultimately, the Baltimore shelter could not secure a foster home for her. This culminated in the staff making the most difficult decision ever – they had to euthanize Nola.
Perkins noted that the toughest aspect of his role was returning to cleanse a kennel that once housed someone so valuable.
“Part of me convinced myself she’d return and was simply out for a stroll, but reality swiftly dawned on me. I endeavor not to dwell too much on the ‘what ifs’ since what we truly possess is the present moment, and I am unable to save them all. Her memory continues to thrive within us… It’s a tragic ending she reached,” he continued.
This is the reason we must be compassionate towards our animals. They are the happiest beings when they are given a nurturing living environment. It falls upon each of us to create a stress-free world for them so they can flourish and lead the lives they rightfully deserve.
“The kennels and their happenings are a byproduct of human neglect. Accountability is essential to prevent placing dogs like Nola in distressing situations that undermine their chances for a normal existence,” he concluded.