I think we can all agree that animals are pretty amazing. Not only are they our best friends and loyal protectors, but they also make the world a better (and much cuter) place! It’s no wonder so many people surround themselves with furry companions. However, sometimes one pet isn’t enough. Some individuals dedicate their entire lives to helping animals in need, ensuring they live happy and fulfilling lives. One such remarkable person is Izaiah Perkins.
All Hands On Deck
To Perkins, animals aren’t just pets; they are family. To make as many of them happy and healthy as possible, he got a job at the Maryland SPCA in Baltimore. “The dogs remind me a lot of myself. They have good days and bad days, general preferences, and favorite people, just as we do. There’s a sense of comfort when I go in and see them all, almost like I belong right there with them,” Perkins shared.
After only a couple of months, Perkins discovered a three-year-old Pit Bull named Nola, who had been a stray, wandering the harsh streets before arriving at the shelter. Unfortunately, due to her previous behavior issues, Perkins couldn’t interact with her much; he could only clean her kennel and provide treats from the door. “When I first met her, I noticed how wide her eyes were; it’s what drew me to her. She didn’t wag her tail or come to greet me like most dogs, but instead, she stayed stiff with fear,” he recounted. Soon, he understood why her interaction was limited.
Things Don’t Always Work Out The Way We Plan
Nola struggled in the shelter environment. The sounds of other pups heightened her anxiety, leading to panic and aggression.
“Her wide eyes were a result of being under constant stress. They almost never relaxed,” he realized.
This is a common issue for many dogs, as the noisy atmosphere doesn’t allow stray animals to acclimate or feel safe. “Some dogs can adjust to the chaos of the kennels, but dogs like Nola seem to just deteriorate. The behavior staff did everything they could, displaying incredible patience and love,” Perkins observed. Despite the passing time, Nola’s situation only worsened with each day in the kennel.
She even became aggressive with humans, leading to biting incidents. Nevertheless, Perkins refused to lose hope.
“We would just stare at each other for up to ten minutes, and sometimes I felt I broke through to her, seeing her eyes soften momentarily or a brief tail wag,” he reflected.
Sadly, despite their efforts, the shelter could not find her a foster home, resulting in the heartbreaking decision to euthanize Nola. Perkins admitted that returning to clean her empty kennel was one of the hardest parts of his job.
“Part of me held onto hope she’d be back, that she was just out on a walk, but reality quickly set in. I try not to dwell on the ‘what ifs’ because all we have is the moment, and I can’t save them all. Her memory lives on in all of us… It’s tragic she reached such a point,” he expressed.
This emphasizes the importance of kindness to our animals. They thrive in a healthy living environment, and it is our responsibility to ensure their lives are as stress-free as possible. “The situations in the kennels reflect human negligence. Responsibility is vital in preventing dogs like Nola from being placed in stressful circumstances that jeopardize their chances at a normal life,” Perkins concluded.
