PANAMA CITY — Two American foxhound puppies left in front of the Humane Society entrance in the middle of September were covered with fleas, infested with worms and sickly thin — so emaciated their survival was a tenuous proposition.
However, Trixie and Tiki have turned around in the past month. Both are now healthy and learning to play like 5-month-old puppies, and they are available for adoption at the Humane Society. Humane Society Executive Director Starla Raiborn said the desire is to keep the two sisters together.
People abandon animals in front of the Humane Society relatively often, not realizing it is a felony to do so without any notice. One of the most heartbreaking examples Raiborn can remember was a bulldog suffering from bloat, who was not discovered until one of the society staff members was leaving the office one afternoon early this September. Bloat is fatal if not caught early enough. The affliction involves the stomach detaching and rotating. By the time staff found the dog, there was nothing they could do.
“It’s one of the most excruciating ways for a dog to die,” Raiborn said. “I literally felt its last breath.”
The society’s mission is to stop animal homelessness. Society marketing director Rose Clemo said Bay County is especially overpopulated with dogs and cats, something the society believes can be solved with more awareness of spay and neutering.
The Humane Society has partnered with Operation Spay Bay, Animal Rescue, Paws and Claws and Castaway Cats to host a Masquerade Gala at 7 p.m. Saturday at Boardwalk Beach Resort. The goal is to raise $50,000 to be split evenly between the five organizations. Clemo said $40,000 already has been raised in $75 ticket sales, but the event also will include a silent auction. Live music, hors d’ouevres, dancing and a cash bar also will be featured. Semiformal attire and a mask are recommended.
The Humane Society has space for about 100 animals to be kept comfortably. Raiborn stresses there are plenty of adoption success stories.
Buff was a pit bull puppy that came to the society July 13, 2013, after he was rescued from a hoarder situation. The puppy was kept outside with about 100 other dogs, constantly hindered by a heavy chain. Perhaps because of this forced isolation, Buff developed a friendly and excitable nature around people, but this unbridled enthusiasm was more than most people could handle from a large pit bull.
“He had muscles from his snout to the tip of his tail,” Raiborn said.
Buff was adopted Oct. 1 and the home seems to be a perfect fit, Raiborn said.
Want To Go?
- Who: Everyone is invited but are encouraged to wear semi-formal wear and a mask
- What: Masquerade Gala
- When: 7 p.m. Saturday
- Where: Boardwalk Beach Resort, 9450 S. Thomas Drive
- Cost: $75 per ticket