Bollinger County Stray Project

Report for Jan. 7 to 14

A lot of Bollinger County families were scrambling last week preparing animals for the cold spell. I heard from a family having lambs on the way and several folks with strays or pups needing rescue. It's during winter storms or below 10-degree temps that the phone start ringing. It's as bad as the Fourth of July week.

All of us with animals were busy putting up feed, laying bedding and making shelters. And many of us also put up extra firewood for the house stoves.

Most of the calls last week were regarding unwanted pups and short-coated pit-mix strays that would freeze to death, so you can imagine the stress. A friend picked up a litter of six tiny babies, caked in mud, urine and feces, from the heavy rain. They were bathed and had to stay in her tiny house with her own dog pack for a few days. What a mess!

I picked up a litter of nine pups (5 to 6 weeks old) that were probably three-fourths pit, sporting very short coats. They were clean and healthy. But, again, what a mess, since they had to stray inside to keep warm. Mom ran off when she saw the property owner catching the babies and putting them in a crate. She is still at large.

People wonder why so many folks involved in rescuing strays and unwanted dogs are moody. Well, if there is anything you care about, like a child of yours, imagine the love you have for that child or children. Now see people abuse their children and tell me it doesn't hurt your heart to see neglect or bruises on those kids!

It can be hard to be nice to people who leave dogs without bedding in the cold, or worse, chain them without warm, dry bedding or even a house that will keep them dry and warm. It's even harder to see starved dogs seeking help that have been dumped. How much of a chance at survival would they have in a week like this?

I ask you to consider wearing a chain around your neck in high winds with a spring jacket on and be forced to sleep outside with little or no bedding, in a plastic barrel or doghouse that does not hold heat, or, even worse, in a design that allows the wind to blow in because it has an open front. If you can only imagine what it is like, I'll bet you would not do that to your dog.

Dogs held for other rescues:

• Two abandoned animals after an eviction.

Returned to owner, placed in other rescues, foster or adopted:

• Mini Aussie adopted by Glen Allen family.
• Six babies, about 1.5 pounds each, went to Stray Rescue of St. Louis on Saturday.
• Nine puppies also went to the same group on Saturday.

Dogs with erlichia, special needs or euthanized:

• None.

Lost and found animals in area:

• Several dogs that are found or missing are listed on our Facebook page and also the two Bollinger County "What's Happening" pages. Don't have FB? Then call us so we can try to match lost pets.

Miscellaneous and contact info:

We were caring for 21 dogs and pups at our home Jan. 14. If you have a stray camping out in the yard, don't wait. Call us at (573) 722-3035 or (573) 321-0050.

MARILYN NEVILLE is director of Bollinger County Stray Project.