The stray animals of Liberty County are becoming a community problem especially in the Plum Grove area.  Not only are they making it difficult to drive but many are disease ridden.  Some are fearful or just plain aggressive.  

This is one story I'd like to share with you:  While on my way to town today to buy some dog food, I decided to drive down Gladstell Rd, the new dumping grounds for dogs. (I know, what was I thinking?).  It always upsets me to see dogs just thrown out like a used piece of gum. The first thing I noticed was an empty bag of Beneful dog food with a dead dog shoved inside of it just laying on the side of the road. After stopping for a moment and saying a little prayer, I proceeded into town. That's when I saw on the side of the road a little dog that looked like it was about to just fall over from starvation.  So of course I stopped and approached, with caution.  As I got closer I heard this very tiny little whimper.  My heart sank and all I could do was cry. Although this little guy was clearly asking for help he wouldn't allow me to get too close as he shook with fear. I sure of the inhumane way he had been treated.  So I drive into town balling and went straight my Vets office to ask for assistance. The only assistance that was offered was the numbers to the local Police and Sheriff's department.  After speaking with the Police they said was out of their jurisdiction and to call the Sheriff.  I called the Sheriff's department only to leave a message.  So I go onto Wally World and get the dog food (Pedigree).

Yes of course, I go back to try to find this little dog that is in so much distress. As I walked up and down the country road for about 30 minutes I couldn't find him.  Mind you there are so many decaying animals the stench was pretty overwhelming.  So with a heavy heart I got back into my truck and with my hazard lights flashing proceeded to go home, driving as slow as I could so as to not miss this little guy. And there where the dog was shoved into the dog food bag he was sitting. I stopped and approached him, but this time he did not whimper but actually came to me very shy and very scared then he darted under my truck. I went to the back of the truck and got out a handful of dog food and started tossing it in his direction. He responded quickly as he was starving and each time I tossed it just a little closer to me. He approached with tail tucked but very interested in more food. I got another handful of food but instead of tossing it I left it in my hand and to my surprise he ate and then licked my hand. This poor little guy looked like he'd been through absolute HELL! He allowed me to pick him up and put him into the truck. Thanks to my husband we are going to help this guy get healthy and then find him a loving forever home. More pictures and updates as the weeks to recovery begins. Yes I do believe that 1 person can make a difference.   But a community united can not be stopped.

I received a call back from a very polite deputy.  Although he was unable to assist, because it was a stray.  The only way he could intervene was if this was an abused dog that had an address to call his home.  So I asked what can be done with all the strays?  Nothing was the answer I got.  There is no local shelter in our area, so 90% of the time, unwanted animals are just thrown out, like a used shoe.  He then told me if the dog was destroying my property, or if I was fearful for my family's safety, I could legally shoot it.  I was completely dumbfounded by this answer.  I am trying to help this little guy, not cause him any more unnecessary cruel treatment.  The deputy did offer the advice of petitioning the local commissioner in the area.

That's why this petition was started.  Please join me in the fight to demand that Commissioner Knight open up a shelter for these discarded, unwanted, abused, left for dead dogs and cats.