Opinion Talk

By Enlightned One

June 5, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

I lived in Carroll County in the past. I am really suprised that they spend even $5,500 on medical help for the animals.

By Dave

June 5, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

God bless you & Grady!!

By Kimberly

June 5, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

I’m so sorry for your loss. It IS a shame that $1.85 could have saved Grady but the CTY chose not to do so.Shame.

By Ex-Northerner

June 5, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

Bless you for the love you gave Grady in his last days. At least he died knowing that he was loved and cared for.

Re: Carroll County, that is appalling and the Country ought to be ashamed as should every County government that takes so little responsibility for its animals!

By Ann

June 5, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Thank you so much for making the last days of Grady’s much-too-short life better. He knew someone loved him at the end, and that was so important.

I will definitely sign the petition.

By perry

June 5, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

It made me almost want to cry after I read your story. Like you said, Mr. King, he deserved better. I know human beings are cruel and vicious to each other continually, but we still can be kind to poor little animals such as Grady. As the person above said, God bless you and Grady.

By hotdog

June 5, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

“you can judge a county by the way it treats it’s animals”..what a shame..and to think our Governor has a veterinay degree..Why can’t he or Tommy Irvin step in and do something about this sad turn of events..

By MADMOMMY

June 5, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

It is just shameful the way animals are treated. I will sign this and pass the information on to all my animal loving friends.

By MDouthit

June 5, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

Before calling out Carroll County, make certain to see if any progess has been made, such as reading the local paper that posted an article this past Sunday regarding the shelter.

More money for shelter By Drew Pierson The Times-Georgian Posted: Sunday, June 1, 2008 1:53 AM EDT

After weeks of petitioning by the Carroll County Humane Society, officials plan to add tens of thousands of dollars into the budget for the county animal shelter to help what critics say is a disease-ridden and miserable environment for the animals.

“It’s unbelievable … It’s just a real breakthrough,” said Tina Buechner, president of the Humane Society. “And I think it’s just a breakthrough for having commissioners look at the whole animal control budget, and how long they’ve been so understaffed and underbudgeted.”

Thursday night, Buechner met with Commissioners John Wilson and Vicki Anderson, as well as Lee Gorman, director of the county’s Department of Community Development, which oversees the shelter. Buechner reiterated to those present many of her concerns about quality of care for animals at the shelter, and everyone agreed something needed to be done. “I had at least twice as many calls or e-mails about this as anything else that’s going on,” Wilson said. “But I think we got it straightened out. I had no idea; I don’t think most county residents did. If we can work that out, it (the shelter) would be a lot better place.”

Buechner had expressed her concerns to the commission once in public, and has since been urging people in the community to contact their commissioners before the county’s public hearing June 3 on next fiscal year’s proposed budget.

Chairman Bill Chappell and County Comptroller Don Johnson sat down on Friday and added money to the line items concerning Buechner the most.

Click to Enlarge “I talked with a number of folks who had great concerns out there, and I sat down and looked where we could move some money around and get more into that category,” Chappell said.

Chappell has bumped up the animal food budget from $1,500 to $15,000. About 8,000 to 9,000 animals pass through the shelter’s doors each year, and the shelter had been relying upon volunteer donations to provide enough food for the animals.

Part of the reason why the shelter’s food budget was so low was that the average animal there was euthanized within three business days. The shelter takes in thousands of animals each year but is only about the size of a McDonald’s, and it runs out of room quickly. A new shelter almost four times the size will open about this time next year, which means the shelter will likely be able to hold animals longer.

Click to Enlarge Chappell has upped the “medical services” line for animal welfare from $5,500 to $10,500, Most of that $5,500 was just euthanasia solution. He also added more for non-office supplies, like bleach and paper towels, from $500 to $3,000.

An animal shelter advisory committee will also be formed and charged with recommending policies on the shelter and animal control in general.

Gorman said he thought the idea was “superb,” as did Buechner. Chappell said he expected the advisory committee to be formalized by the county commission in the coming weeks. Buechner said she would still likely go before commissioners on Tuesday to show a petition she had passed around the community, but said now she thought her tone would be substantially different.

Anderson said she was pleased with the way the situation seemed to have been resolved.

“I think we have some very informed and wonderful people in community who came up and identified issues, and brought them to our attention,” said Anderson, who came up with the idea for an advisory committee. “I don’t believe we were all aware of the issues, and having a task force looking at the process would be great for community input and community involvement.”

By Bill

June 5, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Not that I want a dog to be treated badly but when we ignore the lives of the unborn and elderly what attitude do you expect to develop among us towards animals?

If human life was truly valued the rest would flow.

By petluvr

June 5, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

What a heartbreaking story. Unfortunately, stories like these are all too common. As an animal lover and advocate I am torn when I hear these kind of circumstances still exist in our shelters. In 2003 and 2004 I adopted 2 kittens from the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter. Both came home sick (internal parasites and respiratory infections)and were nursed back to health with the help of my husband and veterinarian. They were too young to spay at the shelter but Gwinnett County did not offer or require it anyway.

In 2005 I took in another shelter animal - this time a small pug mix. At three years old she had already been spayed (although Gwinnett still did not offer or require spaying or neutering). According to the shelter, she had been dropped off because her owners, who were apartment dwellers, had to move apartments and could only take one dog. Since they had two, they deciding dropping her off at the shelter was the easiest option. She came to us timid and scared and it took months of work for her to get over the traumatic experience.

Then in 2006, my husband and I found 2 six week old kittens sitting near our mailbox and added them to the family.

Last but not least, we added a purebread Miniature Pinscher the Spring of 2008 and it’s at this point I was told Gwinnett County Animal Shelter is FINALLY requiring all adopted animals to be spayed or neutered. Although the adoption fee is more significant than it was previously, I think it’s well worth it. They even include microchipping in the adoption fee. The sad part about these shelters not spaying and neutering, vaccinating, and treating sick animals is that the cost for most of these services is minimal. To have my newest pup neutered and microchipped plus the adoption fee cost me less than $80. That’s a small price to pay as far as I am concerned.

We need to do more to advocate for the pets and animals in this state (and others). They can feel pain just as you and I can and should be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their circumstances.

By Denman

June 5, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

He’s in a better place…running around with my dogs that have passed on. its just shame people treat dogs like that…cause all they want is love. He was a cutie patootie!!!

By Kathy

June 5, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

What a beautiful dog Grady was! Such a sweet face! Luckily he knew he was loved and adored during the last portion of his too short life. I will sign the petition, despite living in the state of Florida.

By Gail

June 5, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

A Society may be judged by its treatment of its lowest citizens. - Paraphrase but apropos in this case. The fact remains doing good for animals, doing what is necessary does NOT take away from doing for people. At no point did the author say, “Well, forget people. We should only care about dogs.” Everyone is called to a different cause. Kudos to Mr. King and his family. My similar experience was at a shelter in S. Florida. The 1st day we met the puppy she was in the back, alone, deemed unadoptable due to her too-many contributors genetics. Grady reminds me of her. We decided to go home and think about it…That night we decided to bring her to our home. The next day we were told the computers were down - No Adoptions. The following day we were told they were not doing adoptions on this day, but come back tomorrow. The 4th visit and we were advised she had to be euthanized due to illness. We were heartbroken. The decision was made to take home another dog, which of course turned out to have Kennel Cough. Well, some Robitussin later and we have had her for 5 years now. She brings joy and laughter and light to our lives, every day. This work is done by the greatest of men, Thank you Mr. King. Grady left this world knowing there were people who were good and kind and cared for her.

By hsiobhanc

June 5, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

my family just adopted a 1 year old Jack Russell Terrier from the Atlanta Humane Society. For the $85 fee, he was already spayed/nuetered, whatever it is for dogs, had been microchipped, and was current on all his shots. He also came with a certificate for a free visit to make sure he was in good health. It seems a great program to me, but oddly enough, after having moved around throughout the US for years, it still seems to be a rare program. if we could institute something like that throught out GA, make it the standard, then there would be fewer stories like Grady’s. But, for Grady, he is probably chasing Alpo Cows, and eating Bubbles. My dogs love when the kids blow bubbles! Playtime!

By Denny

June 5, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

The biggest acts of inhumanity here are the people who allow puppies and kittens to be born, then dump them at the nearest dirt road for the local government to deal with. This behavior should be criminal and the people should be prosecuted.

Since that is not going to happen, all female cats and dogs should be neutered, unless the owner is a registered breeder. Males too, but females have the uterus.

Also the option of abortion of dog and cat pregnancies should be widely available. It also should be cheap and government funded.

By Kathy

June 5, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

What a beautiful dog Grady was! Such a sweet face! Luckily he knew he was loved and adored during the last portion of his too short life. I will sign the petition, despite living in the state of Florida.

By LilZ

June 5, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

I can totally relate to this story… just this past Saturday I adopted a dog from a rescue organization and took him to the vet and found out that he has probably 13 health problems I had no idea about. It isn’t just the county shelters - it’s rescue organizations too. Clearly not all of them take proper care of the dogs in their possession. Grady was lucky to have you and your wife to make his last days happier and more comfortable, just like my dog Dante now has me.

By Mike

June 5, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

Thank you for all you did for Grady, as well as what your story may have donoe to help the thousands of other animals in the same boat. He knew he was loved at the end of his short life, and that is the best that could have happened for him.

By Jmarsh

June 5, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Why not have a booth for a fundraiser at Summerfest, Beerfest, Piedmont, etc? Why just complain for someone else (ie, taxpayers) to show up for more money on your behalf? Do something about it besides wave signs and write articles.

By LauryT

June 5, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Bless you both for giving that sweet faced puppy the love and care he deserved. Hopefully your pointing a spotlight on the issue will help to prevent more senseless death at the Carroll County Animal Shelter.

By Barry Obama

June 5, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

It’s all Bushs’ fault, and the failed policies of the last eight years. Elect John McCain and expect the same. Yes we can! 08AMA!

By Jeffrey

June 5, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

If we treat the animals if this earth as throw aways, how does that reflect on how we treat our children? And what will our children learn from this? What are they learning from this? In the end, it won’t be man who is left on this earth. It will be the animals. As it should be!

By Marie

June 5, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Once again, another sad and preventable story. Gwinnett is just as bad. $15 million on a new shelter and they are only open 3 hours a day-WHEN PEOPLE ARE AT WORK! They are a sick group there, and have so much more tax dollars being wasted the Carroll County. Spalding County still uses a gas chamber to kill their animals. Let me make this clear though, Tommy Irvin is directly responsible for many of these shelters being allowed to operate the way they do, and he has also helped keep some puppy mills operating in Georgia that should have been closed due to abuse and neglect. So don’t expect anything from him or Sonny-they are all talk. Karma is a B——! It’ll come full circle one day.

By Charles

June 5, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

The people in charge should be put on the street. When a pup is treated this way, that’s not the whole problem - it’s an overall general attitude toward dogs, cats, people, life. This is not an isolated event. It says much about our leaders in many places. What’s wrong that $1.85 wasn’t there when needed? Answer - nobody who could do anything, cared even a little bit. We all can’t fix everything, but we can each do our job.

By Dell

June 5, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Now as I read this story which makes me very angry to here how that little fellow suffered .For some reason my mind flashes to the Michael Vick out cry of what he did to his animals. If this county is killing that many animals where is PETA demanding these people be put in prison and for that fact all county run animals shelter in the name of Grady!

By CCH

June 5, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

I am appalled that the county animal control does not check for a microchip. The whole point of a microchip is to find out where lost (or stolen) dogs belong so that the owner can be contacted and the dog can be returned home. People pay for the microchipping service. It isn’t difficult, expensive or time consuming to swipe a dog for a microchip. There is absolutely no excuse for an animal shelter not to check for a microchip.

By Mark

June 5, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Thanks for making Grady’s last weeks full of love. I have four rescue pets — two dogs and two cats — and they make me smile multiple times every single day while asking so little in return. I hope you find another wonderful pup to raise and take car of!

By Deb

June 5, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Wow….abuse of animals….That is what this is…If it was a famous football player…they would be fined and imprisoned but these facilities get away with it. Abuse and neglect…penalties should be the same for all. Not just the rich and famous.

By ELAINE

June 5, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

GOD BLESS GRADY…. Grady looks like the baby of my dog Cletus.. Cletus was a great dog VERY SPOILED and one day when I was at work he got off his lead - went straight to the lake (he loved water) and because someone was in a bad mood - shot him. I came home from work and he was under my porch.. I’ve never seen or knew that a dog could cry but Cletus waited until all three of my boys were home - had tears down his lille face and died… I’ve never gotten another dog nor will I.. It absolutely killed me… I called a vet when I noticed he had been shot but SO MUCH FOR AFTER HOUR EMERGENCY CARE…. GOD BLESS GRADY!!!!!!!

By Jami

June 5, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Good God! Anybody who lives in Carroll County and gives a damn needs go call their representation and ask for more humane treatment of animals! How can there be No vet available at a Shelter? How can they not have any kind of staff at all? How can they Not have a microchip reader, when that might help save lives??? It is easy to make this world better, people. All you have to do is Care, and speak up! The money is there, it just needs to be better allocated.

By K

June 5, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

I am very sorry to hear about your loss, but God Bless you for taking an animal you knew was sick and giving him an amazing life.

We recently adopted 2 puppies from the SPCA, and within a few days both developed a cough, sneezing, etc. Thankfully I think we caught in time but it could have been worse. I phoned the SPCA to alert them to the kennel cough and they had a very mundane attitude.

I know that many of the workers are volunteers but if you do not care about the animals, volunteer elsewhere. These animals deserve love and medical care…

Thank you for sharing your story, while very sad I hope it has touched many people and things change in these shelters.

By reebok

June 5, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your pet. You did the best you could. God cares for all his creatures. Grady’s in a better place, and your story may save many animals.

By Pandora

June 5, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

I am so sorry to hear about your lost of your beautiful pet “Grady”. Thank you for making his last days loving. It is a shame that counties and cities do not take care of these animals that they have in shelters. I hope and pray that you will get another pet if you don’t already have one. I adopted a pet from PAWS Atlanta almost 3 years ago and I love him dearly. PAWS Atlanta is a ‘no kill’ society. They ALWAYS have pets that are ready for adoption. I don’t know what I would do if something God awful was to happen to my beautiful dog.

God Bless You!

By Dee

June 5, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

Thank you for rescuing Grady & giving him the love you did. I am new to animal rescue, but I am finding that most GA Counties do not care about animals. I can’t believe we keep re-electing Tommy Irvin. We need change in GA. These babies deserve a chance too. Douglas County was also quantantine during this time frame & killed dogs and cats. My question is why the cats? Momma’s with babies…There is not reason these counties can not budget for vaccines and common medicines. As well as hire people that care. I have been hearing some really bad stories about Carroll Co Animal Control officers who think they are above the law.

We need to stop electing good ‘ole boys and get some 21st Century officials who care about our animals.

By Blake Adams

June 5, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Changes being made This may be of interest to the readers of this artilce

By John Tackett

June 5, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Thank you for sharing Gradys story. My wife and I just adopted a dog from a local rescue group and are blessed to have this beautiful animal in our lives. In fact we are adding a second dog to the family this weekend. We never had children so our animals have been our family. Some may wonder why all the fuss over a dog, but as a humans, we have choices we can make in our lives in regards to the direction it takes, but an animal does not.

And now with the foreclosure issues, we are seeing more and more abandoned and neglected animals at the shelters.

Even if you cannot adopt a pet, you can make a donation to the numerous shelters. Cash, food supplies, they can use them all.

By Hellinahandbasket

June 5, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

i am no animal rights activist & certainly no animal ‘lover’ as some but i find this appalling that the county would not show the simplist of compassion for an innocent. the bible says something to the effect ‘whatever you do unto the least of these’…well it seems our society treats the least of these..our children, elderly and animals are ‘toys’ or inconveinces to be used and thrown away when finished with or no longer deemed valuable. everyone is rude and competetive, wanting bigger houses, the most toys etc at the expense of the other guy. this all says more about our society than it does about carroll county, that is just one light being shined on one dark corner. it is sad that this is so widespread…signing the petition is a start…but how do we combat it all? its overwhelming.

By Melinda Reeves

June 5, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

I thank God every day for people like you! I am so sorry it did’nt have better ending. But Grady was loved and has touched many hearts. Mindy

By Sobecat

June 5, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Bill, shut up, don’t throw your nutcase views out here when it has nothing to do with the topic.

By cate

June 5, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry you lost your dog. Pets are part of the family and I can’t imagine losing mine.

That being said, why is it the STATE’S responsibility to pay for good health care for animals that others have neglected? People need to take responsibility for their own pets and have them spayed or neutered.

As for the prisoners staffing the facility - good for them! What a nice way to rehabilitate people down and out. What a good use of resources that the state is paying for.

By Sarah

June 5, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Too many sad pet stories on the news lately. Too many people who have abandoned pets when they lose their homes. They are too sorry to even take them to the shelter, instead the leave them locked in a empty house or yard to slowy starve to death. And we wonder why these stupid heartless idiots couldn’t manage their finances to own a home in the first place. These people deserve the hell they’re going through financially, if you’ll walk off and leave a family pet to starve. They deserve all the hell and bad luck they get.

By Larry

June 5, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

God bless you for the good person you are. My idea of heaven is a place where we reunite with all the Gradys - and Chucks, Katies, Mollys, Beaus, Ruffs, etc.

By John Tackett

June 5, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Thank you for sharing Gradys story. My wife and I just adopted a dog from a local rescue group and are blessed to have this beautiful animal in our lives. In fact we are adding a second dog to the family this weekend. We never had children so our animals have been our family. Some may wonder why all the fuss over a dog, but as a humans, we have choices we can make in our lives in regards to the direction it takes, but an animal does not.

And now with the foreclosure issues, we are seeing more and more abandoned and neglected animals at the shelters.

Even if you cannot adopt a pet, you can make a donation to the numerous shelters. Cash, food supplies, they can use them all.

By em

June 5, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

The solution to the problem of having to euthanize hundreds of thousands of unwanted animals is simple. The State of Georgia needs to pass a law making spaying and neutering mandatory unless you plan to breed. Oh wait, that’s been proposed and folks complained that the State was infringing on personal rights and freedoms. We live in a disposable society and the number of euthanized animals prove that unwanted pets are disposable as well. So until something tangible is done, society will continue to spend untold hundreds of thousands of dollars “managing” these unwanted creatures.

By It's Not Enough

June 5, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

SOBECAT…actually Bill is not off the mark. if a society does not value its own then why should it value other things like animals which most ppl view as beneath them and without ‘feelings’. i am not saying that is how i feel but there are many, many in our society that don’t view animals as anything but throw away’s, just considering our euthanisa rate for animals just in georgia. what bill was saying it that if you place value on life then you place it on ALL life and you cannot argue that american places a high value on life. just look around, people especially the weak are the butt of jokes, used, abused and neglected at an alarming rate…if that is done to humans that in our society warrant respect and value how can we not expect ppl to do the same to animals. i think you bashed bill too early, yes this is not about abortion…but as bill said this about valuing life and no one does. your bashing him was proof that so many have get their backs bowed over little things when the bigger issue is ignored.

By Truth Teller

June 5, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

you may not like this but its the truth. the fault lies ultimately with the ppl who allow their pets to run free and without being neutered. if the owners had been responsible pet owners then there would be no need for animal control or shelters. yes carroll county and others like them are culpable but they did not create the problem man did. as for their funding perhaps if the 25+ illegals living in the u.s. paid taxes and did not drain our coffers by using our healthcare and financial aide we would have money to fund programs but of course people come first, that is the reality. this is awful grady had to suffer and we always look for someone to blame and i would suggest really looking at this..carroll county deserves some…but the owners who don’t keep their dogs/cats penned or on a leash and do not have them spayed and neutered are the ones who bear the most blame…of course who knows who they are so the next one that can be found to blame is carroll cty. animal control. the next your county commissioners, then the state because they are the ones handing out our tax monies to those who give nothing back to the system but take and take thus taking from us all including our animal population. i am all for holding someone accountable but not just carroll county, in the scheme of things they are the least of those to be blamed.

By Marsi

June 5, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

It’s just as bad at the Douglas County shelter. It is just plain unacceptable, but the local government does not seem to care. It is an abomination how Georgia treats its animals. When I lived in Pennsylvania, the city of Pittsburgh gave vouchers to anyone to have their pet spayed/neutered. Often vets outside the city limits (who could not get reimbursed by the city) would honor the certificates just because it was the right thing to do. The program was $75,000 a year, but the Mayor had the foresight to see how many millions he’d be saving in animal control costs. He was a dedicated friend to animals. Our Governor here is a DVM and does nothing about these problems. He should be ashamed, as should every local government that has shelters like this!

By WOW...

June 5, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

SOBECAT..so anyone who has a differing opinion than yours have ‘nutcase’ views. very judgmental as all the guy seemed to be saying was if we value life we will value ALL life…which is an admirable quality. you though obviously pick and choose who is valuable and when. if they don’t agree with you then they aren’t..sad really as there is a big, wide world out there and many people with differing opinions, perhaps you ought to get out more.

By Shelter Volunteer

June 5, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

i volunteer 3 times a week at my local animal shelter and i agree with the person that said we should value life from our unborn to the pets that are abandoned and everyone inbetween. i think if people could only see what is done to these poor creatures they would understand immediately that the problem is a perception of value and it is more than just animals. it seems that no one cares about each other or anythign else except themselves and what they can get or have. i agree…we need to value everyone from the humans to the animals.

By Deborah Williams

June 5, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Thanks for taking that beautiful dog & doing your best for him. My 10-yr. old daughter, along with her friends here in Cherokee County, is now in the mist of raising money for the Humane Society by selling Kool-Aid to help supply food, meds, etc. She loves animals & hopes to become a vet one day. She is just waiting to get to the age where she can hopefully go volunteer at a vet’s office or at the Humane Society.

When we lived in South GA in Lee County, we had a cat to take up with us. She was in the woods & we tried forever to coax her with food to come to us. She finally gave in after about 3 months of us putting food behind the fence for her. Well,she finally came over. Then she got ran over, we took her to the vet & spent lots of money on her. Then she had 2 beautiful babies—-and 2 days later had to have emergency surgery. We had to raise the babies by bottle, as she was in no shape to care for them. We had to feed those babies every 2 hrs. as if they were human babies & really got attached to them——they sleep with us now. I still have those 2 babies and have had them “fixed” & will never let them go. We also took in a Bassett Hound from a friend of a friend. Low & behold, he got sick & ended up having heartworms. It cost us over $600 to treat him, but it was worth every penny that we have spent on all of our animals. Of course, they about broke us, but we couldn’t let them be sick.

Every time I walk by Petsmart or somewhere that is trying to help animals, I donate what I can to help strays be taken care of. It’s our duty to do that. The state needs to do more to help the animals & people should be responsible like this with their animals. I always say that no matter how much everyone is upset with me at home, that my animals ALWAYS love me…..even if I feel that no one else does.

God bless poor little Grady. And, thank you for trying to give him the best life possible in his short time with you. God will bless you for that.

By gttim

June 5, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Thank you for giving Grady a shot and showing him love before he passed.

I was intrigued by the use of prisoners to take care of the pets. Allowing volunteer prisoners to work in shelters would be a great way of helping animals and helping to rehab prisoners. I have read of a study or two where this type of program has helped prisoners in the past. The animals would get more hands on care and develop less issues. I like it!

By You're kidding...

June 5, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

you complain our taxes are too high and thats where the funding coms from. where do you think they are going to get more?

our taxes go to so many programs and they have to put it to the programs that help the people first, legal or illegal, then county services, county paychecks etc. by the time the tax dollars trickle down to animal shelters its almost non existant.

all we can do is volunteer, donate and help out shelters whenever we can because it isn’t going to get any better because there is no more money.

By Kris

June 5, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

It is sad that we live in a society where many do not value the life of an animal. Thanks to everyone who has opened their door for an animal in need. If only there were more programs to educate animal owners - and assist them.

By Chuck

June 5, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

I am very sorry to hear about Grady. He was a beautiful dog. There is a lot of work to be done here. A plan for all the animal shelters in the State. Oversight and standards. Looks like a little money up front could have saved a lot of heartache. I know our Governor loves animals. We can do better. Grady was loved by all the King family. We love you too Grady.

By whatabouthumanbabies

June 5, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

I do believe animals should be treated humanely, but I also believe human babies should be treated with even more humanity. The US has killed millions upon millions of unborn babies in the name of convenience. What if this happened to unborn puppies or kittens? I bet there would be a huge protest then, but not so with human beings. When we give innocent, helpless human babies the respect and humanity they deserve, then we won’t sound so hypocritical with the outcry for pets.

By Sarah

June 5, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

I have no problem with a portion of my taxes going to the welfare of aninals in the form of a well operated shelter. My tax dollars are paying for the one or two gallons of gas the HERO drivers gives for free to those who fail to realize if you don’t have gas in your car it won’t run. I saw the same car TWICE last week on two separate ocassions, out of gas, on my drive to work, both times being helped by HERO.

By tammy

June 5, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

This is a crime! I signed the petition and will be watching for improvements to be enacted.

By Tony

June 5, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Mike:

God bless you and your wife for making this little puppy’s last days ones of love and caring. He knew you loved him and that is all that matters. I have seven cats and four dogs and I couldn’t stand for anything to happen to the least of them. It is a crying shame our animal shelters are no better than this.

By Tammy

June 5, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

What I do is take every stray or feral I find to the vet to be neueterd/spayed and vaccinated. If they are uncooperative (feral), I use a live trap. I’ve neutered at least 20 animals roaming the streets in Midtown. Afterwards, if they chose to stay with me, they can.

By pickens

June 5, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

must be why is not here. instead law has to waste time on calls because loose animals attack people.

By Cat

June 5, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Thank you for this article and your loving kindness for Grady the pup. Individuals and the state need to take responsibility for all animals in Georgia. PEOPLE MUST SPAY & NEUTER PETS AND DON’T SUPPORT BREEERS!

By Vickie Foster

June 5, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

I adopted a beautiful dog in January of this year, and she has been great! But the sheltor was HORRIBLE!!! It made my 10 year old son throw up when we returned to the car.

By robo

June 5, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

You and your wife gave poor Grady the best chance any puppy in his situation could have. His only happy days were lived with you. Yes, it is terrible to think of all the Gradys out there, not just Georgia’s problem either. This is a WORLD problem.

God Bless You.

By Lynne

June 5, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

My heart is breaking. But I want to send a big thank you to you from Grady. He was blessed to be under your love and care even if it was for a short while. It’s really such a shame that these things happen at all.

By Aubrey

June 5, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Bravo for bringing this story to the public. Also for giving credit to such a wonderful vet as Dr. Averill. His animal hospital has been responsible for saving hundreds of lives of rescue dogs and I only wish more vets followed his lead. I took my dogs there for years and my parents still take their animals there including Sammy, a lab that Dr. Averill and staff helped save after Katrina. To date I believe he is the largest liver shunt operation performed by UGA but it’s because of the dedication of Averill’s staff that he was saved. He currently takes special medications every day just to be able to digest a small amount of protein in his k/d food. It would have been easy to say he was too sick and put him down when he was dumped at the hospital door but their staff does not give up. More funding for shelters and rescues in combination with vets willing to go the extra mile to save a worthy dog would mean many lives saved!

By abl

June 5, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Hey, where is the self-centered “get the government off our backs” crowd in this discussion? Too many in GA wants the gvt. to provide only the most elementary services…leaving us in an anarchical third world state, causing unecessary suffering to all its people and yes even animals. Thanks y’all!

By catsmeow

June 5, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

To Truth Teller…Thank you, I believe you covered it all and said it all very well. Puppies and kittens DO NOT ask to be brought into this world and then dumped at the shelter(s) like garbage. I thought the article was first referring to Clayton County Animal Shelter. If people would take responsibility for their animals, this world would be a better place for animals and people also. I offered to pay for the spaying of my neighbors dog after she had been at my house for a month and I had been feeding her and caring for her, thinking she was a stray because nobody came looking for her. I happened to find the owner through the kids in the subdivision who knew where she belonged and I questioned him about spaying her after I told him how long she had been at my house. At first, he thought it was a great thing to do, but the day before I was to take her for spaying I’m informed she may be pregnant and he wants to sell the puppies (she’s not a pure breed, may I add)!!!! It was not about the dog and what was best for her…it was all about the money he could make off of her!!!! Apparently, he didn’t care much for her if he never came looking for her, just he momey she might bring him. There will be a special place for him one day…….don’t think it will be heaven. God Bless Grady’s earthly angels….he didn’t die alone.

By Rebecca

June 5, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

So sad to hear that this is what goes on in a “civilized” world!

My first dog I got through a shelter in Michigan, where I used to live. They gave me a free vet visit and free initial vaccinations for the $75 adoption fee (he was already neutered). Our third dog we got from PAWS Atlanta, who was wonderful and microchipped him. (#2 came from a rescue and #4 came to us as a stray w/no luck finding his owners.)

Anyhow, it is amazing to me that here in Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Fulton the shelters are getting the picture, but Carroll and Hall Counties still don’t get it!

Mike, thank you for giving Grady a last shot at love and health. I am sure he is rolling around on his back in the grass somewhere and napping in the sun w/fond memories of his time with you and your wife!

By Aubrey

June 5, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

and one more thing… Encourage anyone you know to adopt from a shelter or a rescue group. Even for the family looking for a purebred, there is a group for nearly every single breed. I help run the state aussie rescue and we are never at a shortage of purebred australian shepherds being dumped into shelters. For every aussie adopted out of our organization, that is one more we can save from the shelter. There is no need to pick your animal up from a newspaper add of a backyard breeder!

By Aubrey

June 5, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

and one more thing… Encourage anyone you know to adopt from a shelter or a rescue group. Even for the family looking for a purebred, there is a group for nearly every single breed. I help run the state aussie rescue and we are never at a shortage of purebred australian shepherds being dumped into shelters. For every aussie adopted out of our organization, that is one more we can save from the shelter. There is no need to pick your animal up from a newspaper add of a backyard breeder!

By Renee

June 5, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Terrible story. We have adopted from Cobb Co. several times, but one of our pups was very sick when we brought him home - internal parasites. I believe his sister died in the cage. It tooks us weeks, months to get the worms under control and he ended up being a wonderful family member for 12.5 yrs. I do have to say that as angry as we all can be at Carroll County, the fault truly lies with irresponsible pet owners and breeders who castaways the runts and misfits. They deserve our anger. Honestly, if spay/neuter and vaccines were built into the adoption fees, fewer people would be able to adopt. It would be great if some of these big pharmaceutical companies would make donations to all shelters. Heaven knows, they all make enough money.

By Susan

June 5, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Thank you Mike for making Grady’s final days, loving days. He deserved so much more, but he died knowing LOVE and COMPASSION from you and your family! Lets hope Grady’s story will bring some good to these animal shelters around the State and people wake up to the fact that animals deserve to be treated far better than they are currently!

By 4dogsandpeople

June 5, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Thanks for lifting up one more name and (precious) face in the cause of wiping out this symptom of an infected society. Bless you and Anne!

By SW

June 5, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

To “whatabouthumanbabies”:

I agree, abortion is terrible, but these babies would not be better off with parents who don’t want them. You can’t really compare the two topics here, since you don’t see unwanted babies roaming the street. In a perfect world babies would only be born to parents who would love and care for them and humans would treat animals the way God intened, as their protectors. The people who mistreat animals will get theirs in the end. I may not be a perfect person, but I feel that the way I treat my animal babies will help get me into heaven.

By Lynne

June 5, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Got an email with photos of the lovely and deserving dogs from Spaulding county that will be put to death this week:( Sent it to every local person I know. Both of my dogs were rescued animals. I don’t know what I would have done without these 2 angels in my life. More than dogs…they’re family. PEOPLE, PLEASE search your animal shelter instead of assuming that the best dogs are in your pet stores!

By gttim

June 5, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

The US has killed millions upon millions of unborn babies in the name of convenience. What if this happened to unborn puppies or kittens?

It would probably be much better than having them born, live in a small cage for a few months, and then gassed.

This has nothing to do with your political views on abortion. Please, post your drivel in a suitable place.

By Bravesfan79

June 5, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

I will sign this, what a shame. Great Column.

By Rick Dunham

June 5, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Wow… This senseless slaughter of animals MUST stop!! It is incredibly barbaric… and we call ourselves a civilized people.

By dede

June 5, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

The minute I saw that face, I knew the story was going to break my heart. But I had to read it. You are truly a wonderful person, not many people would have kept Grady. As I sit here with tears in my eyes, I think about one of my own rescue puppies. She developed diabetes about a year after we adopted her. People actually suggested we take her back to the rescue group we adopted her from. I was so angry. I asked if they would return their child if it got sick..Well my pups are my children. She gets her insulin and food before I get my meds and food. I know I am in a minority. You can donate to rescue groups and humane societys. If you give to charity, please consider adding some kind of animal rescue to your donations. Even a few bucks can feed or get medical attention for a dog. Everyone gives for the human causes, but who can give or speak for the animals if not you. Don’t complain about the government. Charity starts at Home.

By Pipeline

June 5, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Mike……

Until the citizens of Carroll County demand better and more humane treatment for their animals, nothing will change…….To many, not all residents Marlboros, Budweisers and Lotterty tickets are more important than getting a spay.neuter. And that, my friends is “representative democracy” in action.

Why is it that for the month of April 2008, the Toronto, Canada Humane Society took in one stray dog and yet look at the disgrace that Carroll County is……and Carroll has a lot of company in GA!

By Theresa

June 5, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

This story is heart breaking, I went thru a similar case in Paulding County a few years ago, the shelter was filthy & inmates “worked” there. I couldn’t resist an adorable puppy that gave me the “take me home” look. She became very attached to me during the couple of weeks, she had to be put down because of coxcidia, ad disease cause by filth in the kennels. I’ll never forget that little girl, a short time joy in my life. Bartow County could teach these careless counties something, their shelter is clean and the animals are well-cared for there. I respect them for their work, and, yes, I did take home a “throw-a-way” from their shelter & she is now a contented little girl.

By Susan

June 5, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

I wish so much that Grady’s story had a different ending. He had such a beautiful little face. My husband and I adopted a dog from a shelter in Douglas County only to find out 3 days later that he was deathly sick with parvo. Fortunately for us, our story had a happier ending than poor little Grady’s. With some intensive care at the vet’s and a lot of love and money, our Archie is now healthy and happy as a treasured member of our family. I will never buy an animal from a breeder again. Archie has shown me that shelter dogs may need a little more help in the beginning but they make the best friends that you’ll ever have. They have so much love to give. Had the shelter known that my sweet, goofy dog had a deadly virus, he would have been put to sleep immediately. Our family would miss out on all of the joy, fun and love that he brings us each and every day.

By beth

June 5, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

I lived in Carrollton while attending college and I too was appalled at the conditions of the Animal Shelter. When I found a stray lab puppy that had been abused, I knew that if I took her to the shelter she would be better off dead. Now four years late, our dog Anna is the highlight of your family. Please help the animals with no voices in Carrol County. it is worse than you think.

By Single Mom

June 5, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

All of you people griping about this should put your money where your mouth is. Donate to spay/neuter clinics ! ! As the article says, it starts there. What does it say to you that 6,000 unwanted animals come into one facility every year? 6,000 ! ! ! If the animals are not put down they will likely live in small cages for years. Staffing, food and housing them would mean dollars that could go to spay/neuter clinics. Think hard about that 6,000 in just one year of just one county.

By CRobinson

June 5, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

now if only this much compassion was shown for our fellow man. $5000 would get a lot of HUMANS of the street. Pay for drug rehabilitation. By a safe place for kids to play away from the streets. Nothing wrong with helping puppies, but how many of you turn your backs on people?

By jarvis

June 5, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Or….they could just close the shelters all togehter, and save some tax payer money. It irkes me that people believe that the government should do everything. How is it the county’s responsibility to take care of these animals?

By Jill

June 5, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

CRobinson, many people are where they are today as a result of their own actions. These dogs are not where they are today because of something they didn’t do or could have done. If I give a hungry dog some food, the dog will eat it. Give a hungry drunk on the stree some food and he’ll snarl at you and want money for food. Bottom line: I decide to whom or what I will give the money I earn to, not you CRobinosn. Besides, what have YOU done lately? This blog is about a dog, not some smelly drunk panhandler on the corner. Call the Salvation Army, go ring a bell.

By cy

June 5, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

God Bless you and your wife! and may Grady rest in peace.

Georgia needs to show compassion for our beloved pets. First thing needs to be fixing them. I believe that a lot of the shelters would not be as over filled if people just did that.

Here is what we as people need more of. On 11 alive site, there is a story about rescuing kittens that were trapped by silicon glue and rescued.

http://www.11alive.com/news/

o’ it is on the video….

By MrLiberty

June 5, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

As much as I love animals (our current dog was rescued by us after having been hit by a car), I must agree with Jarvis. There is a reason these shelters are as crappy as they are - they are run by the government. Government fails at everything it does - schools, police, roads, sewers, water, mail…

And yes, for those who think that too much money gets spent on pets and not enough on people, this may or may not be true, but the real fact of the matter is that when government spends the money it is always handled politically, and it always comes to government through force. Just look at the annual budget of this country. Nearly 2 trillion dollars at the federal and likely a serious amount more at the state levels is literally STOLEN from us at the point of a gun to pay for what a bunch of bureaucrats feels is best and not us.

We are not charitable to our fellow man because we have given at the office (whether or not the Government does anything good with our money). Despite all that is taken we are still profoundly charitable. When it comes to giving personal assistance, the government goes out of its way to make the individual irrelevant. They take our money, give it to others, and then promise to take care of us the same way (well, they call is Social Security so it doesn’t sound like the Ponzie scheme it is.) The give us worthless paper and then print all they want so we cannot save for our own retirement or the care of our parents - and then step in and say how great the government is that they are taking care instead.

We have allowed ourselves to become amoral as a result of the government’s toxic intrusion into our lives. We have no more morality since they no longer allow us to decide for ourselves what is right and what is wrong. Drugs are not a moral choice about intoxication, but rather a crime against the state apparatus and authority. Gambling is not a vice to be controlled, but something that is illegal unless the government is getting its cut. Charitable giving is done for us at work courtesy of the benevolent hand of government. Dogs and cats no longer are the neighborhood’s concerns, they are now the concerns of those folks who snatch them off the street and take them to prisons for disposal. We cannot change the character of the facility because heartless bureaucrats work there and other heartless bean-counting bureaucrats oversee them - and they have already taken the money we would have used to make things better.

There are plently of no-kill shelters and plenty of folks who go out of their way to make sure dogs and cats end up in homes and not graves. You need to stand up and reject government solutions to problems. You need to call for a return to personal responsibility. You need to shun neighbors who let their animals (and their children) breed uncontrollably. You need to stop answering every question about the problems in society with comments like “well we have enough money that the government should do something.”

That is how we got where we are. Only you can prevent socialism.

By BlessTheBeasts

June 5, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

My commute takes me on the surface streets through southeast Atlanta. If you think animal control facilities are bad, you should see what is wandering our streets. I’ve taken to carrying dog and cat food in my trunk, so I can do my best to feed the strays who are obviously starving. It is pitiful to look into the eyes of these filthy, matted, emaciated souls. Some are too fearful to approach; others will wag their tail at the slightest hint of kindness. I cry every, single day about the plight of animals in the south. I have lived all over this country, and I have never seen such disregard for animals.

By Tom M

June 5, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

We adopted a beautiful smooth collie mix at this shelter last January. It was her last too, she had been there 30 days. We were told it is tough for the larger mixed dogs to be placed. I was depressing, filthy and you could smell the kennel when you drove in. There were prisoners on site doing clean up. But there were also folks who appeared to be volunteers who were quite friendly. The lack of funding is apparent. I’m surprised they are getting a new shelter. In the meantime, Sam is enjoying her new home and has not had any health problems.

By Tom M

June 5, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

We adopted a beautiful smooth collie mix at this shelter last January. It was her last too, she had been there 30 days. We were told it is tough for the larger mixed dogs to be placed. I was depressing, filthy and you could smell the kennel when you drove in. There were prisoners on site doing clean up. But there were also folks who appeared to be volunteers who were quite friendly. The lack of funding is apparent. I’m surprised they are getting a new shelter. In the meantime, Sam is enjoying her new home and has not had any health problems.

By swolf4810

June 5, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

At least before the end came, Grady knew love and caring, and knew what a safe home felt like. That counts! And Mike, thanks to your story, he will be thought of and missed and be remebered by a whole lot of people. I truly believe he’s in “doggy heaven” and will be there waiting on you and your wife with a big ol’ smile for yall.

By Susie B

June 5, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Thank you for writing this story, as I’m sure it was very painful to do so. I had a similar circumstance with a parvo puppy from a shelter, and it just is heartbreaking when you can’t save a young one like Grady or my puppy. But, love is never misplaced, and I’m glad you told your story so that maybe other helpless animals can be saved. I shook things up at the parvo puppy shelter, and was glad to see a few months later things really did change. So, it can happen, but it won’t unless people speak up. We pay enough in tax dollars for pure foolishness, surely some of that money can be used to help those who can’t speak for themselves. People have choices; animals don’t.

By Unfortunate . . .

June 5, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

It is unfortunate how Grady did not live a full life and I applaud your efforts, but let’s ask ouselves a simple question - If the 6000 or so animals that are put down every year were saved and properly cared for by some gov agency, where would the animals eventually go and who would pay the enormous associated costs??? PETA??? We would have an enormous overpopulation of animals. If you want to work for something, work for the control of irresponsible pet owners and better animal control…

By John Tackett

June 6, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

CRobinson.. Jill is correct. As humans we are responsible for our actions and where they take us, good or bad. This animal did not have that ability.

By David Butler

June 6, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

Mike, thank you for sharing your experience with Grady. You have helped shine a light on a dirty little secret that largely goes unseen by most in our community. Many animal “shelters” are run with varying degrees of inefficiency and insensitivity. Animal shelters were originally created to help when a citizen passed away and had no one to care for their pets. Today, they largely process the surplus from irresponsible owners and breeders. I assist in transporting animals from a shelter in Murray County where great efforts are made to place animals. Yet every week a new group shows up and many do not leave. The answer sir, as you mentioned, is requirements for spay and neutering. This is not likely to happen unless someone of your influence helps to further illuminate the problem. God bless your family and Grady.

By Spam

June 6, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

I am sorry for your loss! Thank You for speaking out!

By John Tackett

June 6, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

CRobinson.. Jill is correct. As humans we are responsible for our actions and where they take us, good or bad. This animal did not have that ability.

By Dog Lover

June 6, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

There is nothing like the companionship that a dog provides. I recently had to have my Loki put to sleep due to a brain tumor. After over 12 years of being there it was truly like losing a member of my family, and there was an emptiness in the house where he used to be. I know that even the short period of time you had with Grady was special and should be cherished.

By Campw Woof Lover

June 6, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Our hearts go out to you and Grady. It is a said state of affairs when we cannot provide remedial care to these animals.

I know Grady loved you and thanks you for everything you did for him for in his short time in this world.

By K Reed

June 6, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

We had the same issue with the Douglas County shelter. Got a wonderful dog only to have it spend two weeks at the vet has they try and save him. Our Vet said it was the sixth case they had seen in just a few months and complained that the local county shelters were not doing their jobs.

By Marie

June 6, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

I also agree that the fault lies with the owners, but these shelters don’t give a rats a* who picks up these pets. Then you have the trailer park trash that sits in the parking lot of Walmart giving out pets to anyone that rolls along, the ghetto fabulous who only want pit bulls to stand in for their inability to fight on their own, the rich b*** who wants a dog for her purse-if dogs were meant to be carried in pocketbooks they would have been born with handles on their backs! The absent parents who buy a dog for their kids to take up the time they choose not to spend with them, and just like that GI Joe you bought at Christmas-is now bored with it and won’t take care of it so you chain it in the back yard like it’s a grill and don’t take care of it. Animal Shelters should qualify people and then check on the dog after that. If we can waste tax dollars on b******, then spend it on something that matters! I hope every single one of you that falls under these catagories rot in hell! And, that the dog you neglected pee’s on your grave!

By yancy b

June 6, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

Mike I am truly sorry for your loss. Grady was lucky to have you and your wife in his too short life.