Buddy's last day

Dear Editor, Today was ?Buddy?s? last day. His suffering is over. (The actual name of ?Buddy? has been changed. This case is still pending, and hopefully the Justice system will hand down a sentence that this owner deserves.) Let me tell you about Buddy. Buddy was a German shorthair dog that was brought to the Humane Society by the McCook Police Department Tuesday, after an anonymous tip was received. Buddy was so dehydrated and malnourished he couldn?t stand. It was apparent by his condition that he had suffered for months. Buddy weighed approximately 20 pounds (He should have weighed 55 to 70 pounds). Upon arrival he was shivering uncontrollably, his body temp was so low it wouldn?t register on a thermometer. His heart rate was 20 beats per minute (normal is 80 to 120 per minute). He was so dehydrated that you could lift his skin up and it would stay there and not spread out again (this is called tenting). Thanks to the Humane Society staff, Buddy found warmth and love his last two days. Despite the love and attention he was receiving at the Humane Society, his body couldn?t recover from the neglect and abuse he had suffered at the hand of his owner. How do I know this? I witnessed this first hand and ?work? at the Humane Society too. It has been a real eye-opening experience for me. I was shocked at the quantity of neglected/abused animals in this area. The abuse that animals endure is sad and infuriating. These animals are dependent on their owners for vitals such as food and water. Do you know what Buddy?s owner?s excuse was for not giving him water? ?Buddy didn?t like cold water.? (I?ll let that statement speak for itself on the owner?s mentality). The staff at the Humane Society are wonderful, caring people. Sandy and Deanna spent hours working with Buddy. These gals are not only kind to the animals; they treat other workers with respect and appreciate their help. They are truly examples to be followed and one of those people who are not recognized enough for their efforts. I can just say I hope the Humane Society Board of Directors know how fortunate they are to have such a competent and caring staff. As for Buddy?s owners ? they were issued a citation. Imagine, only receiving a citation for neglect/abuse that caused a death. McCook has a city ordinance that states that an owner must provide shelter, water, and food to an animal. If you know of a situation where the owner of a pet does not provide these essentials please contact the McCook Police Department or the Humane Society to report neglect or abuse. If the anonymous tip that led the police to Buddy had been received earlier, Buddy may be alive today. Please do not hesitate to report abuse. Nebraska is only 1 of 15 states that does not have a statute in place that animal cruelty is a felony. Think about it. The same person who can neglect an animal to this extent can turn around and own another animal, or worse they can apply for a day care license and take care of your children. Please join me in making a difference. You can contact Governor Johanns and have this changed. Email him at: ?gov000l@umhost.cdp.state.ne.us? or you can write him at: Executive Suite State Capitol P.O. Box 94848 Lincoln, NE 68509-4848 We can make a difference and prevent future ?Buddy?s?.

Thank you, Patty Brown McCook