Tales from Hound Heights AWARE no-kill animal sanctuary Sumpango, Guatemala

I was in the hills along the Thai-Burmese border, planting rice and appeasing the gods. A movement jarred me from my book, and there was Moisey, struggling to stand from his bed in front of the fire. Something about the exquisitely sensual dance of the rice planters had enabled me to see Moisey’s pain as his hind-quarters strove to obey the message to RISE, and failed. Some agonizing moments later, Moisey did get all four paws on the floor and shambled out to pee. I heaved a sigh of relief, put down Fieldwork by Mischa Berlinski, and looked around.

Truper

How, indeed. Oh, those aching muscles. Oh, the coziness of the bed and its warmth and comfort, while the dawn barely glimmers beyond the curtains. Wouldn’t it be nice to luxuriate just a few more moments … but no! Some are old and some are young and all 15 house dogs are ready—impatient, even—to hit the trail. “Un-gum those eyelids, Walker!” they bark loudly. “And make it snappy!”

Do they know their age? Is Moisey still a pup in his own eye (he lost one to glaucoma)? Princess certainly has never slowed down and gambols, springs and lunges like Jackie Chan, play leader extraordinaire. Truper—a car accident victim at age 1, bent and crooked ever since—runs and capers with a knowing smile on her white-rimmed face, breathing easily. Samuel, leading male at 70 dog years, has zero trouble facing down these four young athletic males. Are these old dogs yogis?

So what is age? Is it necessarily decrepitude? Is it necessarily a bowing out to youth? Is it necessarily a retreat into the background—an admission of irrelevance? Or is it a continuation, a growth, an expansion—as much of the pouches and the wrinkles as of the compassion and the understanding, the grasp and the reach?

Meanwhile, Moisey lopes off down the track, torn ligament and all. The pups race in chaotic loops until Samuel steps in sternly, and none of the youngsters know which way to run until Princess shows them. Sure, these guys’ social organization is aided by a certain intellectual simplification, a certain emotional willingness, an unconflicted group mentality. Time for them is a continuum, unbroken by thoughts of before or after. I just figured it out: They live until they die.

How old are you?

Adopt a Pet from Aware (animalaware.org)

Perhaps it’s a stretch to be asking for donations in order to care for injured and abandoned animals when there are so many human needs, yet suffering is suffering, and we’re all called to action in one way or another.

Hound Heights, AWARE’S no-kill animal refuge, is currently sheltering 220 dogs and 80 cats. Many puppies and kittens were adopted this year, some older dogs and cats were lucky enough to be placed in loving homes too, but the number of adult animals not suitable for adoption continues to rise. It’s easy to rescue an animal … next comes the hard part. These dogs and cats need medical attention, they need to be housed and comforted, fed and walked, brushed … many will live out their lives at Hound Heights, cared for by human kindness. They deserve no less.

If you would like to adopt a pet, Hound Heights is open to the public every Sunday from 10am to 3pm. You may not be able to adopt a cat or dog — but why not sponsor one?

Q150 per month will provide general medical care, flea control and food.

A one-time donation is also very much appreciated. AWARE is a registered non-profit organization in Guatemala, and a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit corporation in the U.S. Donations in the U.S. are 100% tax deductible.

With connections to Humane Societies in California and Florida, AWARE has been able to send puppies to the U.S. for almost immediate adoption. US$300 covers the cost of doing the paperwork for 4 puppies. If anyone plans to travel to California or Florida, willing to accompany animals on the flight, your assistance will be very much appreciated.

Wish List Includes:

1. metal food/water bowls
2. blankets, towels, and bedding
3. dog and cat food
4. dog and cat toys
5. cat boxes and litter
6. grounds-keeping equipment: shovels, rakes, etc.
7. large plastic garbage pails with lids
8. building materials
9. a highway sign marker
10. a sign for the main gate
11. 12-hp generator
12. printing of business cards and promotional material
13. veterinary products including flea control, anti-parasite medications
14. surgical supplies and equipment
15. humane animal traps
16. and perhaps tires for our pickup.

Hound Heights, Aldea Pachaj, Interamericana km 40, Sumpango Guatemala Xenii Nielsen: 7833-1639, 5401-3148 xenii-2[@]usa.net

For donations, correspondence and shopping with proceeds that support AWARE, please visit 4a calle oriente #23, La Antigua Guatemala

www.animalaware.org

Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not find peace. —Albert Schweitzer

Adopt a dog from Aware (animalaware.org)