It's a doggone shame

Accompanied by a unique three-legged visitor, Debbie Eaglebarger, caretaker at the Corning Animal Shelter and founder of Second Chance Pet Rescue, told the Corning Rotary about some of the second chances the shelter has given to local dogs.

The presentation was conducted July 16 in Carlino's Nightclub and Event Center in Rolling Hills Casino.

Eaglebarger first told the story of "Weaver," a dog who had been hit by a vehicle during the January 4 storm and was brought in with a right hind-leg fractured in four places.

While an exuberant Weaver sat with Pat Henkel, a volunteer from the shelter, Eaglebarger explained how Second Chance paid for the necessary x-rays that revealed the extent of the dog's injuries. The decision was made to amputate the mangled leg, and judging by Weaver's behavior during the presentation, he has thrived without it.

Eaglebarger also shared pictures and stories of other dogs Second Chance has rescued, and the conditions and treatment some of the dogs were forced to endure.

Some of the animals had physical challenges such as blindness or deafness, while others dealt with hardships that were definitely man-made. She showed pictures of a Pit Bull who had been locked in a home to starve and was severely emaciated. She also proudly displayed a picture of the same dog now healthy, thanks to the care received at the shelter.

Some dogs were chained out for extended periods of time, although law dictates that dogs cannot be chained out for longer than three hours. Some of those dogs were burdened with heavy chain link collars, or chains that were dragging branches and assorted debris picked up while in the confines of a yard.

While these accounts were drastic, Eaglebarger's positive message was that the people of Corning can make a difference.

"There are so many little things people can do that make a difference," she said, mentioning adopting the animals or donating supplies that can range from gate locks to swimming pools, which the dogs use to cool off and play in.

The hard work put in by Eaglebarger and those who volunteer their time at Second Chance has not gone unnoticed. Corning City Manager Steve Kimbrough was quick to point out, "What they have done is absolutely incredible."

Craig Purcell may be contacted at 824-1036 or cpurcell@tcnpress.com.