By Mary Owen
Canine Henry Travers has a slew of angels, not unlike his namesake.
“We named him Henry Travers after the actor who played Clarence, the angel in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’” said Sharon Murphy, founder and director for PAWS Animal Shelter in West Linn. “Recovery won’t be easy, but for Henry Travers, it will be heaven.”
The emaciated dog’s story began in November when a UPS driver stopped at the All Seasons Motel in Detroit Lake.
“My chocolate lab, Diesel, mugged him for treats,” said owner Shari Flanders, a mother of two and a Detroit city councilor. “The driver was telling Diesel he was such a lucky boy because he had a home and a family that loves him.”
Flanders learned from the driver that he had just seen a starving dog in Mill City. She gave him a bag of dog food, and on his return trip, the driver dropped the food to the home where the terrified dog was lingering. The dog found the bag of food, helped himself and the resident was able to catch him, Flanders said.
“I went and picked up a very sad, starving animal, brought him home, gave him a warm place and a good meal, and some love and affection,” said Flanders, an animal lover who volunteers for Meow Village, a cat rescue organization.
After four years of trapping, neutering and returning about 100 feral cats in Detroit through the organization, Flanders now fosters kittens.
“I have sent 26-plus loving kittens to their ‘furever’ homes,” she said. “Unfortunately, people feel that the Cascade Foothills are a great place to drop unwanted animals.”
Flanders posted photos of the dog on her Facebook page that was seen by a fellow Meow Village volunteer, who called and gave her the after-hours emergency number for PAWS.
“I called them and when they saw his picture, they agreed to take him in,” she said. “The following morning I drove him up to West Linn.”
Murphy credited Henry’s rescue to a person who did not look the other way.
“It makes me wonder how many people saw him and continued to drive,” she said. Of the day she received the dog, she said, “It was painful to witness his condition, but the look of hope in his eyes was enough to steal the hearts of all who saw him.”
As word of the emaciated dog spread, “angels” stepped in. PAWS volunteer Glady Merriman brought food, Nature’s Pet in Sherwood sent sweaters, and Brat Dogs in Oregon City gave him a much-needed bath. Volunteer Natalie Spillman took the dog to Barclay Hills Vet Clinic in Oregon City.
“Dr. Tinsley checked him over, prescribed medicine, and wrapped his badly injured tail,” Murphy said. “And his guardian angels didn’t stop there.”
Money was sent to cover vet bills and food, and volunteers Kathy Kelley and Liz Buman were the first to donate. Volunteers Michelle Turner, Shelly Knight and Darlene Hellberg made sure Henry Travers got small meals and potty breaks when the shelter was closed, and coaxed him to when a well-intentioned treat gave him tummy troubles.
“Today, Henry is in foster care with his angel, Thea,” said Murphy, who watched Henry during the day before his foster home took him in. “Thea says Henry is on the move and is eating well.”
His foster mom reports Henry has gained weight, is more active, and less fearful. He also spends more time in the yard sniffing and not pacing, she said.
“People are continuing to step up and become one of Henry Travers’ angels,” Murphy said. “From the driver who first saw him clear through the people who are now paying for his support, all of these hands are working together without any hope of personal gain. This is true giving.”
PAWS has set up a Pay-Pal account to off-set costs associated with the care of Henry Travers, and donations are being sought, Murphy said.
“Any money left over in the end will go to another animal in need,” said Murphy, whose shelter continues to care for 150 other animals. “Right now, it looks like Henry may need surgery to repair his tail. Part of the tail was de-gloved, most likely by being hit by a car. The skin is missing from half of his tail. We are hoping that it will heal. For now, his tail is being soaked in an antiseptic several times a day by his foster family.”
His rescuers are attempting to find his owners, a hard task since Henry was wearing a collar with no tags and is not micro-chipped.
“Anyone who things Henry is their dog will have to go through the process, confirming he is theirs,” Murphy said.
Of his rescue, she added, “How appropriate that this is happening during a season of giving. I am blessed to be involved with such an amazing group of people that is ever growing.”
According to Flanders, Detroit has been “home” to numerous dogs like Henry.
“Many campers bring their pets with them, and unfortunately, they sometimes run off or get lost,” she said.
Flanders has considered starting an animal rescue sanctuary in her area because of her experiences over the past four years, she said.
“No animal deserves to be neglected,” she said. “They all deserve a safe, warm, loving ‘furever’ home or sanctuary.
