The Anonymous Letters

If the intentions are intended to matter, so to do the consequences.

Here's the latest chapter in the saga of the Humane Society of Harford County as I continue to ask for transparency as the vehicle of trust to ensure that the pets of our community receive the best care possible as they await their second chance.

It is the dawning of anonymous letters arriving at the clinic. Anonymous as in "I want to call you out but I am too meek to do it in person." Now this might come across as mocking, (which it isn't intended to be), but it is a reminder that only adult conversations are entertained here. If you want to incite any kind of change anywhere you have to be willing to do two things; 1. stand up for something, and, 2. stick by it.

This entire endeavor with the Humane Society of Harford County started out as an offer of support, medication and a hopeful sparing of lives from a parvovirus outbreak. What resulted was an uncovering that there is not a veterinarian, (although they claim to have 4 on staff), who managed at least two of the dogs who were sick, nor, was there ever any intention to try to care for these dogs. It was, as it has remained, a veiled attempt to act like there is a caring environment for these animals whilst saving face to continue to seek taxpayers and donors dollars, via ignoring inquiries. This is where I came in. This is where this whole unveiling of events, leadership choices, and financial protections came to light. This is where this story, at least for me, started. What hasn't been shared by me publicly is that there were others asking the same questions, seeking the same answers, changes in accountability, and transparency, long before me. I am not novel in my queries here. I am simply the only one with the long game, and, a destination in mind. As I explained to the current HSHC President, I am stubborn. I do not give up. It will be complicit, and, I will not meet the same fate that Mikayla, (see reference in letter below), did. I am not able to be bullied. I have no time for it, and, I have no ability left for anyone else's opinion of me to matter. Where both letters are tactics for me to be afraid, concerned, (I don't even know because I just don't reside in that headspace), there is a sense of lightness in being independent from outside influence. It is with all of this said that I provide these letters the only space they will ever be given again. Someone out there is very heavily invested in shutting me up, or, ashamed to be part of this inquiry. You can send me a dozen more letters. I will add them to a pile in a file and move on. You can seek counseling for your need to be heard, seen, and influence, but here it falls on deaf ears. You are, as my references choose to remain, barking up the wrong tree. 

I truly, honestly, and bold faced firmy have to say that there isn't anyone who can make me question my intentions. I don't care if you don't like me. I just don't let anyone influence my purpose. It has taken some time and some bruises along the way, but it is the crown you wear at 50. 

While I try to live by a motto of "always be kind" it is often at the expense of choosing to be correct, or right some perceived wrong. I can be harsh, direct, and unyielding. I will also always remain the person who never turns away a pet in need, always tries to help my fellow woman/man, and always gives more than I expect to get in return. You don't know me outside of Facebook. I'm not your enemy, but I might be the person who kneels at the anthem, the woman who will not go to the back of the bus, and the person who goes to a war torn nation to save a bear. This endeavor is not about you. This is about something bigger than me too. This is about compassion for those without a voice, at the mercy of the world they have been overlooked, diminished and fallen prey too. Maybe that will help you refrain from feeling compelled to stay in the dark. 

This is about protecting the most vulnerable and the most needy of our community. For those of us who seek comfort, companionship, and yes, acceptance from a world we feel alone in, our pets are our everything. I see each pet, every single animal and being in the same light. If you cannot, will not, or do not view them in this capacity than you have no place in pet care whether that is private veterinary medicine or the public shelter system. 

The letter yesterday (7/17/25)
When the threat of prosecution doesn't work use suicide?

The first letter 6/10/25
Apparently intended to be a threat of legal action based on a leaked document that was given to the Sheriff's department.

So, where to go from here? Onward and upward and tip-toe through the potential threats of voices who need an audience from someone that they can control. She isn't me.

For anyone who feels bullied I offer empathy. For anyone who thinks it is coming from me I offer this; every statement has been public, posted and I remain transparent. I share the emails, the videos, and the content. You may not like what I have to say, but, I am not a veterinarian for people, I am a veterinarian for those without a voice to seek mercy. Are they mutually exclusive? Well, they shouldn't be. Dogs, and cats were killed at the shelter without a chance. They deserved better. No one can feel good about denying a treatable patient a chance. Asking me to stop, or go away is not going to happen no matter how many letters you send me. I cannot offer advice outside of the words I tell myself. No one else's opinions matter. You only have to like yourself at the end. Life is about living the one you feel provides you purpose, joy, and helps others. You won't be liked by everyone. You have to accept that and be ok with it. If you are ever in a position that holds others lives in your hands you better be prepared for scrutiny. It is what you give up when you decide for others. This is where my argument lies. This is where I fight my battles and remain heels dug in unyielding to the threats and the name calling.

There isn't anything here but determination, conviction and compassion for the patients of the profession I serve within. There is no noose I will let anyone place upon my neck as I try to save every wet nose that needs me.

Resources for all of us;

988 Lifeline

13 Suicide and Hotline advocacy groups

Nami.org

Shelter Feeding Guidelines. No, Once A Day IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH

One of the most furiating cost saving measures I heard about at the Humane Society of Harford County, is that they reduced the feeding schedule to once a day as a cost saving measure.

Here are the recommendations from the experts; What we call "best practice" standards.

Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters- 2x daily

https://jsmcah.org/index.php/jasv/article/view/42/20

The amount and frequency of feeding vary depending on life stage, species, size, activity level, health status of the animal, and the particular diet chosen. Ideally, healthy adult dogs are fed twice daily, and cats are fed multiple small meals or allowed to forage throughout the day. When managing starved animals or those with unique nutritional needs, veterinary input must be sought. Healthy puppies and kittens as well as lactating and pregnant animals must be fed small amounts frequently or have food available through the day (i.e. free-choice).

ASPCA PRO for Shelters- 2x

Feeding Frequency 

All animals should be fed on a predictable schedule to provide enrichment, reward, and to reduce stress. Ideally, all animals are offered food at minimum twice daily with food intake monitored throughout the day. Uneaten food should be discarded and replaced at least every 24 hours.  

• In breeds like deep-chested or large breed dogs, feeding two smaller meals may reduce risk of life-threatening bloat and gastric torsion which occurs when an animal eats quickly and takes in excessive air.  

Best friends- 2x daily

Should you change your dog’s diet over the course of his or her life?

You should change your dog’s diet according to age and special needs requirements. Most puppies are eating dry puppy food by six weeks of age; they need three or four small fresh meals offered throughout the day. At six months, puppies can go down to two meals per day.

https://bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/feeding-your-dog#:~:text=Most%20puppies%20are%20eating%20dry,his%20growth%20through%20diet%20change.

Why is feeding twice a day so important?

These animals are under a high degree of stress, much higher than a normal at-home-couch-potato dog. They need extra calories. Even if they don't "look" stressed, they are. It is a noisy, bustling place. Lots of people, animals, noise. Think of being in a county holding facility, I guarantee your gi tract is going to tell you that your body is stressed. 

These dogs look forward to food. Because, they are hungry, if they aren't so stressed out that they are nauseous. Then the whole catabolic body system forces the immune system into overdrive. Ever wonder why disease runs a much higher risk to shelter animals? This is part of the equation.

Some dogs are so hungry that they resource guard. They are under great scrutiny at the shelter to be deemed "safe for adoption." Some of these dogs are just afraid of losing their food so they guard it. Want to know how many animals are euthanized at the shelter due to behavioral issues? I don't because I am worried this current feeding schedule will exacerbate the aggression/fear/anxiety. 

The HSHC response to the parvovirus outbreak, March 2025

There is a lack of transparency, a retribution approach to whistle blowers with inquiries, and a deceitful response to challenging actions at the shelter. Based on previous tactics to avoid, deny and dismiss their publicly posted response is provided here. I am posting it as I presume they will remove this once the public scrutiny becomes unavoidable.

Parvovirus & the Shelter Response

We’d like to address the misinformation being disseminated about our recent brush with parvovirus in our canine population. Much to our dismay, the information being presented is false and is misleading people to believe that there are deceptive and inhumane practices at the shelter. The only authority about what is happening at the shelter is the shelter itself.

Facts About HSHC

1. We are an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) open admission shelter and have served the Harford County community since 1946. On average we care for nearly 3,500 homeless, stray and abandoned animals annually.

2. We are not a private, for-profit, veterinary practice.

3. We are not a division of the Harford County Government.

–> Want to know more about Shelter Medicine? Click HERE.

Facts About Parvovirus

1. We vaccinate every animal that comes to the shelter with the DAPP vaccine. DAPP stands for Distemper-Adenovirus-Parainfluenza-Parvovirus. Puppies and unvaccinated adult dogs are most susceptible to parvo, and  unfortunately, if a dog has already been exposed to parvo before arriving at the shelter, the vaccine will not be entirely effective. It can take up to 14 days for symptoms to appear after a dog is infected.

2. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the symptoms of parvo are:

• • • • • lethargy
        • loss of appetite
        • vomiting
        • severe (often bloody) diarrhea
        • abdominal pain and bloating
        • fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)

Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration, and damage to the intestines and immune system can cause septic shock. This can lead to death, with most deaths occurring within 48 to 72 hours after signs first appear.

3. Also, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, vaccinations and other preventive measures—including good hygiene—are key to avoiding canine parvovirus infection.

4. Parvo can live in the environment, on surfaces and even our pets, for a very long time and can be difficult to eradicate.

5. Treatment in severe cases includes 24-hour supportive care, IV fluids and full isolation. Caregivers must wear full PPE and discard all bedding, bowls, etc.

Facts About Parvovirus at the Shelter

1. On February 10th, a young dog was picked up as a stray by Animal Control and presented with mild symptoms. Upon arrival he was immediately isolated; SNAP tested for Parvo and received a positive result. With supportive care, his symptoms quickly subsided, and he is now fully recovered and has been adopted. There was no risk posed to the shelter’s population given the immediate isolation protocol.
**SNAP tests are rapid ELISA diagnostic devices (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay)**

2. On February 23rd we received 2 young dogs from Animal Control. On March 6th, one of these dogs was transferred to the Animal Emergency Hospital for symptoms unrelated to Parvo. Shortly after arrival to the emergency hospital the dog began exhibiting symptoms, was SNAP tested and confirmed positive for Parvo. On March 7th, due to declining health, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize.

3. On March 10th we received another adult dog as a stray from the general public that presented with severe parvo symptoms. Also, on the same day, the second dog from the February 23rd intake began exhibiting symptoms. Both were tested and confirmed positive for Parvo. Due to their declining health, the substantial costs proposed for recovery, as well as to protect our entire shelter dog population, the difficult decision was made to euthanize these 2 dogs.

4. At the time there were 75 dogs in our care. In an effort to mitigate the spread of the disease, the decision was made to temporarily suspend dog intakes, adoptions and restrict kennel access to all but a few animal care and medical staff, effective March 10th. The shelter posted publicly the decision to close temporarily and circumstances surrounding the decision. Additionally, an update to this public notice, including outcome of the 3 animals, was made on Friday, March 14th.

5. On March 11th Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were offered to us by a local veterinarian in exchange for a social media mention. mAbs are relatively new and work on a cellular level to prevent the virus from replicating in healthy cells, thereby reducing the severity of the infection and improving chances for survival. It is NOT a miracle cure nor an immediate single shot approach similar to a vaccination. At the recommendation of this veterinarian our staff veterinarian contacted the pharmaceutical company for clarification on how to safely administer this treatment. It was stated that mAbs are to be given in dogs that have been exposed to Parvo and prior to showing symptoms. It must be frozen and then thawed, given by injection, while the patient is given IV fluids and monitored for an extended period of time. A very difficult process for the shelter to undertake without risking exposure to our entire population.
–> Learn more about HSHC Parvo Treatment Cost
–> Learn more about the Drug Facts HERE

6. Given that there were no additional dogs in our care at the time that were candidates for treatment, information about mAbs and the offer for treatment were relayed to those who adopted a dog from the shelter between 3/1-3/10. Adopters wishing to pursue the treatment as a precaution were instructed to contact the local veterinarian.

7. Yet another dog was transferred into our care this past Saturday, March 29th from Animal Emergency Hospital. The multiple rapid “SNAP” tests we’ve done have all shown negative for parvo; however, this dog has remained in isolation since intake. Bloodwork has been sent out for a definitive diagnosis; meanwhile, the dog is stable and symptoms are mild.

Facts About HSHC Operations

1. HSHC has four licensed and qualified veterinarians that consult on these decisions. Our standards of practice/care are available on our website as well as on the MD Department of Agriculture’s website.

2. The Board of Directors oversees the shelter’s financial health and stability and plays a key role in planning new initiatives. Each director is an accomplished civic leader whose community service and business acumen are instrumental in ensuring that HSHC is positioned to meet the needs of a growing and changing community. Board roles are entirely volunteer and unpaid positions.

3. Our live release rate last year was 92% and for the first 3 months of this year, it’s above 90%.

4. County funding does not cover our entire budget. We rely heavily on charitable contributions from our supporters and adoption fees. For the last two years, County funding has remained flat while operating costs have risen by an average of 25%. Increased medical care expenses, higher costs for food, supplies, and utilities coupled with inflation will continue to negatively impact our organization. Harford County’s population continues to grow and will lead to an increase in stray, surrendered and abandoned animals requiring immediate care. We must continually work to find efficiencies while maintaining a high level of compassion and care that our community expects of us. We do not take public dollars for granted.

5. We’ve enhanced our service model to include a comprehensive animal behavior program. We now offer behavioral assessments, training and additional enrichment in an effort to ensure more animals are successfully placed while minimizing behavioral issues that lead to surrenders.

6. Annual impact reports and financial audits are always available on our website for public review. See 2024 data HERE.

What Does This Mean?

We still need YOUR help!

We are constantly innovating and introducing new programs that will strengthen our relationships, educate the public and advocate for humane treatment of animals everywhere.

In a recent national survey 91% of dog owners have expressed experiencing financial hardship. And according to the Humane Society of the United States, of the approximately 20 million pets in the US nearly 70% have never seen a veterinarian.

At HSHC we offer several affordable vaccine clinics throughout the year, a pet food pantry for owners in need and the highest quality care for our animals. We rely on hundreds of qualified volunteers, foster parents and a network of rescue partners, but we always need more! We are incredibly proud of the services we provide to Harford County and will continue to serve as a community resource.

Additional questions can be sent to Amanda Hickman, HSHC Executive Director. see Ms Hickmans emails to me here

Furgie's story here

Editors advice;

Please see former employees and volunteers statements here.

Please see my experience a parvovirus puppy here. The parvo puppies of Ukraine here.

See the videos that started the above here.

For more on this please see Shadow Cats TNR Facebook page, Baltimore Sun, and previous blogs that I have posted.

There are other concerns with the treatment of animals at the HCHS. There are numerous cats who have been euthanized after a local rescue stepped up to take them. This is their posted statement;

More from Shadow Cats here;

Below (in quotes) is a message from our Board regarding a concerning trend we are seeing from our local shelter.

SCTNR wants this partnership to work but we can only do that if everyone is on the same page. We are hoping by posting publicly that we will get some responses to our unanswered inquiries.

As a friendly reminder, PLEASE KEEP THIS CIVIL.

____________________________

"A growing number of concerns are being posted about the Humane Society of Harford County (HSHC). Our local rescue, Shadow Cats TNR (SCTNR), has partnered successfully with the Shelter for the past 4 years. We are now writing because we’ve observed a disturbing shift in the Shelter’s treatment of certain animals in their care.

By way of background, SCTNR rescue provides spay/neuter surgeries for more than 1800 cats per year. In comparison, the Shelter takes in an annual average of 1330 cats. With a decade of experience, SCTNR provides rescue to homeless cats that may be feral, friendly, healthy, or sick. Our Barn Cat Program places dozens of working cats every year, including many that are pulled directly from the Humane Society.

Our mission is to stop unwanted reproduction and the unnecessary killing of healthy and/or treatable animals. Rescues like ours help the Shelter increase their Live Release Rate, reduce staff workload, save money, and decrease the homeless animal population.

What prompted our concern is an incident that happened last month. The Humane Society put out a plea for partner transfer of a bonded pair of cats, Junior and BC. The pair had been living together at the Shelter since January. We responded and agreed to accept them--and fully understood that Junior was a special-needs cat who relied on his sighted buddy, BC. An SCTNR volunteer was ready and willing to foster them, and the Shelter agreed to transfer them into our care.

The following day, we received an email from the Shelter stating they had decided to euthanize Junior instead. The explanation provided was a “declining quality of life.” This sudden turn of events was confusing and frustrating, as it’s important for rescue partners to understand the Shelter’s decision-making and policies to effectively help.

We would like to improve overall communications between our organizations, particularly when it involves the transfer of animals into our care. Besides the sad case of Junior, we have not been given clear answers regarding working cats that we had also prepared to take but were later told were “no longer available.” The lack of clear and timely communication has made partnering unnecessarily difficult.

We invite the Shelter’s Board President, George Heidelmeier, and County representative, Lawrence Richardson, to please contact us to review Junior’s case, answer questions, and establish the parameters for an effective working relationship going forward."

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