Stacy Ruud, Oklahoma
Reported Animals Left in Hot Car
In 1995, I was fighting depression along with a drinking problem. I was fired from my job and couldn't find peace with myself. Just when I thought I had no hope, I got a job working at a homeless shelter. One morning, when I was sitting at my desk, one of the residents came walking in the front doors, with a kitten in tow. The kitten came running to my office, jumped onto my lap and instantly started purring. I have always had a heart for animals and took to this kitten immediately—I named him Sammy.
That same day, I noticed a vehicle parked in our lot with a dog tied to the bumper. When I approached the car, I notice two adult cats, about five kittens and a large animal carrier all in the back seat of the car. It was almost 90 degrees outside with humidity to match—I couldn't imagine the temperature inside the car. I immediately called for help. Animal control came and gained entrance into the car—it was 114 degrees. The officers opened the animal carrier and found a 14-foot Python snake inside. The cats were in grave danger and rushed to the shelter. The officers indicated that they were probably used to feed the snake.
Animal Control took all the animals into their custody, including my Sammy—I was heartbroken. They told me not to give up hope, and that they were going to find the registered owner of the car and sort things out. They finally found the vehicle owner and cited him with animal cruelty, fining him $500 for each animal—seven cats, one snake and a dog! Unfortunately, the cats were so ill, they all had to be put down—except for my Sammy. I got him back, but not without problems. I spent almost $500 in vet fees to bring him back to health. But I was never so happy to help. The snake and dog were also put up for adoption.
Sammy is just what I need in my life. He is very protective of my feelings and always ready to sit on my lap, letting me know things will be okay.