In her own words: Volunteer Julie Parsons d'Eon
On July 22, 2007, Glenn and I were told of the situation Best Friends took charge of in Pahrump, Nevada. I own a pet sitting business in Anthem (Henderson, Nevada), one of the representatives who works for my company called me and described what she heard on the news regarding this horrific case of cat abuse. Glenn visited Best Friends’ website and was very depressed with what was discovered on that parcel of land in Pahrump.
We decided to go shopping that same day and drop off needed supplies that were mentioned on Best Friends’ website. Our intention was to drive from Henderson to Pahrump which is about a one hour commute, drop off the needed supplies, then leave. We didn’t know what to expect when we arrived.
The first assault was the stench of feces when I opened the vehicle door; as bad as that was, nothing could prepare us for what was hidden behind the fencing on that parcel of land. We wheeled the supplies inside the gates and the bleach we brought with us disappeared right away. Someone took the bleach immediately and returned to one of the huts that had been utilized as a hospital.
The next assault was seeing the result of human neglect and the worst animal cruelty we have ever witnessed. That day we caught just a small glimpse of the sick, terrified, starving and dehydrated kitties as most were hidden out of sight. While standing there in disbelief, we knew dropping off supplies and leaving without doing more was not an option.
When we returned to Henderson, I composed a letter intended for the clients of my pet sitting business explaining the situation and requested their help. The response to my plea was shocking; I was ecstatic and overwhelmed with their kindness, it reminded me there are still good people who are loving and caring to animals. The representatives who work for my company (Pinky’s Pet Sitting) really stepped up and gave generously as well. In total, we were able to raise about $4,000.00 plus supplies clients purchased themselves. We guess at least $6,000.00 was raised in cash and supplies from the kind hearted residents of Anthem and Seven Hills, Henderson. There are clients who donated multiple times and took the time to volunteer in the sweltering heat.
Each weekend following July 22, (with the exception of two weekends) through November, 2007, we drove to Pahrump to help with the care of the kitties. Right away, we made the initial road signs and installed them to assist volunteers with finding the site. We watered the shrubs and filled water bowls on the property, cleaned huts, sorted laundry, cleaned crates and dismantled igloos, unloaded supplies, Glenn cleaned and checked swamp coolers in the huts, made necessary repairs around property, moved flood water after a storm, volunteered at the Super Adoption in Las Vegas. We did whatever was necessary to help improve the quality of life for the kitties. Most importantly, we comforted some of the kitties that didn’t run from us and still had trust in humans. We don’t like to discuss most of the devastation we witnessed in Pahrump; the result of this animal abuse will haunt us for many years to come.
This is the first time we volunteered for a rescue organization and the transformation of the kitties is unbelievable. We visited Best Friends in Pahrump on Christmas Day and dropped off supplies. The change in the health, appearance and behavior of these cats after five months is amazing.
The dedication of Sherry, Shelley, MacKenzie, Don as well as other Best Friends members is extraordinary. The ability to stay month after month in such a depressing environment while encountering severe weather, highlights the strength and devotion of those involved with this massive rescue.
We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Best Friends and cannot describe how awed we are with the level of skill, professionalism and compassion exhibited by Best Friends during this huge undertaking. We witnessed firsthand the impact Best Friend has while involved in an animal rescue. There is no other rescue organization we respect more.