In memory of Dutchess
On Friday, July 17, 2009, the Montgomery County SPCA sadly bid farewell to its long-time and much-loved resident mascot Dutchess, who had been in failing health for about a year.
Dutchess, a beautiful Husky-mix, was about 9-months-old back in September 1998 when she was found lying along Route 5 near Fort Johnson by Montgomery County Sheriff deputies and brought to the Montgomery County SPCA. An initial veterinary exam showed that she had been hit by a car and among her injuries was a broken left leg – it also determined that the abandoned pup would be euthanized. A second veterinary opinion was more hopeful, and Dutchess’ leg and life were saved by the generosity and compassion of three county deputies and an investigator who offered to pay for her surgery. As her story was told in local papers, no one ever claimed her, but donations came into the MCSPCA Animal Shelter to help fund her follow-up medical costs. The MCSPCA established the “Dutchess Fund” with the donations, which remained active to assist with on-going medical costs throughout her life.
Dutchess ended up calling the Animal Shelter home, with her own place of honor in the office. Our many visitors over the past 11 years will remember being welcomed to the Shelter by Dutchess with a bark and a smile. We thank all of you for returning her greeting with a kind “What a beautiful dog” or simply “What a good girl”. We believe she understood you and that your words meant the world to her. Or perhaps you witnessed her late on a winter’s day, taking her afternoon walk and, true to her Husky side, thoroughly enjoying a cold dip in the snow. These were the simple things of Dutchess’ life at the Animal Shelter, things that we now take comfort in believing gave her a happy life.
Our Dutchess will always have a special place in the hearts and memories of the many staff members, volunteers and board members who were fortunate enough to spend time with her during her days at the Animal Shelter, and who could proudly say “that’s our mascot”.
The MCSPCA wishes to thank all those people who showed such kindness to and love for Dutchess throughout her life, particularly her “Guardian Angels” from the Montgomery County Sheriff Department, and those who welcomed her into their homes and families during her many medical recuperations, as well as Dr. Bart Forlano of Glenville Veterinary Hospital and the staff of Heart of the Catskills Animal Shelter in Delhi, who compassionately helped Dutchess reach the Rainbow Bridge.
It is the MCSPCA’s plan to bring Dutchess’ ashes to the new Animal Shelter facility, which is currently in the planning and design phase, so that she will forever be part of the Montgomery County SPCA family.
In memory of their loving friend and mascot, the Board of Directors has decided to accept donations to maintain the “Dutchess Fund” for other shelter animals needing emergency medical treatment.
Good-bye for now, dear friend. Thank you for touching our lives…
