Reflections of Rescues: A Year in Review at the Florida Keys SPCA (2023)

The year 2023 has come to an end and as we review the past twelve months at the Florida Keys SPCA, we remember the many different “rescues” we have been a part of.

The word rescue is defined as the act of saving one from a dangerous, harmful, or distressing situation. When it comes to animals, rescues take various forms, and we saw all of them in 2023. Some were dramatic and life saving, others more subtle but as important to those being rescued. Some involved injured animals, others who were neglected or abused, and some rescues involved removing an animal from one situation and providing a better life in another. And then there were those special cases when the animal is the rescuer, and the human is the one rescued.

Our hard-working Animal Control Officers (ACOs) are called upon to rescue both domestic and wild animals in need. They never know what kind of rescue effort they will encounter. One unusual late-night call involved rescuing a cat whose very badly matted fur was caught on the top of a chain link fence, leaving her unable to move. Her successful rescue was the combined effort of the observant caller, our ACO, and shelter staff  providing care and facilitating her eventual adoption.  Many of our rescued animals this year were stray or feral cats/kittens suffering from injuries or illness. Most were able to be successfully treated and placed for adoption.

Several times this year our officers were called to rescue an animal found in a home after their person passed away. These situations are especially sad for everyone. In some of those cases, a family member stepped in to accept the animal; in other cases, an adopter provided a new home.

Abandoned domestic rabbits represented a good number of the rescues we, along with caring individuals, were involved in. We saw our share of rescued domestic pet rabbits who were abandoned/dumped. Some were babies and others were adults, often they were severely emaciated. Many had mange. One bunny’s eyes were so severely encrusted that he could barely open them. This is a common condition for abandoned domestic rabbits. Fortunately, we were able to ease his suffering through treatment, and he was eventually put up for adoption.

We also get our share of wildlife in need. Earlier this year, we were called about a baby raccoon trapped at the bottom of a large dumpster. Our ACO came to his aid, only to discover a bad cut on his little foot, most likely from a piece of garbage. He was taken to a local wildlife rehabilitator who treated him for tetanus. Calls like that one are common and typically involve either young raccoons or opossums. And then there was the call about a large snake trapped in a house. We not only saved the snake but also helped the distressed homeowner.

Sometimes it happens that an animal lover gets in over their head, and their animals (typically cats) reproduce to the point where adequate is no longer possible. One such case this year involved  25 cats! The cats were brought to the shelter, providing rescue for the cats and also the human who was struggling with the sheer numbers, all of which  found homes.

This year we saw cases of abuse and neglect, sometimes intentional but often due to lack of experience or knowledge. We rescued animals left in hot cars, those living in filthy conditions without food/water/shelter, and others lacking medical care for painful injuries or conditions. Seven puppies–piled in a shopping cart!–and their mother, all living among mangroves, were saved and nurtured. We also investigated reports of physical abuse of animals in 2023, but fortunately this situation was not common. 

One final kind of “rescue” the FKSPCA played a role in during 2023 was that of the human variety. We received many updates through the year describing how an animal adopted from us changed the life of the adopter for the better, sometimes dramatically! When we hear that one of our animals “gave me a reason to get up in the morning,” makes me smile every time I look at her face,” “pulled me out of a dark place,” “changed my life for the better,” “is helping me get back in shape,” or “is making me a better person,” we at the FKSPCA are reminded that what we do is not only our duty but a privilege and honor. And we also recognize and appreciate the role our community and supporters play in this life-saving mission of the Florida Key SPCA. Together, we are part of something substantial in the world. We thank you and wish you a safe, prosperous, and very HAPPY 2024!

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