Meaty Needs Knees

Volunteering at the City of Detroit's public animal shelter allows people to see an amazing mix of dogs, cats and an occasional exotic animal.

The most memorable dog that I've met over the years of volunteering was a 200+ lb Mastiff mix that we lovingly called "Meaty."

This dog was something to behold, his massive presence was inescapable and yet his warm, gentle nature was captivating and inviting.

"Meaty" was found strolling down the street by Detroit City Police Officers, residents likely cleared the path at the sight of this lumbering giant.

The Police Officer who found him, requested to adopt him when his stray hold at the shelter had passed.

While at the Shelter, "Meaty" connected with the perfect Animal Control Officer, Melanie Thomas. She has a soft spot for big, block-headed dogs...he qualified.

Meaty and Melanie bonded quickly and he received the best care. Everyone at the shelter met him and loved him.

He was adopted by that Police Officer and quickly renamed "Titan." However, after a few weeks, he was returned to the shelter. Caring for this massive animal was a full time job and likely expensive.

As "Meaty" went through a series of potential adoptions...and returns, he became the favorite of Staff and Volunteers alike. Meaty was a uniting cause for everyone who met him. We were all protective of him.

Melanie would take him to adoption events in her little white Volkswagen, Meaty being a similar size to the vehicle. The two would parade around Detroit like a caricature, a cartoon image.

When people would come to the shelter inquiring about "larger breed" dogs, I will gleefully lead them back to the room where we kept, Meaty.

People would look and point and pet....and then leave. Sadly, I started to realize that Meaty was becoming a side show attraction but, was really going to be hard to place in a home.

Enter Angela Spahn Mikula. Angela is an active animal advocate who works across the lines of multiple animal welfare groups in our area and She agreed to foster Meaty.

Angela also has a soft spot for big guys, her Husband is a massive man, standing 6'5" ;) She gifted us with photos of Meaty's adventures and his loving experiences off the street, in a loving home.

Angela's family and resident animals did well with Meaty and we all got to see those silly pictures. Another possible adoption was arranged for him but, Angela decided that he had been bounced around enough, Meaty was home.

He quickly started being an ambassador for large breed dogs. Angela took him to her Son's school and read "Clifford the Big Red Dog" to the class with Meaty soaking up the petting from a classroom full of kids.

This is the best case situation we hope for with our homeless dogs, especially those who would likely end up at the end of a chain in someones backyard. No, this boy is treasured.

Last week, Angela put out a request for recommendations for a specialist as Meaty was having difficult standing. There is no lifting him up so, that is an immediate problem.

All recommendations from Vets and Animal Owners centered on one specialist. Due to Meaty size, diagnosis and surgery options are limited.

Fortunately, they were able to see him quickly. Unfortunately, the he needed advanced knee surgery on both back legs.

The estimate is $5,000.00 per knee, $10,000.00 for both. Most of us would buckle under that reality. Who has an extra $10,000.00 for surgery? Typically, the next decision is heartbreaking.

I messaged Angela, she responded that Meaty had become one of her children. She stressed, she was anxious, she reached out to family but, was not ready to let him go.

He just found his family, he just found a place. She was not ready to let him go and committed to having the first knee repaired but, like us, has children to feed and expenses to consider.

Angela has this on her Facebook page:

“Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.

She made compassionate choice, a good choice. Meaty just returned from surgery for the first knee, it went well. Her kids may be eating Ramen noodles for 10 years while this bill gets paid down but, she still has to have the other knee done soon.

Angela has done everything we would request of her. Open your home to a homeless animal. Provide care and comfort for a huge responsibility. Be a good human.

I have never created a "Gofundme" before this one but, I feel compelled to reward the good behavior we hope to see in our community.

Everyone has bills, animal expenses, kids to provide for and budgets to maintain. Requests for donations can be off putting but, what does that $5.00 coffee or $10.00 beer bring us as consumers? Momentary consumption satisfaction.

What would a $5.00 or $10.00 donation to Meaty's story bring us? I think we'll carry that joyful feeling that Martin Luther King Jr was referring to, a peaceful avoidance of the damage we would inflict if we look the other way.

Please donate a few dollars if you can. It's going to the very best place, you will feel the dividends with future posts about Meaty's recovery and quality of life.

Also, there will be an additional T-Shirt fundraiser link in the comments below.

#Meaty2020