All in a day's work

Connie Aguirre has a soft spot for the underdog.

So when Aguirre, a Humane Society of Odessa volunteer and board treasurer, got a call from Midland Animal Control about two dogs injured in a fire, she knew she had what she endearingly calls her next "project."

The two Rottweilers survived a Feb. 12 trailer home fire that claimed the life of 74-year-old Maxwell Fearnow in western Midland County.

At first, it was hard to tell just how bad the dogs were burned.

"You couldn't tell how severe it was because they're black and the charring is black," Aguirre said.

Beneath the charred skin and fur was a painful and gruesome discovery. Third degree burns that scorched away hair, skin and even muscle tissue cover most of Mattie's left side.

Mattie, or Matilda, was the name given to the female Rottweiler by Aguirre. Matilda means strength in battle because as she says, Mattie has a big battle ahead of her. The other dog, a male Rottweiler, was named Gabriel by Aguirre, which means strength in God.

Angels

Mattie and Gabe are receiving all of their care at the Angel Veterinary Clinic, which works closely with the Odessa Humane Society on a regular basis.

"They're our angels," Aguirre said of the time clinic workers put in for the society.

When the dogs arrived at the clinic, veterinarian Becky Battershell said the dogs were in ideal health aside from a few ticks. It was the burns that were horrific.

"Yeah, probably some of the worst I've seen, definitely third degree and also into the muscle ... over a large surface area ... probably 35 to 40 percent," Battershell said. "I've dealt with some other burns in the past, I don't know that I've ever seen one this bad. It's pretty bad."

Patience, persistence and management are all factors that play into caring for a dog with severe burns. Battershell said pain management, controlling infection and slowly removing the necrotic tissue all take time, but those things are key to ensuring full recovery, which could take about two months.

Despite the pain, prodding and medication, Battershell and Aguirre agree Mattie is a wonderful dog.

"She's a super, super, super sweet dog. I mean, she's like awesome. I think most people who meet her are going to want to take her home. She's very loyal, will let you do anything to her, and she has a good attitude," Battershell said.

Home

After Mattie and Gabe finish their treatment at the clinic they - along with about 90 other animals - will call the Humane Society home. Aguirre said the shelter is close to capacity but has room for a couple of small dogs.

Unlike the city animal shelter, the Humane Society doesn't euthanize animals to make room for more animals. Therefore, some animals must be turned away. And the ones they do take don't always get adopted right away. Some have been there for years, Aguirre said.

"Some of the animals don't adjust well. It takes a while. Some of them are really scared when they get here because of all the loud barking. As a whole though, most of them adjust pretty well," Aguirre said.

A typical day at the society includes cleaning, feeding and paperwork - and it all starts at 9 a.m. About three times a year, H-E-B sends an 18-wheeler of animal food that must be unloaded by volunteers. The truckload keeps the society going for about three months Aguirre said.

"It is very hard physical work. Making sure the cages are clean, the repairs around here are very hard physical work so it does take a toll on you. You go home pretty tired... everyone pretty much sleeps long and hard," Aguirre said with a laugh.

Help

Aguirre is adamant the Humane Society doesn't have enough help.

"More than what we have," is how she answers questions about how much help the group needs. "Ideally, if we had five volunteers to come in periodically throughout the week we would do well."

But what the animals really need is a little human TLC. Aguirre said the society needs people to come by and get the animals out of the kennels to play, socialize and exercise with them.

And it isn't just strays off the street that are brought to the animal safe haven.

Del NeSmith, president of the organization, said one dog was dropped off still wearing the personalized tags and sparkly collar. The dog's owner decided to part ways with his pet of several years after the dog chewed up a hearing aid.

Each cat or dog the society accepts must be taken care of. Those who work closest with the Humane Society say the task can be difficult.

"It's a lot of hard work, emotionally and physically," Aguirre said. "Mostly it's dogs who come in who have been abused, neglected or not cared for. Those are the ones that are very hard to take. It's really, really hard."

Rabies shot clinic

>> Who: The Odessa Humane Society and Angel Veterinary Clinic.

>> What: Discounted Rabies Shot Clinic.

>> When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

>> Where: Humane Society of Odessa, 7012 Mockingbird Lane.

>> Call: 381-5503.