On a Thursday in September, one life would be saved and three lives would be changed forever.
During just her second time in Clearlake, Special Agent Jill Brenny was assigned to an enforcement sweep of gang offenders and was accompanied by two additional Special Agents in the Gang Unit of Homeland Security Investigations, along with Clearlake Police officers and a Lake County Probation agent. The group came upon a trash-filled lot with a filthy and forlorn female pit bull that was chained to a fire-charred and dilapidated RV with busted out windows. Her eyes were crusted with infection and open sores that appeared to be burn marks covered her ears and neck. Her head hung low, though she stirred when she heard voices.
“There was no way I was leaving that dog there,” stated Agent Brenny. Little did she realize that she would put in motion a rescue effort that would span four states. Detective Riley from the Clearlake Police Department called Animal Control, and officer Jenna Tuller responded. As she was approached by Animal Control, the dog held up her injured leg in a silent plea for help.
Due to her deplorable condition, she was confiscated by Animal Control and brought to the SPCA of Clear Lake, where she was named “Honey.”
Agent Brenny, who lives in San Francisco, knew she could not leave Honey behind — what would become of her? Agent Brenny started emailing and texting fellow dog lovers whom she thought might be looking for an addition to their family. She found the one — Hence Williams, a US Probation Officer and EMT in Vernal, Utah. Agent Brenny kept calling the SPCA to let them know that Honey would have a home when she was ready to leave. She and Officer Williams kept in close touch and they decided that she would pick up Honey at the SPCA and drive her to meet Officer Williams in Reno, Nevada.
In addition to potty breaks, Agent Brenny pulled over several times during the 6 hour ride to comfort Honey. “I couldn”t believe that, after all she had been through, she was so sweet and just wanted to be in my lap the whole time I was driving.”
Officer Williams was waiting in Reno when Agent Brenny and Honey arrived. He had brought along his other rescued Pit, named Cooper. Both girls look like twins separated at birth. They bonded immediately and have been inseparable, even sleeping cuddled up together. Officer Williams has renamed her “Anna.”
Officer Williams decided to take Anna to his old vet in New Mexico, with whom he had a longstanding relationship. After a thorough exam and x-rays, it became apparent that Anna had sustained a broken humerus during her years of abuse and neglect and that the bones had healed offset, which was causing her pain. That vet offered his opinion that the leg could not be saved, and an amputation was performed on
Nov. 19.
Anna has taken the surgery in stride and quickly learned to navigate on three legs. She is currently undergoing a period of rehabilitation. Her spirits are good. She will be spending this Thanksgiving in a home filled with love and on her special dog bed.
The SPCA of Clear Lake would like to extend a deeply heartfelt thank-you to Agent Brenny and Officer Williams for their selfless commitment to rehoming a badly abused pit bull. Your selfless acts have given Anna a happy ending. Animal cruelty charges have been filed against the previous owner, and we shall provide an update as more information becomes available.
If you would like to help with the cost of medical treatment for Anna or for other injured pets at the shelter, please make a donation to the SPCA of Clear Lake”s Fund For Injured Pets. Contributions are tax-deductible and can be sent to Mary Jane Montana, 8025 Hwy 29, Kelseyville, CA 95451, or can be called in to 707-279-1400.
The SPCA of Clear Lake is a non-profit charitable corporation supported by volunteers and staff striving to find homes for all its needy dogs and cats and focused on educating owners on responsible pet care to try to prevent future Honeys in Lake County.
