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Roy Page, left, and Toby Springate, right, visit with four dogs they rescued and brought to the Beirut animal shelter. Photo by Julian Prictoe, NBC News.
Such a clichéd title for the tale I’m about to tell. Almost a year ago I found myself in New Orleans, covering Hurricane Katrina. It was the most heart-wrenching and emotionally disturbing assignment I have ever had.
In the terrible aftermath and weeks that followed, no matter how tired or dispirited our team got, they would come home to our make-shift camp, and rejoice in the companionship of three rescued critters: Katrina the kitten, Freeway the overgrown puppy, who was such a ham, and Storm, the pit bull pup that stole our hearts. We had become, over the weeks, a way station for all sorts, human and animal.
This month, I have been in Lebanon, covering the war, and now the tenuous cease-fire. During the fighting, we had an operation in Tyre, that most ancient of cities, in southern Lebanon. Yet again, as is always the case on these stories, we had a camp. NBC set up at the Rest House, a hotel that had seen better days even before the war hit.
We were there, along with the rest of the press corps, at the total mercy of the hotel "manager," possibly the most seedy, dodgy and slimy individual anyone could ever remember encountering. Our make-shift office was the abandoned dive shop at this ramshackle Mediterranean resort. Our satellite dish sat on the terrace, and our correspondent, producer, crew and engineer slept wherever they could, ate whatever we could send them and enjoyed a cold beer whenever they could find one.
Every day they went out into southern Lebanon and witnessed the awful, grim realities of war. And every night they would come back to base to the stray animals that lived in the beach sand and rubble and filth around the hotel.
I have often wondered over the years, why we in the press always seem to be rescuing animals. I have been asked, sometimes accusingly, whether I think animals matter more than people. I think it really boils down to size.
When you cover these tragic events, you can’t take it on. You can’t solve it. You can’t begin to stop it, and most times you can’t even make real sense of it. You are far from home, far from the kinder, quieter aspects of your life. And you bear witness to all the madness around you. Then, you find these small rays of light -- just a kitten or a puppy, that looks at you and you can help, so you do.
In the Middle East, the lot of any animal is a bad one. For dogs especially, the odds are really bad. Our four pups and their mom (who’s had her ears cut off, just for starters) lived, as near as we can tell, on the beach. We named them Mum, Spot-on-Nose, Scruffy, Blondie and Snooze. It was blisteringly hot on the sand, and the dogs would hunt for whatever shade they could, drinking fetid water and eating scraps.
The day that one hotel employee picked up a large umbrella stand and started hitting the pups while they were fast asleep (and I mean really hitting), the NBC team went ballistic. I will spare you the delicate exchange of words that was had, but suffice to say –- afterwards we became the official guardians of those pups and their mother!
When we closed our operation in Tyre, after the cease-fire had been announced, Roy Page and Toby Springate, a lovely British crew, knew what they had to do. Roy and Toby had become the official mentors of the lads. There was no doubt in their minds, or ours, that the five dogs would meet with a very untimely end the minute we departed the Rest House.
So Roy and Toby swung into action. They loaded up the family -- all the while our producers were scrambling to find a shelter for the hounds -- and headed north. So began their journey up to the only humane society in the entire country. Their first time in a car and not an "accident" between them!
Toby and Roy went to visit their charges in Beirut yesterday. They are settling in very nicely at BETA, the Beirut Ethical Treatment of Animals shelter in the hills above the city.
There we found Joelle El Massih and Helena Hesayne, gamely running the volunteer shelter -- one for dogs, and another for cats. The shelter has 160 dogs in it now, and the ladies have assured us that all have already got homes to go to in the U.S.A. So our rescued family will be going to good, caring homes where they will be loved. Roy and Toby are at the end of their assignment now, and they were quite misty-eyed when they came back in from their visit.
Photo caption: Roy Page plays with Spot-on-Nose, Scruffy, Blondie and Snooze at the Beirut Ethical Treatment of Animals shelter. Photo by Julian Prictoe, NBC News.
Twenty-five years ago, when I was a lot younger, I was here in Lebanon, covering the end of the civil war and the Israeli invasion.
A camera crew from London, Ken Ludlow and John Hall, rescued a small puppy in a city park. The park had been bombed, and the puppy had lived through it. His coat was still smoldering when the crew found him.
We named him Cease-fire, because at the time, they could never keep one. We did a piece on Cease-fire that morning, on the Today Show. He was adopted by a family in Seattle. NBC was there when he landed in Tacoma, Wash. I like to think Cease-fire had the best life, from his hard beginning. I know Toby and Roy want the same life for Mum, Spot-on-Nose, Scruffy, Blondie and Snooze.
Faces from the Gulf: Steven Smith
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Our Humane Duty to Animals. Blog story: Lebanons Dogs of War First, thank you to the NBC people for taking the time and having the heart to care. So, after reading this article, especially the line do you think animals matter more than people?, I thought to ...
Posted on Aug 24, 2006 1:06:22 PM at: Where Am I And Why?
I often wondered about the saftey of animals in war zones. I am glad people care! People make choices about their lives, but domestic animals depend on us. I wish that humans would be more responsible and cure the over population of all domestic pets!
Sharon Jeffery, Glen Rock, PA (Sent Sep 26, 2006 11:01:47 AM)
I think that this is great to get all these animals out of there! I am so glad! But, what about all the animals being beaten to death in china. Why do we not hear anything else about that situation? Which is sickening!
Lindsey, Cleveland ohio (Sent Sep 26, 2006 10:55:15 AM)
"Until he extends the circle of his compassion to
all living things, man will not himself find peace."
Albert Schweitzer, Ph.D., M.D.
Wendy Young, Fargo, ND (Sent Sep 26, 2006 10:42:16 AM)
I think it's wonderful that people are out there trying to protect these animals. I have 5 rescued animals myself. However, I agree with those who say that we should concentrate on the tremendous population of homeless pets within our own country. The same people who are offering to adopt animals from a war torn country are forgetting we have millions of pets in shelters suffering the same fate. For example, recently 50+ huskies were taken from a puppy mill calling itself a rescue near my home town. And then there were the 300+ pitbulls in Texas not long ago. Shelters are overwhelmed with animals...if you can't donate money, I always say it's better to donate time anyway. They can use actual items such as litter, food...they need dog walkers. It's a great activity for kids. Everyone wants a puppy, but the older rescued dogs I've had can often be much more worth the effort.
(Sent Sep 26, 2006 10:35:17 AM)
PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW TO ADOPT A DOGGIE.
KIM JONES, 101 CEDAR KNOB COURT, REHOBOTH BEACH, DE 19971 (Sent Sep 26, 2006 10:34:20 AM)
Money well spent, humans are charged and judged on how they treat animals of which all are inocent and loving....good job.
loren howard LA CA (Sent Sep 26, 2006 10:31:34 AM)
If God created it, it has a purpose and a misson from him. My job while I'm here is to be of maximum service to God and my fellow living beings. Regardless of shape, size, color, species, sex, creed, orientation, or lot in life. If I had more room, I would love to be a foster parent. But in a one bedroom w/ an 8 year old and 2 cats. Space is limited. I encourage those of you who can to temporarily open your homes and hearts to these bundles from God. I will be sending money, food or what may be needed on the list as soon as I can. Believe it or not it doesn't take a fortune to help. $1 american dollar goes a long way overseas most times. And you can always find collars, toys, rawhide, treats, and food at most of the Dollar Tree stores near you.
As for the wonderful people who reminded us about our Katrina critters, the same holds true for them. Time is a wonderful donation too. 1 hour of being brushed and played w/ at a shelter does a lot to socilize an animal w/ people. All of these things are just as important. Both of my cats are rescue animals. One came from my ex-mother in laws house. He just showed up as a stray. The other came from an ex boyfriend who could no longer attend to her occasional medical needs b/c of his long hours at work. 12 hours at work a day. Both could have wound up in shelters or dead.
Tiffany Klapka, Sandy Springs, GA (Sent Sep 26, 2006 10:30:45 AM)
I have mixed feelings about this...I love all animals, and applaud the groups that are rescuing these animals, but we have an animal overpopulation here in the US that needs to be addressed. Local animals might be euthanized because homes that could have adopted them are instead adopting overseas orphans. Money is being spent rescuing overseas animals when shelters and rescue groups in the US need assitance. It's bittersweet.
(Sent Sep 26, 2006 10:23:03 AM)
God bless you for saving the pups and their mom, all animals deserve a happy life with loving people to care for them, they are God's creatures too. It is good to read a news story with a happy ending these days. Keep up the good work. Thank you
(Sent Sep 26, 2006 9:58:40 AM)
I am glad to see that this is happening. It shouldn't have happened in the first place. The animals should have been able to be rescued with the families in the first place and we would not be posting messages here now. I have a great concern with this matter for a number of reasons. I work overseas and have 4 dogs, I volunteer for Protecting Animals Welfare Society (http://www.paws-kuwait.org/) and we had a similar scare during the second war in Iraq. I couldn't leave my animials behind and animals have feelings and emotions as well and separation from their family can be stressing on them as well. Ppl and our government should take that into consideration during these evacutions.
Jesse Ruiz, Kuwait (Sent Sep 26, 2006 9:54:29 AM)
I believe there are angels in disguise everywhere. The ones who are helping these animals are to be genuinely blessed, for finding loving, caring, compassionate homes, be it in the USA or elsewhere.... The animals are defenseless and speechless, depending on us humans to protect and care for them..... Everyone should have such huge hearts as to go across dividing lines to save those who cannot save themselves.... whether human OR animal. Thanks to you ALL!!
Rita & Laura Hunt, Charleston, WV (Sent Sep 26, 2006 9:52:34 AM)
I always wonder what happens to animals when we let slip the dogs of war: camels, donkeys, horses, goats, farm animals, cats, and poor dogs who are considered so lowly in the Middle East. Now I know a little. Thank God there are compassionate people who notice them and care for them. And thank God for all the folks who contribute to Best Friends, PETA, the Humane Society, etc., or who help out by taking in or feeding abandoned and stray animals in their own area. Humans can be so cruel, but there are the compassionate ones that give me hope. Thanks.
(Sent Sep 26, 2006 9:40:50 AM)
Thank you to all involved in the making and delivery of such a touching piece of humanity. For the compassion of helping those that cannot help themselves is a trait so few possess...may we all be inspired from this wonderful example. Thank you again to the crew for acting on behalf of these animals.
(Sent Sep 26, 2006 9:26:02 AM)
I'm really glad to see some of these pets rescued. What about China? The Chinese government seems to think it is acceptable to beat dogs to death rather than give them a rabies shot. Why do we have any dealings with people like that?
(Sent Sep 26, 2006 9:20:18 AM)
Even though i think what we are doing by trying to save as many pets from this war is great, i also think that by bringing those animals here to the US makes it harder for the number of animals we have in the system waiting to be adopted already. Lets take care of the pets in need here in the US first before we take on any more animals. Just i like believe we need to take care of our own people in need here in the US first before we go out trying to save the rest of the world.
Jorge M Yepez (Sent Sep 26, 2006 9:18:03 AM)
I'll take two! It's not enough to just say "how wonderful" it is for "someone" to be doing "something" WE ALL HAVE TO PITCH IN, God gave man dominion over all the beasts of the Earth, that's a BIG responsibility, I wonder? How many of you are really up to that task? They depend on us, just like children, just like our sick and elderly, all it really takes to make a difference is just to take on your share of the "load" I'll say again, I'll take 2!
Jennifer Grantville, GA (Sent Sep 26, 2006 9:17:52 AM)
It makes me smile to know that people have not forgotten the little creatures whi cannot help themselves. We are the only ones to help them. They rely on us for food & shelter and to be abandoned is the worst thing for an animal to have to overcome. Thank you so much.
Carol Lindquist, Johnson City, TN (Sent Sep 26, 2006 9:15:30 AM)
How can anyone question another for helping animals in need? People make their own problems. Animals have no choice. Thank god there are people that have compassion for all living beings.
Lorrie, Milwaukee, WI (Sent Sep 26, 2006 9:08:29 AM)
I THINK IT IS MOST WONDERFUL WHAT THESE REPORTERS DID. THE DOGS & CATS AROUND THE WORLD NEED US. WE ARE THEIR VOICE. IT SHOULD NOT MATTER IF WE GO TO EVERY COUNTRY AND TRY TO SAVE THEM. OTHER COUNTRIES DO NOT TREAT CATS & DOGS THEY WAY WE DO. GOD BLESS THESE REPORTERS AND EVRYONE WHO GOES THAT EXTRA MILE JUST TO SAVE ONE DOG OR CAT!!! I HAVE A DOG AND I WOULD GO TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH FOR HER!!
NICOLE ODONE (Sent Sep 26, 2006 8:44:11 AM)
These animals are victims of a war they did not cause. All they want is to love and be loved. Thank you for helping these lovely spirits that grace of world.
Karen Brown, Wilmington, NC (Sent Sep 26, 2006 8:31:11 AM)
First I Love Dogs and Cats. But 250.000 to save a few dosn't seem logical, and could have went a long way to help here. I'm not predijust from nationality, but to forsake the many to save the few shows bad judgment and, mismanagment of funds. A good tear jurker story though. Also save a human thay may one day save the world as we know it
not lost in hipe still using the gray cells (Sent Sep 26, 2006 8:19:55 AM)
god bless you all for helping those victims of war and our compasionate friends msnbc and beta we need more media on how to not only help this innocent furry friends but we also more help, love, as well as respect for animals in general worldwide as humans we have all kinds of problem in the world but let us not forget that animals are helpless living beings that god put on this earth just like us, as an animal lover and always trying to help them every way i can the best thing is to always help animals anywhere in the world no matter what the circumstances are in that country and ofcourse we have to help the animals here in the u.s.a as well. to all the people of katrina, beta,msnbc, and to all of those that are always there to help the animals thank you and may there be more people like yourself in this world
brenda paterson, new jersey (Sent Sep 26, 2006 7:36:42 AM)
Sorry, but I don't think that the US needs any more pets. Plus why don't they use the $250,000 for something more useful like saving the pets that are already in the US. I just don't understand why the US has to save everyone else when there are so many homeless people and pets here. Lets keep american money on american soil!!!!!!!!!
(Sent Sep 26, 2006 7:30:50 AM)
God bless you for trying to help..........even if we do have an overflow here it is the responsibility of humans to help these poor fellows.........thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Sent Sep 26, 2006 7:06:42 AM)
With all the cruelty in the world, it is heartwarming to have stories such as this. Please consider adopting from a local shelter, and not pet stores. Many thanks to these wonderful people for assisting these animals, and I hope they find superb forever homes.
(Sent Sep 26, 2006 6:50:09 AM)
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