Toby, ID #320255
Old dogs by definition have multiple medical issues. None of Toby’s “multiple medical conditions” were “untreatable” or “unmanageable.” He took up little space. He also should not have been kept in the general population where disease and stress are rampant. But MCAS’ attitude is ‘Kill them if you can,’ contrary to the public’s values, ‘Save them if you can.’ Once MCAS had medical and hospice fosters and there are hospice and medical rescues. But MCAS is about efficiency and saving space, not saving lives now.
June 28, 2025
“Rounds recommends humane euthanasia at the end of the stray hold period due to the poor quality of life resulting from medical issues.”
A parrot could improve on this recommendation.
Toby’s medical issues listed below had solutions because they were treatable and manageable. His quality of life was well within normal limits even without care (see notes below) and he wasn’t moribund or at the end of “end stage disease” DMUU-2, a throw away category for every unwanted animal with any medical condition whatsoever.
Quality of life – Stray Pet Profile June 22, 2025
Found on the shore of the Columbia River:
“Easy going when meeting strangers; left alone and good in the house; Easy going with cats and other dogs. “
“Very sweet old man. Quiet. Loves to be held. Good with peeing, pooping, on leash.”
June 22, 2025 Intake Behavior Observations:
“Allowed most handling and treatments. ACR to AH for multiple reason [sc]. Rec rescue/transfer path if not RTO.”
Toby’s geriatric multiple health concerns were treatable and manageable. He wasn’t “moribund.” Treating conditions including any associated pain enhances quality of life.
“Assessment
– Under-conditioned- r/o systemic disease, decreased caloric intake due to oral pain, malnutrition, parasites
-Cognitive dysfunction
-OS nuclear sclerosis vs. cataract, OD microphthalmia w/cataract, limited vision to non-visual
-Severe periodontal disease
-SC mass left thorax – r/o neoplasia vs benign
– Heart murmur [ 2/6 left atypical systolic murmur; regular heart rate and rhythm] r/o degenerative valve disease
-Suspect OA/DJD [osteoarthritis/ Degenerative Joint Disease] +/- IVDD [Intervertebral disc disease]”
Each condition was treatable and also manageable. “Quality of Life” is a suspect category at MCAS. To see old dogs with “multiple conditions” happily living go to anyone’s home with an old dog. Visit Back on Track Veterinary Rehabilitation Center to see old dogs having the time of their lives.
Multnomah County Animal Shelter is not a “shelter,” but rather a careless holding facility where it’s just easier to kill than to care.
Gail O’Connell-Babcock
MCAS Records for Toby, redacted