Hooch showed me life through his eyes. He helped me grow, learn, and discover life through his eyes and what a wonderful life I saw. I saw birds fly over head, snowflakes falling from the heavens, I saw stars fold in the crease of the horizon, grease wading in the lake, and livestock taking life slow; I saw life through different eyes all because of Hooch.
However, prior to Hooch coming into my life he was left in a somber and lonely world. Hooch was chained outdoors in NYS blistering winters and blazing summers with no human contact and given minimal food and water for nearly 10 years.
Hooch's tragic beginning exasperated folks from all over as they learned authorities were notified on several occasions about these unjust acts and that NYS laws could not protect him or intervene because he had "shelter." It was not until Hooch broke the chains that were bound so tightly around his neck that he freed himself from his abusers. Afterwards he was picked up by animal control officers.
Once I was notified of Hooch's freedom without pause I welcomed him into my life wherein he blossomed into a warm, loving creature. His grand teddy bear like presence memorized and captured his audience as we set out together to educate others on the importance of human empathy and kindness toward animals. However, Hooch paid the ultimate sacrifice for his new found fame. The inward scars from his weathered past were hidden beneath this stoic soul which eventually cost him his life.
Today I celebrate Hooch by continuing to educate others through his journey on the importance of the human/animal bond and by encouraging NYS lawmakers to strengthen Buster's Law so other innocent creatures like Hooch do not have to suffer in silence.
Altamont, NY
