Houston Humane Society (HHS)
14700 Almeda Rd. Houston, TX 77053
713-433-6421 | Map | Hours | Clinic Hours
Burnie in Memorium
It is with a very heavy heart and tear filled eyes that we report our beloved Burnie has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. She
was nearing her 18th birthday and has been a vital member of the HHS team for the past 16 years. She was a true
survivor and one of the lucky ones that had many years of love and care.
In 1996, two young teens tied a 2 year old shepherd/chow mix to a tree, doused her with gasoline and set her on fire.
Luckily a police officer caught them in the act and immediately called HHS to help. Although she had third-degree burns,
our HHS Clinic staff immediately began dealing with her physical wounds and the process of rehabilitation began.
Throughout the dressing changes and other treatments, she remained friendly and loving to everyone. She was
named Burnadette and became the HHS canine mascot, replacing Annie who had served for 15 years. The nickname
Burnie helped kids identify with her and remember her story.
Burnie took her job as ambassador seriously. She visited schools, appeared at special events, sold Animals' Kingdom
merchandise, and wrote her own column in the HHS Companion newsletter. Her spare time was spent teasing
resident kitties, playing with foster dogs, and helping herself to staff lunches. Burnie spent the rest of her long life being
safe and very much loved, as all animals should be.
Highlights:
Until she retired from racing at age 15, she won first place in her category every year but one in our annual K-9 Fun Run.
She made yearly visits to the Shriners' Childrens Hospital delivering holiday gifts and sharing her survival story with
the staff and patients. She visited hundreds of senior citizens, cheering them up with licks and love.
She was made an Honorary K-9 Cop by Precinct 6 Constable Victor Trevino. In her role as a cop, Burnie visited
numerous schools with her law enforcement partners to teach kids of all ages how to recognize and report animal
cruelty.
Burnie was a regular at our annual Companion Camps held every summer for kids aged 7-13.
She represented HHS in the Snow Fest Parade, the Pride Parade, at HHS Galas, olf Tournaments, Wine Tastings and
numerous other events and fundraisers.
During her final few years Burnie, and her companion "Little Bit" teamed up and "consulted" with our R.A.I.D.E.R.
officers about their cruelty cases. She leaves many broken hearts behind, but also inspires all who knew her to
continue to fight for the underdogs and animals that can't help themselves.
Farewell friend. You will be more than deeply missed by your HHS colleagues and friends, as well as, everyone you
touched with your loving spirit. Join all the others that have gone before and once again be young and full of play.
To better serve the dogs in our care, we are improving our dog health and enrichment exercise area and dedicating it
"Burnie's Backyard." If you would like to make a Burnie Memorial Donation to purchase exercise equipment and supplies, dog and volunteer water fountains and necessary building materials. Your donation will be put to making life better for the animals in our care.
Pets of the Week
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Emma Mae |
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I am a Yellow Labrador Retriever and I am 5 and a half years old. I will make a great companion. I am ready to go home today! |
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Chita |
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I'm an adorable Brown Domestic Medium Hair mix and I am 4 months old! I would love to meet you. I am ready to go home today! |
