Lynn Thomas: It takes patience to adopt a stray

I call them "animal angels." You know, the folks who take in a stray cat or dog, or use their own money to spay feral cats or provide surgery for a dog hit by a car. They are the men and women who volunteer their time and energy at the many organizations dedicated to helping animals find a home.

They are the ones who respond with offers of a home or money to help an animal that has been brought to their attention after the poor critter has been brutalized by evil forces inherent in some fiends.

These are the people who rescue animals desperately in need of help.

It's easy to adopt a pet that has no traumatic history. A friend of a friend is moving and needs to find a home for their pet. That's pretty much cut and dried. And rare.

As people have "baggage," so do strays. The trauma might have been physical abuse, isolation from other people or pets, being terrorized by screaming and yelling, or simply not getting any attention or affection.

How do you know what the sad eyes you're falling in love with at the adoption center, or our city streets, are trying to tell you?

People who decide to become caretakers for these special animals need a lot of patience, understanding, love and unwavering commitment. Those angelic qualities are necessary to help heal the pet, physically and psychologically, so it has a second chance at life and happiness.

Jennifer and Darren White are not unaccustomed to rescuing abused dogs, although usually without the spotlight that recently embraced their newest adoptee, Trixie.

Trixie is the puppy pit bull mix whose previous "caretaker" allowed people to hack off her ears last month. Between the public outcry and media attention, I hope these people don't get off with a fine and slap on the wrist. I think anyone who abuses a defenseless animal (or a child) should be subjected to the same kind of abuse - I'll get my shears sharpened.

White, the Bernalillo County sheriff, gave me an update on Trixie: She had the stitches removed, and the veterinarian is pleased with her progress.

She will attend obedience training with her new mom and dad in a few weeks, she's making friends with Lily, the White's other rescued dog, and loves being loved.

The Whites have been petting Trixie's head and ears (rather, where the poor baby's ears used to be) so she'll not be fearful when a hand approaches her head.

Additionally, Trixie's new mom and dad are reading books about her breed and familiarizing themselves with the characteristics of her personality.

As subscribers to the Monks of New Skete, a religious order dedicated to dogs and authors of "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend," they're reading about training puppies and their emotional needs.

"We're all God's children," White says, reiterating his belief that we should never abuse other humans or animals.

Because Trixie is a puppy, and puppies are notorious for living in the moment, according to Cesar Milan, author of "Dog Whisperer," chances are she won't suffer lasting negative behaviors as a result of the mutilation.

Rescuing a traumatized animal requires more than offering shelter, food, water, and, even love.

Without the patience, commitment and knowledge to cope with the animal's issues, chances are the poor creature will be once again in peril.