We've heard all the excuses....it got too big, we're moving, we're having a baby, we don't want it anymore, it barks too much, it sheds too much, it's too much responsibility, etc. Dogs are living, breathing creatures who feel pain, hurt, joy, and loneliness. When you surrender them and leave them, they are confused, lonely, scared, and often depressed.
If you don't believe me, just volunteer up at a shelter. You will see dogs looking out the window desperately looking for their owners to come back. You will see dogs curled up in the fetal position not eating because they are depressed. You will see dogs desperately try to get your attention because they miss love so much.
If people took care of their animals, we would not have this overcrowding and euthanasia problem we have. If people spayed and neutered their pets, unwanted puppies would not be born. If people promised a dog a home and delivered that promise for life, dogs would not have to be euthanized for space.
I don't want to be on a soapbox but I am tired of getting my heart broken. I have been there when I've seen the animals being led to the back. I've been the one to give them their last hugs, kisses, and treats. And if you think the shelter workers like this, think again. One of the workers at our shelter had to be sent home because she was so distraught about it. She hugs them and loves them as she gives them the injection. It is a peaceful process. Although it is a process that should not have to happen.
Pictures speak a thousand words and can touch you in ways that nothing else can. Below is a picture of Candy's empty kennel right after she was euthanized. I had just played with her and given her treats, hugs, kisses, and love. Ten minutes later, she was gone. I was devastated. There is only so much I can do. I volunteer at the shelter....loving them, walking with them, playing with them, and photographing them. And I share them all over Facebook. It sometimes seems like an uphill battle, but I am determined to win this battle. I will NOT give up. However, I need people to join my army. Who will join? Who will help me in this battle because I cannot win it alone.
Please join me in educating others. Many people just don't know. It's going to take a village to educate everyone. Spay and neuter your animals. There are many low-cost clinics around in the DFW area that will spay and neuter your animals for an inexpensive price. It is worth it. And you will be saving animals' lives.
For information on affordable spay and neuter services, please visit TCAP at http://www.texasforthem.org
I will leave tonight with this quote...
"Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever."
-- Karen Davison
Blessings to you and your furry ones,
Angela
Beautifully stated. Bless your weary heart. <3
ReplyDeleteThat was beautiful. Made me cry.
ReplyDeleteYou are truly an angel, Angela. I understand your sadness. We have three dogs, and five cats, all adopted or rescued because they were abandoned. All are neutered. Like you, we do the best we can. There is so much suffering from neglect and selfishness in this world. A few Angel Warriors fight the battle. Just do the best you can. Fight, like the rest of us, doing what we can, until the fight is over. Huge huggs. Huge gratitude for what you and the rest of the people at all shelters do.
ReplyDeleteLouise Sorensen
Reading this with tears in my eyes. I think about all the animals that I read about - reposting again & again on FB. I never know if anyone is saved, but I can only hope. Thinking about the animals that have to be euthanized sometimes overwhelms me & I'm not even THERE. Bless everyone who helps, in any way. There HAS to be a special place in heaven for animal caregivers.
ReplyDeleteWow. I burst out crying when I read that the photo was of Candy's empty kennel after she was euthanized. I recall seeing her beautiful photos of a very happy and friendly, smiling dog. I volunteer at a rural shelter, but I follow this one on Facebook religiously. It is so heartbreaking, so many animals not spayed or neutered, or not vaccinated so they aren't protected against any diseases. I wish I could do more, but we can only do so much. We must all come together to change this.
ReplyDelete*gives an encouraging hug* You do all you can- that is all any of us can do. It's heartbreaking- but until people are responsible and have their pets fixed we will have this issue. My boy isn't from a shelter, but at 6 weeks old, he was headed there when the family who found him couldn't keep him. *gives him a scritch on the chin for those who we can't save* There will be many angels waiting to see you again one day. I hope that is at least some comfort.
ReplyDeletePlease know that You are doing all you can and because of people like you I have an Irving shelter dog and I live in California. Two years ago May because volunteers like you post photos of the dogs and they get out on facebook and get shared or cross posted I saw a photo of an adorable puppy in Irving and knew the minute I saw it that she was my dog. Two years later I know how right I was ..she is my dog. I was able to get a friend in Texas to pull her then I flew to Texas and we flew home together. With out people like you I would not have this sweet dog so keep doing what you are doing as it does make a difference. You can not save them all but think how great it is for the ones you do save.. My dog is the perfect example as she has a great life doing agility, playing at the dog park and running on the leash free beach so yes volunteers like you did get her a great life in Santa Barbara CA so thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your sweet story. Sharing those pictures do make a difference, and I feel so blessed to be a part of this whole journey.
DeleteThank you SO much for all your sweet words. You have no idea how much they mean to me, knowing that I have all of you fighting the good fight with me. We DO make a difference. Volunteering at an animal shelter is a like a roller coaster. The lows are very low, and the highs are very high. But I keep going for those highs....knowing that I helped save a dog that was going to be euthanized only to be rescued or adopted and into a loving home. There is absolutely no other feeling like it. And those wonderful happy ending stories and pictures? Oh, those give me the biggest warm fuzzies and make my heart smile. Thank you. ~angela
ReplyDeleteOMG!!!! God bless you for all you do. Wish I had money enough to save them all. Just remember that your work is not in vain, I'll keep sharing & know, that next to me Jack (previously Andy) is laying down, been spoiled by me. I got him last year from the Irving Shelter.
ReplyDelete