for all animal lovers

volgirl2376 · #1 12-02-2001, 10:39 PM

I came across this story and cried my eyes out -

By Jim Willis, copyright 2001

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend.

Whenever I was"bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" -- but then you'd relent, and roll me over for a bellyrub.

My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" --still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.

Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would have defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.

There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness.

You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers."

You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.

After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first,whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream ... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room.

She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her.

The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry."She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself -- a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.

May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

The End

A note from the author:

If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly owned pets who die each year in American and Canadian animal shelters. Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for a noncommercial purpose, as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice.

Please use it to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious. Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay and neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals.

James · #2 12-02-2001, 11:03 PM

Actually what burns my ass is something that is common here on campus and is usually a predominantly female pattern.

Many girls like to get cats, or pets in general while staying on campus (despite campus policy to the contrary) because their parents don't permit them at home. However, these same girls have to go home at the end of the school year . . . as a result many of them leave their pet at the school, just let them loose, that is not including the ones that take them to a shelter.

We have a large wild pet population here. What kind of responsible attitude is that? People want a small furry animal to play with but not take responsibility for . . . oh well.

KillarneyRose · #3 12-02-2001, 11:50 PM

Sarah, that is sooooo sad! I have a big old lump in my throat!

I absolutely hate irresponsible people like that. What really burns my a$$ (if I can steal a phrase from James) is when people get pets and then they don't want to accept any of the financial responsibility that comes with it. I have two dogs, a terrier mix and a miniature schnauzer. In the past 5 years, I've paid for two ACL replacements on the terrier mix and 5 bladder stone surgeries plus tons of x-rays and tests on the miniature schnauzer, not to mention the $41.00 a case designer dogfood he has to eat. I won't say what my total expenses have been but suffice to say, it's a lot! I don't begrudge them a cent of that money because it doesn't even begin to pay them back for all the joy I have received from them in the years I've had them. If people aren't aware of the responsibilities of pet ownership beforehand, they really need to be.

PS People really, really, really should have their dogs spayed or neutered

PPS Always remember to attach a tag with your name, address and phone number to your pets collar

Public service announcement brought to you by KillarneyRose

aephi alum · #4 12-03-2001, 12:02 AM

greeklawgirl · #5 12-03-2001, 12:03 AM

Oh, goodness, I'm in tears here. Spaying and neutering is probably one of the kindest and most responsible things you can do for your pet.

Thanks for the reminder.

aggieAXO · #6 12-03-2001, 12:10 AM

I could not pass this thread up even though I am sure a lot have read my ranting and raving on another thread. Very sad story, I see it every week, though we do not do "convenient euthanasias" at my clinic, we are resposible for treating all of the shelter animals when they are sick. I too have spent gobs of $$. Spent 1200$ (this was 1/2 off as the surgeon that fixed him is a friend) on a stray cat I only knew for a few hours but the thought of euthanizing just killed me, he now lives with one of the drs I work with. My mother always lectures me on all the money I spend on strays but all I can say to her is"you don't have to look into their eyes when you euthanize them-I do". I am so sick of people that cannot afford nor do they have the time for pets. I am also sick of people that breed animals, I don't care how responsible the breeder is -this should not be done b/c there are millions of animals that need homes at the shelters. I am sick of putting puppies to sleep b/c they have parvo and the people have no finances to treat them. I have done this for almost 5 years and it does not get any easier. So to all when you are considering a pet ask your self a couple of questions
1. Will you have the time and space to have this pet
2. If something major comes up will you be able to afford the treatment b/c unfortunately vet care is getting more and more expensive and we as veterinarians are not government funded and have to have payment-usually upfront
3. if you are not willing to spay/neuter your animal-do not get one

aggie AXO will now step off of her soapbox

amycat412 · #7 12-03-2001, 01:31 AM

I came by my sweet, amazing, incredible and perfect dog Cinnamon by way of a family that loved her as a cute little puppy but quickly became put-off by her "toddler" "teen-aged" and "adult" size. She was an English Mastiff, and while petite by the standards of her breed, she was 182lbs.

It really burns my a$$ when ANY pet is abandoned. But what really gets to me is the # of larger and giant breeds like Mastiffs that are abandoned when their owners see how big they really are.

DO YOUR RESEARCH is what I want to shout to every person cuddling a cute puppy that will eventually grow to weigh more than its owner.

Cinnamon's former owners had her for 18 months. I had her for 5 beautiful years before she passed away and broke my heart. In her I had a perfect friend, a best friend, a protector, a child. She was gentle and sweet and affectionate. To this day I miss her to the point that I cry when I think of her too much--because I wish so fervrently that she was with me still.

PKTSU01 · #8 12-03-2001, 01:36 AM

mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn....boy did this just put my ass in a sad mood. Now I miss my childhood puppy.

THANKS A LOT MAN!

valkyrie · #9 12-03-2001, 03:36 PM

I am sitting here sobbing.

I do have a few things to say, though. First of all, James, you shouldn't generalize. I got a cat when I was a junior in college (and yes, I am female). Ten years later, she is still with me and I love her more than I could ever imagine. I would have never even considered giving her up for any reason.

I also would like to add -- PLEASE, if you have a cat, don't let it roam outside unsupervised. My mom and I were driving down a quiet, residential street on Saturday, and to my absolute horror, there was a dead cat lying on the side of the road; she was a calico, which was especially traumatic for me because two of my kitties are calico as well. I can't even imagine the trauma I would feel if I had to live with the fact that my sweet, loving feline companion's life was prematurely and traumatically ended like that.

AggieAXO, you are my hero -- I'm totally serious. Because I love animals so much, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I decided to volunteer at an animal shelter to make sure this was for me, and I couldn't handle it. Once, I had to take a cat down to the euthanasia room. I went home and held my cats and bawled for hours. I just couldn't handle that, the blood -- all of it -- and I have so much respect for you because you can.

I know it's already been said, but please spay or neuter your pets, and realize that they are a huge responsibility and will be with you for many, many years. I can't stand it when people give up their pets because they're not "convenient" any more. Last year, we adopted a cat from the shelter who was given up, because her people were having a baby, and I quote "didn't want Lilly any more." That makes me so mad and sad at the same time. But I am happy to report that she is a friendly, sweet, wonderful cat who will never, ever see the inside of an animal shelter again.

aggieAXO · #10 12-03-2001, 04:02 PM

OHHHHH Valkyrie you are making me cry. Thank you so much.

I too got my first cat and dog when I was a sophomore in college. I can't imagine not having a cat (I have 5 now, one is paralyzed in the hindend b/c someone let her out and she got hit by a car and was brought into my clinic and again the sucker that I am I could not euth. her-she leads a normal life, climbs on the bed and couch, happy as can be). The people I work with are heros, esp. my boss. He has a huge heart and at times I think we could qualify as an animal shelter (rt. now we have 2 kittens and 4 adult cats up for adoption-all strays). I hate to say it but the people that work at the animal shelters esp the ones that are a kill shelter are also heros-I COULD NOT do their job. I use to hate the "dog catcher" when I was younger, but now I understand it is not them that are responsible for the numerous euthanasias that go on each year but society. OK better stop before I start preaching again. Thanks again Valkyrie, and BTW it is not too late to go to vet. school. I know 2 lawyers that were vets. first and are now lawyers. They help mainly with board complaints but I am sure you could be an advocate and prosecute abusers, though unfortunately probably not much money with this type of law.

Quote:

Originally posted by valkyrie
I am sitting here sobbing.

I do have a few things to say, though. First of all, James, you shouldn't generalize. I got a cat when I was a junior in college (and yes, I am female). Ten years later, she is still with me and I love her more than I could ever imagine. I would have never even considered giving her up for any reason.

I also would like to add -- PLEASE, if you have a cat, don't let it roam outside unsupervised. My mom and I were driving down a quiet, residential street on Saturday, and to my absolute horror, there was a dead cat lying on the side of the road; she was a calico, which was especially traumatic for me because two of my kitties are calico as well. I can't even imagine the trauma I would feel if I had to live with the fact that my sweet, loving feline companion's life was prematurely and traumatically ended like that.

AggieAXO, you are my hero -- I'm totally serious. Because I love animals so much, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I decided to volunteer at an animal shelter to make sure this was for me, and I couldn't handle it. Once, I had to take a cat down to the euthanasia room. I went home and held my cats and bawled for hours. I just couldn't handle that, the blood -- all of it -- and I have so much respect for you because you can.

I know it's already been said, but please spay or neuter your pets, and realize that they are a huge responsibility and will be with you for many, many years. I can't stand it when people give up their pets because they're not "convenient" any more. Last year, we adopted a cat from the shelter who was given up, because her people were having a baby, and I quote "didn't want Lilly any more." That makes me so mad and sad at the same time. But I am happy to report that she is a friendly, sweet, wonderful cat who will never, ever see the inside of an animal shelter again.

aggieAXO · #11 12-03-2001, 04:54 PM

I could not see your pictures

Beef · #12 12-03-2001, 05:05 PM

Ya gotta cut and paste...

Tom Earp · #13 12-03-2001, 05:37 PM

I am sitting here typing this with tears in my eyes! I am an ole softy at heart! I just came from visiting my freinds this weekend with Pepper, Prince and Butch the cat! Pepper and Butch would not leave me alone as had not seen them for a while and so Prince had to join in and get petted, scratched and patted on the head as all animals love that!

That is why I do not have a pet as do not feel I can give them the time, love yes!

When Fay and I live together, we had tigre and toot the Pit and The Poot ( Poodle) I love them so much but there was someone home most of the day!

it upsets the hell out of me that love them when they are cute but get older they are just trash to throw out!

I know when I was a fraternity pledge, I took the job of taking care of Bourbon the mascot!

one day an Active asswhole hit him and I went nutsoid and told him if ever he did it again I would kick his ass or he kick mine! It took most of the guys to keep me off of him! I am so glad that i got balled out!

KillarneyRose · #14 12-03-2001, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by valkyrie
AggieAXO, you are my hero -- I'm totally serious. Because I love animals so much, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I decided to volunteer at an animal shelter to make sure this was for me, and I couldn't handle it. Once, I had to take a cat down to the euthanasia room. I went home and held my cats and bawled for hours. I just couldn't handle that, the blood -- all of it -- and I have so much respect for you because you can.

I agree with all my heart! You are defending and protecting the creatures that have no voice of their own with which to do so. Very noble, in my opinion. And such a difficult field to get into! Some of my sisters med school classmates ended up there as their second choice; they didn't get accepted into vet school so decided to become "people doctors" instead!

aggieAXO · #15 12-03-2001, 09:39 PM

Thank you Tracy