Today We Rescued Your Dog
by Pat Closher
Today we rescued your dog. We don’t know where you got him from - maybe you saw him in a pet store window or maybe one of your neighbors bred a few litters a year just to make some vacation money or because they loved their dogs so much that of course they wanted to have puppies. We don’t know much about how you cared for him either, although our vet thought that for such a young dog, his teeth were in pretty bad shape.
by Pat Closher
Today we rescued your dog. We don’t know where you got him from - maybe you saw him in a pet store window or maybe one of your neighbors bred a few litters a year just to make some vacation money or because they loved their dogs so much that of course they wanted to have puppies. We don’t know much about how you cared for him either, although our vet thought that for such a young dog, his teeth were in pretty bad shape.
Did you know they were going to keep him outside? At least it was a pretty mild winter. There were no heavy snows, not much heavy winter rain and only a few days of bitter cold. But for all of those weeks he had no companionship, no care, and no love.
For some reason, your grandparents took him to the shelter. Maybe a neighbor complained about him or maybe their own health gave out or maybe they just got tired of him. You know the local shelter is a kill shelter, don’t you? You know that their own statistics indicate that about half of the dogs that enter are killed, don’t you? Maybe your grandparents thought he would be adopted quickly. He is a purebred, after all. No one was interested in him, though, maybe since he’s an adult dog and not a cute little puppy. No one contacted the purebred rescue group either. They probably would have placed him quickly, since he really is a great boy. The shelter is a clean place and they take good care of the dogs. They get good food and they’re bathed and brushed. It’s still a shelter though, and is noisy and chaotic and frightening. He spent two months there in that confusion, away from everyone and everything he had known.
One day, we saw him on the shelter web site. We called and asked about him. The shelter workers were so happy to hear from us and were delighted to agree to bring him to a local pet store where they do adoptions. Do you want to know why they were so accommodating? He was scheduled to be killed that afternoon. He didn’t know that, but the shelter workers certainly did. It hurt them and he felt that, so he knew something was wrong. All of a sudden, though, the shelter workers were happy and excited and so was he. They bathed him and brushed his coat. We think they probably told him this was it - his big chance, or maybe he just knew it somehow. When we met him, we all fell in love.
He had to go to the vet to be neutered, of course, but then he came home. He has his very own 13 year-old boy. You know, it’s almost like watching one of those old Lassie movies, seeing how well they’ve bonded. He’s got good food and his own toys. He’s taken on walks three times a day, is regularly groomed and is taken to the vet for needed care. We’ll be with him always, even if we have to make that last, difficult decision, because, you see, he is our dog and we are his family.
He has a good heart you know, but then he is a dog, so that’s to be expected. He’s probably forgiven you and, with a dog’s grace, doesn’t even remember you dumped him. He’d probably even be willing to greet you at the Rainbow Bridge. But you know what? He’ll greet us and go with us at the Bridge, and then he’ll be with us forever, because he’s our dog and we’re his family.
The way we heard the story, you moved out of state and didn’t want to take him with you. You left him at your grandparents. Maybe you thought a lively, handsome dog was just the thing for them, and under better circumstances it might have been. Maybe they have been cleaning up your messes for your entire life and an unwanted dog was just another mess to clean up.One day, we saw him on the shelter web site. We called and asked about him. The shelter workers were so happy to hear from us and were delighted to agree to bring him to a local pet store where they do adoptions. Do you want to know why they were so accommodating? He was scheduled to be killed that afternoon. He didn’t know that, but the shelter workers certainly did. It hurt them and he felt that, so he knew something was wrong. All of a sudden, though, the shelter workers were happy and excited and so was he. They bathed him and brushed his coat. We think they probably told him this was it - his big chance, or maybe he just knew it somehow. When we met him, we all fell in love.
He had to go to the vet to be neutered, of course, but then he came home. He has his very own 13 year-old boy. You know, it’s almost like watching one of those old Lassie movies, seeing how well they’ve bonded. He’s got good food and his own toys. He’s taken on walks three times a day, is regularly groomed and is taken to the vet for needed care. We’ll be with him always, even if we have to make that last, difficult decision, because, you see, he is our dog and we are his family.
He has a good heart you know, but then he is a dog, so that’s to be expected. He’s probably forgiven you and, with a dog’s grace, doesn’t even remember you dumped him. He’d probably even be willing to greet you at the Rainbow Bridge. But you know what? He’ll greet us and go with us at the Bridge, and then he’ll be with us forever, because he’s our dog and we’re his family.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Click a letter to find an animal or view all.
As unexpectedly as she came into our lives, our Karma left us as quickly. We weren’t ready to say good-bye at only four and a half years old. If I’d have known it was the last morning I would see her, I’d have given her at least one more kiss. I am grateful that we had the years together. I am happy that she was a good sister to her fur brother and sister, Jackson and Summer. I am appreciative that she was a good sister to her skin brothers and sister; Kali, Zach and Grant. Of our three dog babies, she was by far the easiest. Her passing has left an emptiness in our house. Karma, we love you. We’ll see you on the bridge. --- The Davis Family
We only knew you a short time but it didn't take long to fall in love with you! Your soulful eyes were trying to tell us of your discomfort and despite your loving demeanor, you were in pain and struggling with each breath. We are so thankful for knowing you! Run free in peaceful bliss sweet Keegan! Your friends at LSBR
Keller was a spiritual, "once in a lifetime" dog, inspiring all those he met to love more, be more and give more.
The Callan Family
Our Keystone (aka Patton, white boxer) recently lost his battle with cancer. We only had had him for 2 years but he was a member of our family. Keystone had a horrible past but was nothing more than a gentle giant in our home. All he ever wanted was to be loved on and to snuggle up in our lap... even though he weighed almost 90 lbs. We are thankful to have loved & been loved by this special boy. Thank yall for doing what yall do & making sure this once abused dog had the opportunity to live out his last 2 years being completely pampered & spoiled as he so deserved! He will be greatly missed! The Bradley Family
This morning, with a very heavy and sad heart, I said goodbye to my sweet baby girl. She was full of cancer, loosing her strength, and would not eat. Her body, eyes, and mouth were yellow from jaundice, as the lymphoma had affected her liver. She came to BAPA in late January, 2009 with nine sweet puppies and we all fell in love at first sight. My true "foster failure" as she only came home to recover from a hard spay and go through heartworm treatment. Yea, right. That was March 18 last year and she has brought so much love and laughter to our home. She lost so much weight and was even having a hard time walking very far and would not stand for very long. She gave kisses all the way to the end and as Kim and Katie helped her to Rainbow Bridge, her little nub was wagging as she slipped away from me. She was the best gril, and I will miss her so much.
- Sarah Wright
Click a letter to find an animal or view all.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z