Sad

[hallswel]

I found this while researching for my speech...carefull.it WILL Make you cry.

HOW COULD YOU?

By Jim Willis 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 home comings, 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. 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 - Jim Wllis

[tlwtheq]

I started into this but quickly got the gist and couldn't continue. I'll be the first one to point to how disloyal humans can be to their nonhuman companions. Disloyalty like that will never happen on my watch...or no one else's on this forum.

God bless our babies.

Tara, Olie's and Teddy's Mom Forever

[Saidi'sDad]

Disloyalty like that will never happen on my watch...or no one else's on this forum.

Amen to that! It's not too difficult to be decent, at least it shouldn

[mrskti]

ok, how do i get this lump out of my throat? And I knew what was coming....so sad. I need to go hug my baby girls now....

[Scully'sMom]

I couldn't finish it. Lots of hugs and kisses for Scully tonight.

[Cairns2]

"Lots of hugs and kisses for Scully tonight."

Ditto for Emma and Eric.

The story reminded me of a TV commercial that ran a few years ago. It showed a puppy playing with his family, then showed the dog as an adult tied to his doghouse in the yard while the family was inside watching a ballgame. The announcer says something to the effect of "what happened to that little puppy, he's waiting for you outside". Anyway, you get the idea.

Moving, a new job, a child, etc. etc. are no excuses for giving up pets. Animals are NOT disposable. It's a commitment for life and if you are not willing to make that commitment, then do not take a pet into your home.

OK, that was my lecture for the day!

[suedelu29]

I rent my apartment. I would take a run down shack or would work many, many hours to afford whatever it took, but I would never, ever give my babies away. Many, many places in Wisconsin to rent are not pet friendly. They would be willing to take 10 kids, but not one dog. I just don't understand this. Maybe I am off the subject, but I had to get this out since I do want to move soon.

[Saidi'sDad]

It's very interesting to read the replies to this. I came on tonight to ask who played with their pups and gave them more attention because of it and was happy to see that others were thinking the same way I was

Cairns2, I really appreciate your comment on the story telling about someone leaving a dog outside so the owners can watch a game. That really bugged me (not you but the story) because I'm a fanatic for a local team where I live but have never EVER thought about locking up or putting Saidi outside so I could have my fun When I watch the games Saidi is right there with me until she gets bored with the screaming and chanting I play ball with her and tug with her favorite (or more precisely her current intact) toy when she wants. Usually that last for a while until she gets tired of listening to me be an idiot Then she will seek out another family member or go to her favorite nap spot. But when it's a commercial she always comes to check on me. Sometime I wonder who's looking after who

[AFireInsideOfMe]

I've seen that before. Yes, it did make me cry when I read it the first time...then I re-read it to my sister, and it made her cry also.

[kayharley]

I cannot ever re-read that.

[kcsdogs]

That is so sad I AM in tears. I work closely with rescue and our shelter so it is all too easy to become detatched from the reality that this is what happens to all to many wonderful dogs when life gets in the way and they end up ina shelter. I am going to print this off and take it too the shelter with me and I am going to put it in all the starter kits for the dogs that I place. Thank you for posting it.

[ZephyrandCleosMom]

As a 5-months-along pregnant-for-the-first time woman who's Cairns just celebrated their One Year Homecoming from the local SCPA, I really appreciated someone writing all of this.... I personally don't need to hear it but some folks do. Thank goodness there ARE people who do adopt middle-aged dogs from the pound. My Cairns were already a year and half when I got them their. Ugh.. I cannot ever, ever, ever imagine giving up my first 2 babies.

[CathyAnn]

With an ache in my heart tonight for all the pups that have met this fate........I will just say I don't understand what possesses people sometimes.

I am gonna go give Piper a BIG hug and do what he loves best...PLAYTIME!!

Cathy

[OzGirl]

hallswel, you are right - it made me cry. I guessed what it would be like but still read it with tears pouring down my face. I don't know how people can treat a dog as a disposable object, makes me so cross.

[oregoncoast71]

Although I am not a cairn owner (as of yet). I have in my household a dog and 3 cats, who I love very dearly. Even so much I go out of my way to make sure they are happy and healthy. (I even knit the cats their own beds to sleep in.) Our family has discussed the "what if's" in regards to our pets. What if one of us gets sick and can't take care of them, what if we couldn't afford to take care of them, etc. It has been stated before, a pet is a lifetime commitment. They are not just a "stupid cat" or "dumb dog" (as some people that I know refer to pets). They are living breathing creatures who don't ask for much just: love, care and respect. In return they give us unconditional love. And you can't put a price tag on that.

[savannahsmom35]

BIG mistake to read this at work. I think my make-up probably is all gone now. I wish that all of the people who had done this to their pets could read this. Thank you for posting.

Extra love and kisses for Savannah tonight.

[Cairns2]

Can't tell you how much that story affected me and I guess it was good. Last night I was more aware of my dogs and took my time feeding them. We are always rushing around after work with 7 pets to care for. I was more aware of them and spent extra time with each of them. We tend to think they will always be there but their lives are very short and 10-15 years can fly by. So I think it has made me "stop and smell the roses" and appreciate them more than I ever did before.

Great idea to the poster who volunteers at the shelter to put that story in each pack for new owners. God Bless you for the work you do.

[lyric35]

If you're not familiar with our story (read dog with shakes).

Every time someone questions why we didn't put Kiko to sleep....I will think of this story. After leaving the pet shop and asking THEM, "how could you do this?" we turned to our daughter in the back seat and shared with her the options the store gave us, without a second thought our 10 year old replied, "we will keep her and love her of course". You wouldn't give me back would you?

enough said.....

[maggie]

"we will keep her and love her of course". You wouldn't give me back would you?

enough said.....

My thoughts exactly!

[czymom]

Completely heartbreaking, I know. THese are also the people who ignore their children because they won't accept the responsibility and the reality that when you have children (and pets), you are no longer your very first priority.

The only reason people who dump their pets off at a shelter don't also dump their kids off at a shelter, is that there is no shelter for unwanted kids - - YET! I know this sounds so mean of me to say, but I am a former social worker who worked with abused and neglected children. The sad reality is that people want pets, and kids, until the novelty wears off and the pets can be given away, so they do that.

It is a horrible thing to do and like the author of the story says, I can only hope that the people in their lives are as loyal.

Ok, off of my soap box.

Buddy is certainly going to get extra hugs and kisses tonight.

Another thing I would like to add is this...I have an Amazon Parrot, they are known to live about 60 or more years. I am instilling in my children even now, when they are 7 and almost 9, that they will be taking care of the bird when I am gone. That she is family and we will always be family. I guess i just believe that we need to teach our kids about loyalty and family so that there wont be a generation of uncaring people growing up and making the abandoned pet problem worse.

Oh I wish I were home right now so I could squeeze my babies!!!

[Binx75075]

Damn...... that's all I can say.............

[Tracy A.]

I have a major rant to post- sorry this is a little bit long.

My hubbys son, who's 20 (from first marriage), just told us 2 days ago that his current living arrangement wasn't working out- and he needed help finding a new apartment ($$) and that the old situtation didn't work out for his dog either... he was told last month that he couldn't keep the dog anymore (mind you a dog he adopted from the SPCA, against our advice that this wasn't a good time for him to have an animal.... but you know how kids are.....)

So, he tells us that last month sometime he took the dog back to the SPCA, but told them it was a stray! and dumped it! Hubby and I were so....so....so...so... very upset, I can't even verbalized it! Well, Hubby called the SPCA yesterday morning and inquired on the dog, (because if it was there we were going to get her) in truth I was expecting the worst.... but the dog was adopted before 'it's time was up'. And the nice lady at the SPCA informs Hubby that want his son did is Illegal..... How I wish I could inflict some punishment on Evil Step Child.....................

How in the world did this child come to think that animals were disposable?? He certinally didn't learn it from his father or me..... I am wondering if he was dropped on his head as a baby.....

[Eliz222]

I couldn't finish reading it either. I have read it before and it is sooo sad.

[toomanypaws]

I have a major rant to post- sorry this is a little bit long.

My hubbys son, who's 20 (from first marriage), just told us 2 days ago that his current living arrangement wasn't working out- and he needed help finding a new apartment ($$) and that the old situtation didn't work out  for his dog either... he was told last month that he couldn't keep the dog anymore (mind you a dog he adopted from the SPCA, against our advice that this wasn't a good time for him to have an animal.... but you know how kids are.....)

So, he tells us that last month sometime he took the dog back to the SPCA, but told them it was a stray! and dumped it!    Hubby and I were so....so....so...so... very upset, I can't even verbalized it!  Well, Hubby called the SPCA yesterday morning and inquired on the dog, (because if it was there we were going to get her)  in truth I was expecting the worst.... but the dog was adopted before 'it's time was up'.  And the nice lady at the SPCA informs Hubby that want his son did is Illegal..... How I wish I could inflict some punishment on Evil Step Child.....................

How in the world did this child come to think that animals were disposable?? He certinally didn't learn it from his father or me..... I am wondering if he was dropped on his head as a baby.....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I understand your rant, Mystic. My niece acquired a mixed terrier breed while still in college. She brought the dog (Lola) home to her parents where her mom (my SIL) refused letting Lola in the house. When I visited last year, the poor dog was walking the window ledge starring into the back room. I about lost my temper w/ my brother who said he couldn't bring her inside. He only brought her into the garage, which gets quite hot in Florida. My niece planned to take Lola back in another year when she finishes college. This sweet, starved for affection dog was about to live a secluded life alone in the backyard.

To make this a happy ending, the neighbors couldn't stand seeing this dog pacing the yard and wanting to be inside so desperately. They came to my brother and asked if they could have the dog. He knew my SIL didn't care, and called my niece to let her know that he found her a home. My niece was fine w/ it and now this precious terrier mix has a life of luxury in her new home. She house trained quickly and has the entire run of the house. I am so glad that these neighbors saw a dog that was neglected and took the chance of seeing if they could give her the home she deserved. I swear my brother and I are from different planets.

[Lisad]

I just can't get through it. I can't. God bless our little furry friends and God especailly bless those of them who are still waiting for a warm home and for unconditional love.