I don't need to tout this over and over, because we all hear it everyday, as we strive to put ourselves first in the race to be healthy...but yesterday I got a chance to save another life.
I work with a couple Great Dane rescues in our area, and one shelter has a 'dane' boy who my rescue wanted me to check out. So I drove up there, an anxious knot in my belly...just the thought that I would be responsible for a dog living or not made me feel sick to my stomach, but so excited that he would be appropriate for us to pull into rescue.
After arriving, my hubs and I were brought back, past a long row of big dogs in other kennels to a large black happy boy in the end kennel.
So one reason I had to go see him was because we were all wondering if he was a purebred Dane, and at ~75 pounds he is definitely a mix, most likely lab...
But what a wonderful dog, and we are definitely going to try to pull him into our rescue and get him a home.
What makes me sad is that there were at least 5-6 other dogs in the shelter that were very place-able into homes. That and the fact that stray dogs are only held for 6 days, and those relinquished by owners are only held for 24. 24 hours that is...
So if you are reaching for gifts for that special animal lover in your life this season, I ask that you research shelters in your area, not to get a dog as a gift for someone, but because many have a special program that can help save a bunch of lives...these programs allow people to pay the small adoption fee for an animal at the shelter, then the animal will be held forever until someone is interested in adopting, and then the animal will be placed free of charge to that special home.
This is a great way to help save animals without bringing them all home and becoming a hoarder...tis the season to give, and not much is better than giving an animal it's life. Happy Holidays everyone!
3 comments:
A post after my own heart. Three years ago, January, we brought home our big guy from rescue. Shocky is a nearly 90 lb lab mix. Sounds and kinda looks like this guy. About a month ago, we got another rescue pup. 12 week old Noodles is a Pug/Yorkie mix. Shocky is submissive to her...lol, but we like to say that he is considerate to her size. I will never get another pupper that is not a rescue. I was unaware of programs like you describe, thanks for the info!!!
Ugh. I just love animals and the thought of the shelters just breaks my heart. I know they are there for the good of the animals but the fact is there is not enough room to help them all. That eats at my heart. We just took in another rescue a few months ago. Maybe a shepherd mix. She is brindle, petite and her ears are HUGE. And more importantly, our pitbull loves her (not at first though) which made the adoption possible! Anyway, I give you so much credit for what you do. I wish I could help them all.
Jennifer
Aw that guy looks so loveable. I can't go to shelters because I want to take them all home. We got our newest pup from a local rescue (He was abandoned in a box with the rest of his litter in a field) People can be such assholes. Thanks for letting us know the part about the special programs I didn't even know shelters did that - I'm going to see if my local shelter does anything like that.
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