Ode to a Shelter Dog

[BG and Gavin]

I died today. You got tired of me and took me to the shelter. They were overcrowded and I drew an unlucky number. I am in a black plastic bag in a freezer now. Some other puppy will get the barely used leash you left. My collar was dirty and too small, but the lady took it off before she sent me to the Rainbow Bridge .
Would I still be at home if I hadn’t chewed your shoe? I didn’t know what it was, but it was leather, and it was on the floor. I was just playing. You forgot to get puppy toys. Would I still be at home if I had been housebroken? Rubbing my nose in what I did only made me ashamed that I had to go at all. There are books and obedience teachers that would have taught you how to teach me to go to the door.
Would I still be at home if I hadn’t brought fleas into the house? Without flea medicine, I couldn’t get them off of me after you left me in the yard for days. Would I still be at home if I hadn’t barked? I was only saying, “I’m scared, I’m lonely, I’m here, I’m here! I want to be your best friend.” Would I still be at home if I had made you happy? Hitting me didn’t make me learn how. Would I still be at home if you had taken the time to care for me and to teach manners to me? You didn’t pay attention to me after the first week or so, but I spent all my time waiting for you to love me. I died today.
Love, Your Puppy

 

Thank you to everyone that has saved a dog's life!

[Anna and Achilles]

that just kills me.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Very good posting. It's sad but a reality and worth reminding people.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

First dog I thought of when I read this was Winston. Glad he got his happy ending. So many dogs do not.

[Tessa, Ellie and Wheezy]

I started crying and I hadn't even finished the 2nd sentence......that makes your heart hurt!!

[Sharon & Monty]

Ah man, now that's just wrong.  Me sitting at work crying.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

that is just so sad.  I should've stopped reading after I read the first line.  Now I am sitting at my desk at work (it is lunch time) and trying not to let my coworkers hear me sniffle.  Unfortunately, the types of people that need to read something like this story never will.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Ok, I'm bawling my head off now, how sad that this is reality!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This just breaks my heart, because I know that it's so true.  It's frightening that rescues are seeing more and more "throw away" dogs.  Is it a sign of our times...our society?  I don't know, but I think about it and worry about the sad lives and tragic endings of so many innocent and loving dogs.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

oh. sad. Giving my Winston an extra big doodle hug now. So glad he's with me.