This is sad.. - DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate

**maclaudser** · 03-17-2011, 06:17 PM

Someone showed me this today. It's kind of long but I just thought I'd share..

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 belly rub. 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've 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 directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

**Slonopotam845** · 03-17-2011, 06:32 PM

**maclaudser** · 03-17-2011, 06:35 PM

I'm such a baby..
When I read this the first time my eyes started getting all watery.

**daguy** · 03-17-2011, 06:37 PM

This made me cry.

**MARMELADINA** · 03-17-2011, 06:37 PM

That is so sad but it happens everyday. I can't stand it.

**maclaudser** · 03-17-2011, 06:39 PM

I know

I'm glad the shelter in our area is a no kill shelter

**Lapsinuibense** · 03-17-2011, 07:38 PM

This is so sad....now I have tears sitting at my desk at work....

**furillo** · 03-17-2011, 09:22 PM

**miel** · 03-17-2011, 09:32 PM

I have read this multiple times and it makes me sad... it's harsh reality that this does happen and I see it happen all the time since I work at an animal shelter. I could never give up my animals.

**CializCialiscsqw** · 03-17-2011, 11:17 PM

People are disconnected, they drop their animals off with the idea theyll find a home even if they know it isnt true. My friend manages the local shelter and some guy brought in a dog that attacked everyone to the point they had to use the catch rod thing...she told him to his face they would put the dog down... he was still in denial

**HRS1H7gO** · 03-18-2011, 03:34 AM

Wow This really made me feel down. Thanks for posting it tho it speaks in volumes.

Ive owned 4 dogs total in my life that were only mine, not family dogs. Bug is who is missing, I have Proof, Kuniva and Grim. The day I had to let Bug go I felt like I did the ultimate betrayal, I even held off for a week or so.

She was such a good dog had been with me since I was seven and moved with me wherever I went. A week after her 18th birthday I went to the vets we always have gone too. I waited in the room holding her on the table wrapped up against my chest. The tech came in and asked if she could hold her so she would be steady. I said no she needs to be with me. The vet extended her arwm stuck the needle in and I said "Love you little girl" amd she slumped against my chest. I cryed in her black fur and asked to have a minute before i left. I miss my girl.

---------- Post added at 09:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:30 PM ----------

I did get her cremated, She will be buried or cremated with me when I die, same as my boys when their time comes.

I may hunt and see my dogs as hunters and working dogs but they are always my hunting partner and friend. Never just a tool for the job.

**dodadaxia** · 03-18-2011, 03:39 AM

People who work at the shelters here post this on CL all the time, just so maybe someone reading it will stop and think before they dump off their pet.

**maclaudser** · 03-18-2011, 04:37 PM

You think reading this WOULD stop people from dumping their dogs off at the shelter..but of course it doesn't. Since I volunteer at our local animal shelter, I also see this often. But instead of putting the dogs down they just keep them there. I'm not sure which is worse..being in a shelter for however many years until adopted or being put down. We had a dog at the shelter who finally got adopted by another volunteer a little while ago who has been there for six years!!! Makes me sad. But now I'm spending even more time at the shelter to walk and play with the dogs. They deserve it!

---------- Post added at 09:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:34 AM ----------

Wow This really made me feel down. Thanks for posting it tho it speaks in volumes.

Ive owned 4 dogs total in my life that were only mine, not family dogs. Bug is who is missing, I have Proof, Kuniva and Grim. The day I had to let Bug go I felt like I did the ultimate betrayal, I even held off for a week or so.

She was such a good dog had been with me since I was seven and moved with me wherever I went. A week after her 18th birthday I went to the vets we always have gone too. I waited in the room holding her on the table wrapped up against my chest. The tech came in and asked if she could hold her so she would be steady. I said no she needs to be with me. The vet extended her arwm stuck the needle in and I said "Love you little girl" amd she slumped against my chest. I cryed in her black fur and asked to have a minute before i left. I miss my girl.

---------- Post added at 09:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:30 PM ----------

I did get her cremated, She will be buried or cremated with me when I die, same as my boys when their time comes.

I may hunt and see my dogs as hunters and working dogs but they are always my hunting partner and friend. Never just a tool for the job.

I have two dogs that are cremated also. The first one was a dog that I grew up with named Dawson. He was only two months older than me. He passed away at the age of 18. The other dog that I have was a rescue from a person who had 62 dogs at her house. He was a old little pomeranian named Bandito. He was horribly underweight and had no teeth. The vet couldn't even predict his age. I only had that little guy for a week until we had to put him down because the vet said it was best for him.

**HRS1H7gO** · 03-22-2011, 03:21 AM

Sorry about your losses Elyssa. Its hard losing dogs specially ones you knew for 18 yrs or more.

**maclaudser** · 03-22-2011, 03:47 AM

Sorry about your losses Elyssa. Its hard losing dogs specially ones you knew for 18 yrs or more.

Thank you. It's very hard even if you know it's the right thing to do.

**ZAtlLVos** · 03-22-2011, 05:26 AM

=..(

03-17-2011, 06:17 PM	#1
maclaudser Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 412 Senior Member	This is sad.. Someone showed me this today. It's kind of long but I just thought I'd share.. 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 belly rub. 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've 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 directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-17-2011, 06:32 PM	#2
Slonopotam845 Join Date Jan 2006 Posts 5,251 Senior Member	Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-17-2011, 06:35 PM	#3
maclaudser Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 412 Senior Member	I'm such a baby.. When I read this the first time my eyes started getting all watery. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-17-2011, 06:37 PM	#4
daguy Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 607 Senior Member	This made me cry. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-17-2011, 06:37 PM	#5
MARMELADINA Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 427 Senior Member	That is so sad but it happens everyday. I can't stand it. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-17-2011, 06:39 PM	#6
maclaudser Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 412 Senior Member	I know I'm glad the shelter in our area is a no kill shelter Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-17-2011, 07:38 PM	#7
Lapsinuibense Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 448 Senior Member	This is so sad....now I have tears sitting at my desk at work.... Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-17-2011, 09:22 PM	#8
furillo Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 439 Senior Member	Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-17-2011, 09:32 PM	#9
miel Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 405 Senior Member	I have read this multiple times and it makes me sad... it's harsh reality that this does happen and I see it happen all the time since I work at an animal shelter. I could never give up my animals. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

03-17-2011, 11:17 PM	#10
CializCialiscsqw Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 395 Senior Member	People are disconnected, they drop their animals off with the idea theyll find a home even if they know it isnt true. My friend manages the local shelter and some guy brought in a dog that attacked everyone to the point they had to use the catch rod thing...she told him to his face they would put the dog down... he was still in denial Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

03-18-2011, 03:34 AM	#11
HRS1H7gO Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 459 Senior Member	Wow This really made me feel down. Thanks for posting it tho it speaks in volumes. Ive owned 4 dogs total in my life that were only mine, not family dogs. Bug is who is missing, I have Proof, Kuniva and Grim. The day I had to let Bug go I felt like I did the ultimate betrayal, I even held off for a week or so. She was such a good dog had been with me since I was seven and moved with me wherever I went. A week after her 18th birthday I went to the vets we always have gone too. I waited in the room holding her on the table wrapped up against my chest. The tech came in and asked if she could hold her so she would be steady. I said no she needs to be with me. The vet extended her arwm stuck the needle in and I said "Love you little girl" amd she slumped against my chest. I cryed in her black fur and asked to have a minute before i left. I miss my girl. ---------- Post added at 09:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:30 PM ---------- I did get her cremated, She will be buried or cremated with me when I die, same as my boys when their time comes. I may hunt and see my dogs as hunters and working dogs but they are always my hunting partner and friend. Never just a tool for the job. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

03-18-2011, 03:39 AM	#12
dodadaxia Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 387 Senior Member	People who work at the shelters here post this on CL all the time, just so maybe someone reading it will stop and think before they dump off their pet. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

03-18-2011, 04:37 PM	#13
maclaudser Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 412 Senior Member	You think reading this WOULD stop people from dumping their dogs off at the shelter..but of course it doesn't. Since I volunteer at our local animal shelter, I also see this often. But instead of putting the dogs down they just keep them there. I'm not sure which is worse..being in a shelter for however many years until adopted or being put down. We had a dog at the shelter who finally got adopted by another volunteer a little while ago who has been there for six years!!! Makes me sad. But now I'm spending even more time at the shelter to walk and play with the dogs. They deserve it! ---------- Post added at 09:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:34 AM ---------- Wow This really made me feel down. Thanks for posting it tho it speaks in volumes. Ive owned 4 dogs total in my life that were only mine, not family dogs. Bug is who is missing, I have Proof, Kuniva and Grim. The day I had to let Bug go I felt like I did the ultimate betrayal, I even held off for a week or so. She was such a good dog had been with me since I was seven and moved with me wherever I went. A week after her 18th birthday I went to the vets we always have gone too. I waited in the room holding her on the table wrapped up against my chest. The tech came in and asked if she could hold her so she would be steady. I said no she needs to be with me. The vet extended her arwm stuck the needle in and I said "Love you little girl" amd she slumped against my chest. I cryed in her black fur and asked to have a minute before i left. I miss my girl. ---------- Post added at 09:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:30 PM ---------- I did get her cremated, She will be buried or cremated with me when I die, same as my boys when their time comes. I may hunt and see my dogs as hunters and working dogs but they are always my hunting partner and friend. Never just a tool for the job. I have two dogs that are cremated also. The first one was a dog that I grew up with named Dawson. He was only two months older than me. He passed away at the age of 18. The other dog that I have was a rescue from a person who had 62 dogs at her house. He was a old little pomeranian named Bandito. He was horribly underweight and had no teeth. The vet couldn't even predict his age. I only had that little guy for a week until we had to put him down because the vet said it was best for him. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

03-22-2011, 03:21 AM	#14
HRS1H7gO Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 459 Senior Member	Sorry about your losses Elyssa. Its hard losing dogs specially ones you knew for 18 yrs or more. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-22-2011, 03:47 AM	#15
maclaudser Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 412 Senior Member	Sorry about your losses Elyssa. Its hard losing dogs specially ones you knew for 18 yrs or more. Thank you. It's very hard even if you know it's the right thing to do. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-22-2011, 05:26 AM	#16
ZAtlLVos Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 429 Senior Member	=..( Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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