June 2009 Gold Country Monthly

FYI for Furry Friends by Kathy Hanson June, 2009

This column is dedicated to abandoned, thrown away, abused, neglected, unwanted pets. It’s a tribute to all those dogs and cats sitting in shelters, waiting to be loved, and those who are put to sleep because there are too many of them and not enough kind people to save their lives.
CAN I GO HOME NOW?

My family brought me home cradled in their arms. They cuddled me and smiled and said I was full of charm. They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys. I sure do love my family, especially the girls and boys.

The children loved to feed me. They gave me special treats. They even let me sleep with them, all snuggled in their sheets. I used to go for walks, often several times a day. They even fought to hold my leash, I’m very proud to say.

They used to laugh and praise me, when I played with that old shoe. But I didn’t know the difference between the old one and the new. The kids and I would grab a rug, and for hours we would tug. So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bathroom rug.

They said I was out of control, and would have to live outside. This I did not understand, although I tried and tried. The walks stopped as one by one they said they hadn’t time. I wish that I could change things. I wish I knew my crime.

My life became so lonely in the backyard on a chain. I barked and barked all day long, to keep from going insane. So they brought me to the shelter, but were embarrassed to say why. They said I caused an allergy, and then kissed me goodbye.

If only I’d had some classes, as a little pup. I wouldn’t have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up.

“You only have one day left,” I heard the worker say. Does this mean a second chance? Will I go home today? (A special message from Sandi Thompson)

NO MORE, PLEASE!

No more lonely cold nights or hearing that I’m bad. No more growling belly from the meals I never had. No more scorching sunshine with a water bowl that’s dry. No more complaining neighbors about “noise” when I cry. No more hearing “shut up,” “get down”, “get out of here!” No more feeling disliked, only peace is in the air.

Euthanasia is a blessing, though some still can’t see why I was ever born, if I weren’t meant to be. My last day of living was the best I ever had. Someone held me very close, I knew that she was sad. I kissed the lady’s face, and she hugged me as she cried. I wagged my tail in thanks, then closed my eyes and died. (Unanonymous shelter worker, Massena, N.Y.)

ONE BY ONE

One by one, they pass by my cage, “Too old, too worn, too broken, no way. Way past his prime, he can’t run and play.” They shake their heads slowly and go on their way. A little old man, arthritic and sore, it seems I am not wanted anymore.

I once had a home, I once had a bed, a place that was warm, and where I was fed. Now my muzzle is gray, and my eyes slowly fail. Who wants a dog so old and so frail? My family decided I didn’t belong. I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.

Whatever excuse they made in their head, can’t justify how they left me for dead. Now I sit in this cage, where day after day, the younger dogs get adopted away. When I had almost come to the end of my rope, you saw my face, and I finally had hope.

You saw through the gray, and the legs bent with age, and felt I still had life beyond this cage. You took me home, gave me food and a bed, and shared your own pillow with my poor tired head. We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low, you love me so dearly, you want me to know.

I may have lived with another person longer, but you outshine them with a love so much stronger. And I promise to return all the love I can give to you, my dear person, as long as I live. I may be with you for a week, or for years. We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.

And when the time comes that God deems I must leave, I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve. And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new, my thoughts and my heart will still be with you. And I will brag to all who will hear, of the person who made my last days so dear. (Author Unknown)

So to one and all who read this column and if it makes you think, reflect and want to help, make sure you spay and neuter your pets. Give your pets extra TLC and love. Adopt a pet from a shelter – the love and gratitude you will receive for saving their lives and giving them a Second Chance will be the greatest reward anyone can receive. You won’t be sorry.