Shelter Dogs
Dear Frankie,
I’m writing for myself and my two friends at the shelter. We are all under three and were adopted when we were puppies.
Horace’s family dumped him because they didn’t realize he would grow to 100 pounds by the time he was a year old. I don’t know how they didn’t get it when they adopted him. He has enormous paws and is a Saint Bernard Mix.
Lucy was dumped because she wasn’t a good hunter despite coming from a long line of hunting dogs. At least they didn’t shoot her.
I got here because the kid who adopted me was living in a dormitory at college. When he graduated, his parents said, “No way, Jose.”
What is wrong with the humans? Don’t they understand the psychological toll it takes on us when they abandon us? Do they have any idea what it is like living in a cage, sleeping on a cement floor, surrounded by dogs who come in dazed, frightened, and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder?
The shelter people do their best, but this is no way for a dog to live. We don’t know how much more we can take. Our only upside is we have one another.
Ray
Dear Ray,
It breaks my heart to think of the life you and your pals are living. Some people believe a no-kill shelter is great for dogs. Some shelters put dogs down if they haven’t been adopted in 30 days. So, having more time for a dog to find a family is somewhat of an improvement, but six months, which translates into 180 days and nights, is brutal.
I hope the humans reading my column will take your letter to heart and remember it when they or their friends or family members adopt a dog.
I know a photographer who specializes in canine photo shoots. He has taken great shots of dogs at shelters, resulting in their adoption. I am sure he will contact your director once I send him your letter, a real tear-jerker. Rest assured, you and your pals will be at the top of the list for a photo session.
Paws crossed it does the trick for you guys.
Best, Frankie
© 2024 Geneva Woodruff
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