Senior Rescue - A Powerful Message

So many of us on this site care so deeply for our beloved dogs.
Rescue is so very difficult and although I know this post is hard to read, I felt compelled to share...
It is so eloquently written and brings home what dogs go through when abandoned by their owners...


To those of you who have ever relinquished a senior to an impound: Because of your betrayal, you never see the stages of grief your dog goes through when you leave. We see it. We see them terrified for days, and then the shock. A few days after that, anxiety sets in and then in another few days, desperation. After that, they just give up...knowing that they were never loved as they had loved you.
They would never have betrayed you.

Because of your selfishness, we bring them into our home and help to rebuild their confidence. We love them again and again until one day we see that tail wag again. We care for them and try to keep them as happy and healthy as we can...but it is never the same for them as what was their "real" family for all those years.
We care for them. We love them and we play with them. We sleep with them and let them know that their life DID matter...much like how they made you feel wanted and loved every single day. Selflessly, they would do just about anything just to be with you.

We keep them as happy as we can, and when it is time to say goodbye, because of your cowardliness, it is we who comfort them. We STAY by their side...because they would have done as much for you. We hold them tightly; we tell them how much we love them and with our tears falling upon their fur, we tell them that it's okay to let go because one day, we will all be reunited.

My heart breaks every time we have to let them go and in rescue, it happens all too often. It is almost too much for any one's heart to take...I grieve over each and every one. And my tears will fall upon my pillow tonight, but when sleep finally does overcome me, I will sleep with a clear conscience because I know I did the right thing. And to the owner of Lonnie who relinquished him to a kill shelter when he was 17, I hope his lovely face haunts you. He did not deserve that.

If you are reading this and EVER contemplate relinquishing your pet, especially after many, many years, understand that this is not just wrong, it is wicked and cruel. Pets are for life. No matter what, make it work, for their sake.

Rest in Peace, precious Lonnie...our family here at the ranch already misses you.

https://www.facebook.com/GreendogFoundation

 

Believe me, I cried many tears over this as well. I have adopted many seniors and they are the BEST!

 

I am always amazed at the strength of mind and soul of folks that run rescue organizations... Yes, indeed, they have a special place in heaven.

 

I completely understand the need to recover when reading posts like this. I am blessed to work from home so I can cry in privacy. Yes, there is a special place of torment for those cruel folks in the next world. Of that I am sure.