HOW COULD YOU ????!!!!!

How Could You?


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, lookedinto 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.

Copyright 2002, Jim Willis

Can I go home now?

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 rag, 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, 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?

by Sandi Thompson

My little helpers

Here are pictures of the 3 days of cooking & pierogi making I did at Christmas. I wouldn't have been able to push my way through it if it weren't for my "helpers".

Non-profit animal rescue does not exist to benefit people

I'm always thrilled when I hear updates of how adopted kittys are doing, and how happy the owners are. But I didn't get into this to make PEOPLE happy, or serve the needs of PEOPLE. It's all about the animals. Their health, their happines, what is best for them. I love helping people solve the problems they have with their personal pets, whether they need medical advice, a veterinarian recommendation, or help with behavior problems. Often it means an animal getting to keep their home, as opposed to being killed (aka "euthanized").

But I am infuriated at the number of people who contact me wanting me to take their personal pets. They all have excuses. "My child is allergic" "My boyfriend is allergic" "I'm moving to a place that doesn't allow pets" "The cat is scratching the furniture" "My cats don't get along, I need to get rid of someone" "I don't have time for it since we now have a new baby". This kind of garbage is enough to make me sorry I exist. Every single one of these excuses is a direct symptom of an IRRESPONSIBLE ADULT!! Someone who wants me to solve THEIR problem, not help the animal.

I am not here to make you feel less guilty about abandoning your pet.

For those of you with allergy problems: Did you even talk to a vet? Or are you just getting rid of the cat based on a pediatrician's advice? Your MD/DO doesn't care about your cat whatsoever. That is YOUR job. My own allergist told me to get rid of my cats 7 months ago when I broke out in hives. I laughed in his face. My hives are gone and I still sleep with 3 cats every night.

For those of you who are moving: There are always places who will rent to people with small pets. It is YOUR job to find them. All sorts of "apartment-finder" websites exist to help you.

For people who whine about their furniture: We do not allow pets adopted from us to be declawed. Ever. Most of you don't know what a vile, debilitating procedure this is. And I forgive you for that. But look at www.declawing.org and learn. Your children will do far more damage to your walls, carpeting, their clothing, and your car than a cat will ever do. Would you amputate 10 of their bones to minimize that??

If you think your pet wants more attention than you have to give it: Is it better off dead? How many of us ever get enough attention?? I rarely feel I get enough time with my boyfriend, and the 7 cats and 1 dog would love more attention. But everyone has food & water, toys & love, and a roof over their heads. Get your pet a playmate.

For those who have cats who don't get along: So do I. Some live in a bedroom where they are safe from others. I know plenty of people who live in "divided" houses in order to keep the pets they love. You can do the same. If your oldest child becomes jealous of your newborn, will you get rid of one of them?? Why does the thought of getting rid of EITHER of them cross your mind??

If you want help in KEEPING your pets, drop me a line. But if you're simply trying to pass off your responsibilities that is not my job. I pity the pets who trusted you and who you are breaking promises to, but you go right ahead and take them to a shelter where 75% of cats are killed. You are abandoning them and their death is your fault.

The calm of winter

Every winter I wonder why I live here. I hate being cold, I hate sitting in a cold car, and I hate driving when there's ice on the road. Now that I work with animals I also hate thinking about those who live outdoors--even the ones I provide food for.

But winter has an upside. The colder it is (and the longer the cold stays), the fewer cats will become pregnant since breeding is due to day length/temperature. It makes me wish for freezing weather for 3 straight years.

So pray for cold! Pray that the greenhouse effect is untrue. Hope for 6 months of straight freezing across the world!!

Thoughts

I cancelled my trip to New Orleans this Christmas when a trapping moratorium took place down there. Tonight as Cuddles travelled between my lap and my boyfriend's lap I couldn't help but think about him.

I'll never forget the moment I trapped him. For miles and miles he and I were the only ones on earth. It was silent, peaceful. I was omnipotent. Nobody existed for miles and miles in New Orleans East. My traps determined who lived, and I decided their fate. Or did Cuddles determine his own?? He was mine the moment he rolled over on his back in the pink princess bed.

What a difference I was able to make! So much different than most other places on earth. Just about everywhere I go there are many people who could take the time to help, make a difference. The world seemed better when I was there. Not sure why, exactly. Maybe because I knew then that every cat I came across I could help/keep/save. Maybe because there was nobody to abuse the animals, to try to dump them on me instead of doing their part for them, nobody to see them yet ignore them.

Today I spent the morning putting out 240 lbs. of cat food around a campground. The animals there may not have homes, and they may not want my love (though they have it). But they have all the vet care money can buy, they are well fed, and they have shelter. I give them names and know which part of the park they call home. I care that they will never give birth, are prevented from dying from many diseases, and have full tummies.

Happily ever after

A big thanks to the adoptors who gave wonderful homes to our babies recently!

Pauline, Miss Sassy, is doing great in her new home. She is the princess and is finally getting the attention she craves.

Gaines is keeping his adoptor busy and eating like a ittle horse.

Kung Fu receives plenty of love and petting from his new family members. I spent a lot of time with him this summer and am glad someone else saw how awesome he is.

Special Sid and the last Sierra brother are keeping each other company in their new home. They are having lots of fun and are providing their new parents plenty of entertainment. Both are wonderful kitties and I don't know how they didn't get adopted before!

We still have LOTS of awesome babies left, so come visit during adoption hours!!