If you are thinking of adopting a dog, please consider one of the older dogs.
http://www.hhdane.com/newsletters/2002fall... "When you brought me home, you said I would be your baby forever. You gave me all the toys and love I could have ever asked for. After you had two-legged children, I had to take a back seat, but that was OK because they gave me the love and attention that you no longer had time to give me.
Now you have brought me here. You told them that you can no longer keep me. You said that I am falling down and cannot walk, or was it that I have suddenly become aggressive? You have given so many excuses that I can't remember what you said today. Who do you think you are fooling? No one believes your lies. I have grown old, and I have changed just as you will one day. Why are you being cruel to me? Is this my reward for giving you all my love and devotion? Have you thought about what you are teaching your two-legged children?
It is strange that a dog that yesterday could not walk, today can run and play with the other homeless dogs. It is ironic that a dog that yesterday was so aggressive today gives love to everyone who comes to visit. We both know that you lied to excuse your callousness in dumping me when I got too old. I hope that one day you will realize the pain and anguish I suffered when I was suddenly abandoned by the only family I had ever known.
I gave you the best years of my life only to be thrown away without a second glance like yesterday's garbage. You soothe your conscience by telling yourself that you did what was best for me, but you know that is a lie. It was what was easiest for you! Very few people want to adopt an old dog. Lucky for me that the Rescue has said that I can live the rest of my life in their home just as if it were my own.
I just thank god that the Rescue knew that you were lying, and the truth was that I was cramping your style. When you grow old and feel the pain and sorrow of being neglected or abandoned by your children because you cramp their style, remember that your children are just following your example. You have taught them well!
(Permission is granted to reproduce this story giving Harlequin Haven Great Dane and Saint Bernard Rescie credit as the source.)
http://www.ohiodanerescue.com/danes/ghiant... _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I happened across the above and thought it was worth sharing. I know older pets need extra care and often very expensive medications. I just picked up an insulin Rx refill for my rescue cat this afternoon, for $117. That's going to require some number crunching on my budget, for sure. But with his meds, my cat has a very good quality of life.
I know that in today's economy, many jobless people have had to give up their pets - and it's been heart breaking for them. Whether pets end up in shelters or pounds because of callous owners, like the ones described above, or impoverished owners, the fact remains that there are many, many loving animals in need of adoption. So if you or anyone you know is talking about/thinking about adding a pet to their household - maybe as a Christmas gift to their kids, please-please-please talk them into visiting a shelter or pet rescue facility to find a dog or cat.
And if there are people on your Christmas list who really don't need another electronic gadget, or perhaps kids who have a lot of toys already, give a gift to an animal shelter in their name - a great way to teach kids the real meaning of Christmas.
