What Should Be Said To The Person Dumping Their Older Dog At A Shelter

Written by a volunteer at a rescue organization: 

I do apologize if the following rant seems emotional. I am not trying to call anyone out, unless of course the shoe fits! I knew, when I was asked to become part of your wonderful ( rescue organization) there would be time my faith and patience would be tested., Animals have always been a very large part of my life. I've been so very blessed to have had spirited courageous horses, kind loyal dogs, independent warm fuzzy lap cats, funny sheep and goats, and even a few pigs that have warmed my heart. 

Yesterday a beautiful 16 yr old Collie came to us. He was surrendered because no one had time for him. After 16 years of being a loyal companion, guardian of children, confidant and protector he was discarded. We gave him the quietest kennel we could find as he looked around in fear and confusion. He didn't question or fight... he followed me with trust and dignity and the wisdom that comes with old dogs. We settled him in and started calling our friends in various rescues. Within hours we had a rescue lined up and they came today to take him to his forever home. The two ladies who came to transport him shed tears over his precious old face and beautiful soul. We all hugged knowing this would be one of the lucky ones. This beautiful dog will have the best possible final years. 

For that I am grateful but to those who do this to their beautiful old dogs I am so very appalled. The lies that are told, the excuses we hear, the sad old dogs that have given of themselves, the best they have to give, only to be handed over to strangers when they need peace and safety in their final years, all take a toll on those of us who pour our hearts into our job. There isn't one of us here who hasn't cried over ones lost. We are accused daily of being cruel and heartless because we are forced to make hard decisions due to the irresponsibility of people. We are stopped in Walmart, at dinner, and at school events to be asked" how long before you put them down?" as if that is the only reason we work at an animal shelter. And when it comes time to make that decision pets are brought here and surrendered because "we just can't do that to them" and" I thought since you do it all the time it would be easier for you". We are told "I could never work THERE I don't know how you do it"......but we wouldn't work anywhere else!! We work here because people can be cruel and irresponsible and we want only to help those who haven't a voice of their own. We work here because we know we make a difference one cute fuzzy face at a time. We work here for the puppy kisses, the soft kitty pats, and the the blessing of finding pets a new home where they will live in peace.