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A letter from that unwanted dog...
A letter from that unwanted dog...
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 have 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 goodbye 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, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"
Perhaps because she understood my dog speak, 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 you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.
The End
A note from the author:
If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly owned pets who die each year in America's shelters. Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for a non-commercial purpose, as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice. Please use it to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious. Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay & neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals. Thank you.
Jim Willis Director, The Tiergarten Sanctuary Trust, accredited member of The American Sanctuary Association, and Program Coordinator, International Society for Animal Rights.
I adopted your dog today
"I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY".
The one you left at the pound.
The one you had for seven years,
and no longer wanted around
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY
Do you know he's lost weight?
Do you know he's scared and depressed, and has lost all his faith?
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY
He had fleas and a cold,
but don't worry none,
You've unburdened your load.
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY....
Were you having a baby or moving away?
Did you suddenly develop allergies
Or was there no reason he couldn' t stay?
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY
He doesn't play or eat much.
He's very depressed, but he will learn again to trust.
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY....
And here he will stay.
He's found his forever home,
and a warm bed on which to lay.
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY....
And I w ill give him all that he could need.
Patience, love, security, and understanding,
hopefully he will forget your selfish deed.
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY
--Unknown Author--
Warning: Dog bone sold at Walmart!
PLEASE CROSSPOST
----- Original Message -----
I would like to warn all dog lovers out there to be very careful about the dog treats that you give your dogs. Last week I bought a "Real Ham Bone" made by Dynamic Pet Products of Missouri from Walmart. The label says it is made with "100% Food Grade Ingredients" and it isn't made from China. I thought that meant that this would make a good treat for my dogs. Boy was I wrong.
Trace, my dog, enjoyed chewing on this bone. It did not splinter or anything, in fact there is quite a large piece of it still left. Then in the evening she started vomiting. She spent the next day at a veterinarian' s office where she was diagnosed with a blockage of the colon. That night she endured a 4 hour surgery at Brandon Veterinary Specialists where the vet picked out small round pellets of the bone, up to the size of about a b-b. The next morning she was moved to Florida Veterinary Specialist critical care unit. Again in the evening she had another 2 hour surgery, because the blockage had caused poison in her body. She passed away at 4:30 the next afternoon.
Everyone who hears this horrible story immediately says "Well that sounds like a lawsuit to me". That is what I thought also. Since then, I have learned that is not that easy to sue on behalf of a dog. The lawyers say a dog is a possession just like a couch. So, so far, all I have been able to do is write a certified letter to Dynamic Pet Products of Missouri. In it I requested my vet bills to be paid and their product to be relabeled or preferably removed from the shelf. I don't know if I will get a response. If anyone else has any ideas about how I may address this issue, please let me know at djurgens12@aol. com.
In the memory of Trace, please pass this email on to all of the dog lovers that you know. This type of bone is sold in all of the stores under several different manufacturers names. I would assume they all may do the same thing. Even if they don't splinter, they can cause a blockage.
Please vote for our rescue!!!
phil just voted for South Florida Siberian Husky Rescue, Inc. in Lauderhill, FL in the America's Favorite Animal Shelter contest at Care2.com. Join phil in helping South Florida Siberian Husky Rescue, Inc. win the $10,000 grand prize by voting today:
http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/73957/?refer=14597.13.1222242915.4814
Message from phil:
Hi, I just cast my vote for America's Favorite Animal Shelter. If my favorite local animal shelter wins this contest, my shelter will win a much needed $10,000 donation! And every vote helps save a homeless animal's life. Please help my shelter win and save homeless pets by voting today.
The America's Favorite Animal Shelter contest is sponsored by Care2.com and Adopt-a-Pet.com. Every vote helps save a homeless animal's life - find out how and cast your vote today! http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/73957 <http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/73957/?refer=14597.13.1222242915.4814>
Care2 is the largest and most trusted information and action site for people who care to make a difference in their lives and the world. www.care2.com
The mission and passion of Adopt-a-Pet.com is to help get homeless pets out of the shelters and into loving homes. http://www.Adopt-a-Pet.com/
UPCOMING HEARING TO PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE IN “HUSKY” LAWSUIT
September 24, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Attorney Jason M. Wandner
786-412-1505 (cellular)
UPCOMING HEARING TO PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE IN “HUSKY” LAWSUIT
A hearing concerning “bite with injuries” citations will be held at 1 PM on Friday, September 26 at the West Regional Courthouse, 100 N. Pine Island Road, Plantation, Florida, Room 240. Supporters and pet lovers, alike, are urged to attend the hearing which is open to the public. This hearing will be an important precursor to a lawsuit currently filed challenging Broward County’s inconspicuous new “Dangerous Dog” ordinance, which slipped into effect earlier this year.
The lawsuit, filed Friday, September 5, 2008, was filed in Broward County Circuit Court on behalf of Julie Roberts, whose four Siberian Huskies were seized by Broward’s Animal Control on August 25 after an altercation with a neighbor’s dog allegedly caused the neighbor’s dog’s death. Roberts’ Huskies are being charged under Broward County’s new “Dangerous Dog” law which classifies any dog as dangerous if it kills another dog off of the owner’s property, irrespective of whether the offending dog has had any previous bite history or history of aggression. Current Florida law gives all dogs a second chance, but not according to Broward County’s new amendment which stipulates that the first offense is no defense.
The lawsuit claims that the Broward County law is invalid because it conflicts with state law. The lawsuit states that under Florida law, “a dog that has not been previously designated as dangerous may not be destroyed unless it attacks and causes severe injury or death to a human.” None of the four Huskies in this case have ever been previously designated as dangerous, and therefore cannot be automatically destroyed for causing the death of another dog under Florida law. The lawsuit seeks to have the Broward County ordinance, which is subordinate to Florida law, declared invalid and the Huskies returned to their owner.
The lawsuit additionally explains how Roberts’ Huskies accidentally got out of her home and ran down the street. The Huskies came across a much smaller dog, and at some point during the encounter, the smaller dog died. It is unknown what actually caused the dog’s death, and there is no indication that a necropsy of the dog has been performed.
A total of five Huskies share the home with Ms. Roberts, Damien, the father (age five); Ivy, the mother (age three) and the puppies Champion, Dimberland and Chloe (all two years of age). Damien was not involved in the incident and is home alone waiting for the return of the rest of his family. If you would like to help in Roberts’ fight, log onto www.savethehuskies.com to learn more about her pet family and to sign the “Save the Huskies” petition.
UPCOMING HEARING TO PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE IN “HUSKY” LAWSUIT
September 17, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Attorney Jason M. Wandner
786-412-1505 (cellular)
UPCOMING HEARING TO PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE IN “HUSKY” LAWSUIT
A hearing concerning “bite with injuries” citations will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, September 26 at the West Regional Courthouse, 100 N. Pine Island Road, Plantation, Florida, Room 240. Supporters and pet lovers, alike, are urged to attend the hearing which is open to the public. This hearing will be an important precursor to a lawsuit currently filed challenging Broward County’s inconspicuous new “Dangerous Dog” ordinance, which slipped into effect earlier this year.
The lawsuit, filed Friday, September 5, 2008, was filed in Broward County Circuit Court on behalf of Julie Roberts, whose four Siberian Huskies were seized by Broward’s Animal Control on August 25 after an altercation with a neighbor’s dog allegedly caused the neighbor’s dog’s death. Roberts’ Huskies are being charged under Broward County’s new “Dangerous Dog” law which classifies any dog as dangerous if it kills another dog off of the owner’s property, irrespective of whether the offending dog has had any previous bite history or history of aggression. Current Florida law gives all dogs a second chance, but not according to Broward County’s new amendment which stipulates that the first offense is no defense.
The lawsuit claims that the Broward County law is invalid because it conflicts with state law. The lawsuit states that under Florida law, “a dog that has not been previously designated as dangerous may not be destroyed unless it attacks and causes severe injury or death to a human.” None of the four Huskies in this case have ever been previously designated as dangerous, and therefore cannot be automatically destroyed for causing the death of another dog under Florida law. The lawsuit seeks to have the Broward County ordinance, which is subordinate to Florida law, declared invalid and the Huskies returned to their owner.
The lawsuit additionally explains how Roberts’ Huskies accidentally got out of her home and ran down the street. The Huskies came across a much smaller dog, and at some point during the encounter, the smaller dog died. It is unknown what actually caused the dog’s death, and there is no indication that a necropsy of the dog has been performed.
A total of five Huskies share the home with Ms. Roberts, Damien, the father (age five); Ivy, the mother (age three) and the puppies Champion, Dimberland and Chloe (all two years of age). Damien was not involved in the incident and is home alone waiting for the return of the rest of his family.
If you would like to help in Roberts’ fight or learn more about the pending lawsuit and how it affects all animal lovers within Broward County, Roberts’ attorney, Jason M. Wandner will be featured as part of Charlie Kaufman’s, Kaufman and Company show on WDNA’s 88.9 FM Public Radio, Wednesday, September 17 at 11 a.m. Supporters can call into the show at 1-866-688-WDNA (9362) and can also log onto www.savethehuskies.com to learn more about Roberts’ pet family and to sign the “Save the Huskies” petition.
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Updates
I have updated the profile to show only our adoptable dogs. There are alot of new faces to become friends with. Hope you all get a chance to chesk us out on our website. www.sibrescue.com
Thanks for all your support. It is greatly appreciated.
Remember, we have mounting vet bills and need your help. Please find it in your hearts to donate a small ammount. Click on the link below to see how.
http://www.networkforgood.org/pca/Badge.aspx?BadgeId=111457
Please vote for us
PLEASE CROSSPOST TO EVERYONE
Our rescue can win $5,000 by just by asking our volunteers, employees, supporters and everyone else to vote for our group at http://www.petfinder.com/disasterprep Pick Florida, then all cities. Scroll to South Florida Siberian Husky Rescue.
Spread the word that if we are one of the two groups with the most votes, we will receive a $5,000 grant from the Petfinder.com Foundation!
THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED OCTOBER 1, 2008,
WE DON’T HAVE A LOT OF TIME…
LETS DO IT!
LAWSUIT FILED TO CHALLENGE BROWARD’S UNFAIR DOG ORDINANCE
For Immediate Release
September 8, 2008
Contact: Attorney Jason M. Wandner
786-412-1505 (cellular)
LAWSUIT FILED TO CHALLENGE BROWARD’S UNFAIR DOG ORDINANCE
A lawsuit was filed Friday, September 5, 2008, to challenge Broward County’s new amendment to their “Dangerous Dog” ordinance. The suit was filed in Broward County Circuit Court on behalf of Julie Roberts, whose four Siberian Huskies were seized by Broward’s Animal Control on August 25 after an altercation with a neighbor’s dog allegedly caused the neighbor’s dog’s death. While the Siberian Huskies were supposed to be executed today, Roberts’ attorney, Jason M. Wandner, was able to make some progress in delaying the killing of these loved pets. Wandner has secured the Huskies’ relocation from “Death Row” at a Broward County animal shelter in Fort Lauderdale to an independent facility, more amenable to their welfare. The dogs will remain at this independent facility until the case is resolved and until Wandner and Roberts can pursue all available legal challenges to the proceedings.
Roberts’ Huskies are being charged under Broward County’s new law which classifies any dog as dangerous if it kills another dog off of the owner’s property, irrespective of whether the offending dog has had any previous bite history or history of aggression. Current Florida law gives all dogs a second chance, but not according to Broward County’s new amendment which stipulates that the first offense is no defense.
The lawsuit claims that the Broward County law is invalid because it conflicts with state law. The lawsuit states that under Florida law, “a dog that has not been previously designated as dangerous may not be destroyed unless it attacks and causes severe injury or death to a human.” None of the four Huskies in this case have ever been previously designated as dangerous, and therefore cannot be automatically destroyed for causing the death of another dog under Florida law. The lawsuit seeks to have the Broward County ordinance, which is subordinate to Florida law, declared invalid and the Huskies returned to their owner.
The lawsuit additionally explains how Roberts’ Huskies accidentally got out of her home and ran down the street. The Huskies came across a much smaller dog, and at some point during the encounter, the smaller dog died. It is unknown what actually caused the dog’s death, and there is no indication that a necropsy of the dog has been performed.
“Our hearts go out to Ms. Roberts’ neighbor. She has lost not only a loving pet, but a part of her family. While we understand the grief associated with this misfortune, her loss does not justify the senseless slaughter of four Huskies that are just as loved, and who accidentally got away from their owner,” said Wandner. “This was a tragic accident, and the law is just plain unfair. This could have happened to any pet owner and Broward County will be sending a terrible message to the community if an entire family of good dogs is killed because of an accident,” Wandner continued.
-more-
A total of five Huskies share the home with Ms. Roberts, Damien, the father (age five); Ivy, the mother (age three) and the puppies Champion, Dimberland and Chloe (all two years of age). Damien was not involved in the incident and is home alone waiting for the return of the rest of his family.
Attorney Jan Michael Morris, representing the South Florida Siberian Husky Rescue, Inc., a local organization devoted to finding homes for abused, neglected and abandoned purebred Siberian Huskies, says that what Broward County is doing should scare any pet owner living within the county.
“With the stroke of a pen, Broward County can now sentence any dog within the county to death. Even humans who commit murders and intentionally kill get a second chance,” said Morris. “This is not a case where a group of vicious dogs were routinely roaming the streets like a wild pack of animals. They were spayed, neutered, registered and kept indoors at all times,” said Morris. “According to an elusive amendment, the first offense is no defense and now dogs can be euthanized, no matter how careful, attentive and responsible pet owners may be. We need pet owners to be aware that this law exists and that unless something is done, it will have an overwhelmingly negative impact on the lives of many pet owners who may end up in the same unfortunate situation as Ms. Roberts,” pleaded Morris.
While the fight is far from over, Wandner has been able to temporarily calm Roberts’ worst fear of losing four out of her five pets. “Getting the county to approve our motion to relocate the dogs was a great step forward in our efforts to challenge the legality of the ordinance, and to ultimately save all four of the Huskies’ lives,” Wandner said.
If you would like to help in Roberts’ fight, log onto www.savethehuskies.com to learn more about her pet family and to sign the “Save the Huskies” petition.
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Protesters Say Broward Dog Law Unjust
Protesters Say Broward Dog Law Unjust
POSTED: 5:49 pm EDT August 29, 2008
UPDATED: 7:41 am EDT August 30, 2008
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Julie Roberts is allowed to visit her four Siberian huskies 15 minutes a day. Broward Animal Care and Regulation took her dogs into custody and under a new Broward County ordinance, the dogs could be put to death.
"We sympathize with the family and we never meant for any of this to happen, but please help me bring my dogs home," Roberts told Local 10's Jeff Weinsier.
On Monday, Chloe, Ivy, Dimerland and Champion got out of their Miramar house and allegedly attacked and killed a terrier named Tinkerbell.
"These dogs are not running around the neighborhood like a pack of wild animals. This was an accident and that will come out if and when a hearing occurs," said Roberts' attorney, Jason Wandner
A Broward County ordinance says if a dog kills or seriously harms another, it can be put down after that first incident.
On Friday, members of the South Florida Siberian Husky Rescue, an organization that helps find homes for abused, neglected and abandoned purebred Siberian huskies, protested outside Broward Animal Care and Regulation saying the ordinance is unjust.
"State law gives a dog a second chance. If a dog is deemed dangerous and then bites someone, it can be destroyed, but Broward has taken that away," said Jan Michael Morris, the attorney for South Florida Siberian Husky Rescue. "Is this a situation where this family and these dogs lost their right to live because of this horrible accident? That's what this law suggests."
"They are not vicious animals. They are not dangerous. Everyone in my neighborhood knows my dogs. They come to visit my dogs and interact with my dogs," Roberts said.
"It's sad for all parties concerned -- for the owners of Tinkerbell, as well as for the owners of these dogs, Said Lisa Mendheim of Broward Animal Care and Regulation. But that's for a hearing to determine what the outcome should be.
http://www.local10.com/news/17339044/detail.html
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