A letter from a dog. How Could you? ( Archived) (32)

Jan 30, 2011 11:36 AM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
Ccincy
CcincyCcincyCincinnati, Ohio USA77 Threads 20,535 Posts
I posted this in another thread titled 'what a dog thinks' but wanted to do it in a seperate thread.


A letter from a dog – "How Could You?"

by Jim Willis

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. T hey 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?"

Continued:
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Jan 30, 2011 11:42 AM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
Ccincy
CcincyCcincyCincinnati, Ohio USA77 Threads 20,535 Posts
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 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.


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 American & Canadian animal shelters.


This is so so sad.Brought tears to my eyes.


I wonder if pets really are thinking about this.
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Jan 30, 2011 11:46 AM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
trish123
trish123trish123Macclesfield, Cheshire, England UK177 Threads 4 Polls 13,724 Posts
thankfully not every pet owner is like this C - my daughters dog is 17 this year and she is spending a fortune on medication for his arthritis and Im dreading the day the doctors cant do more for him, he will be such a loss to the whole family but it will happen this year I reckon - they have just started him on a new drug this week as the others had started to make him throw up....... heartbreaking........
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Jan 30, 2011 11:52 AM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
Ccincy
CcincyCcincyCincinnati, Ohio USA77 Threads 20,535 Posts
trish123: thankfully not every pet owner is like this C - my daughters dog is 17 this year and she is spending a fortune on medication for his arthritis and Im dreading the day the doctors cant do more for him, he will be such a loss to the whole family but it will happen this year I reckon - they have just started him on a new drug this week as the others had started to make him throw up....... heartbreaking........



I agree trish that not every pet owner are this way.
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Jan 30, 2011 12:06 PM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
estate
estateestatePERTH, Tayside, Scotland UK2 Threads 1,664 Posts
trish123: thankfully not every pet owner is like this C - my daughters dog is 17 this year and she is spending a fortune on medication for his arthritis and Im dreading the day the doctors cant do more for him, he will be such a loss to the whole family but it will happen this year I reckon - they have just started him on a new drug this week as the others had started to make him throw up....... heartbreaking........


Hi Trish, maybe copy this, and give it to your daughter when you feel the time is right!!

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Jan 30, 2011 12:08 PM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
Ccincy
CcincyCcincyCincinnati, Ohio USA77 Threads 20,535 Posts
estate: Hi Trish, maybe copy this, and give it to your daughter when you feel the time is right!!




Oh man that is so sad.crying
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Jan 30, 2011 12:14 PM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
estate
estateestatePERTH, Tayside, Scotland UK2 Threads 1,664 Posts
Ccincy: Oh man that is so sad.


Made me feel......not so bad, when I took my Mickey boy to the vet !
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Jan 30, 2011 12:17 PM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
Ccincy
CcincyCcincyCincinnati, Ohio USA77 Threads 20,535 Posts
estate: Made me feel......not so bad, when I took my Mickey boy to the vet !



I'm sure it did.
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Jan 30, 2011 12:23 PM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
cherrybrandy
cherrybrandycherrybrandycambridge, Cambridgeshire, England UK24 Threads 7,473 Posts
thats the only bad thing about our dogs..they live faster,they die before us..and break our hearts ...sad flower
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Jan 30, 2011 12:24 PM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
Ccincy
CcincyCcincyCincinnati, Ohio USA77 Threads 20,535 Posts
cherrybrandy: thats the only bad thing about our dogs..they live faster,they die before us..and break our hearts ...



That's true cherry. Very true.sad flower
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Jan 30, 2011 12:49 PM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
cherrybrandy
cherrybrandycherrybrandycambridge, Cambridgeshire, England UK24 Threads 7,473 Posts
i always let my dogs decide,where they want to sleep..laugh
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Jan 30, 2011 12:50 PM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
millie34
millie34millie34dundalk, Louth Ireland7 Posts
Thank you so much for the above, it made me cry, they give nothing but unconditional love, but sometimes get nothing in return.

My dog was found abandoned in Ireland with a broken foot which coud not be repaired (not that anyone there tried to repair it) he was brought to UK by RSPCA. I fell completely in love with him when he walked over to me with his foot turned in and a big open sore on his foot. He held his foot up to me through the bars and let me touch it, although he must have been in pain.

His leg had to be amputated and I took him home after a few days, he did not know how to be a household pet but was so willing and loving, as I write this he is a very much adored dog spread out on my sofa after a swim and a long walk.

He goes everywhere with me and sleeps beside me every night. I thank God for bringing him into my life.

He is on my profile pics. if you would like to see him. I love you Fin xx
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Jan 30, 2011 12:57 PM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
Ccincy
CcincyCcincyCincinnati, Ohio USA77 Threads 20,535 Posts
millie34: Thank you so much for the above, it made me cry, they give nothing but unconditional love, but sometimes get nothing in return.

My dog was found abandoned in Ireland with a broken foot which coud not be repaired (not that anyone there tried to repair it) he was brought to UK by RSPCA. I fell completely in love with him when he walked over to me with his foot turned in and a big open sore on his foot. He held his foot up to me through the bars and let me touch it, although he must have been in pain.

His leg had to be amputated and I took him home after a few days, he did not know how to be a household pet but was so willing and loving, as I write this he is a very much adored dog spread out on my sofa after a swim and a long walk.

He goes everywhere with me and sleeps beside me every night. I thank God for bringing him into my life.

He is on my profile pics. if you would like to see him. I love you Fin xx



It made me cry too.Your lil guy is gorgous.I adopted a 16 yr old Mintaure Schanauzer cause he'd been abused by his former owners.He sleeps on my bed everynight on an electric blanket.He's not spoiled much.laugh There's a pic of him in my profile.I've got to take somemore of him.
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Jan 30, 2011 1:01 PM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
cherrybrandy
cherrybrandycherrybrandycambridge, Cambridgeshire, England UK24 Threads 7,473 Posts
millie34: Thank you so much for the above, it made me cry, they give nothing but unconditional love, but sometimes get nothing in return.

My dog was found abandoned in Ireland with a broken foot which coud not be repaired (not that anyone there tried to repair it) he was brought to UK by RSPCA. I fell completely in love with him when he walked over to me with his foot turned in and a big open sore on his foot. He held his foot up to me through the bars and let me touch it, although he must have been in pain.

His leg had to be amputated and I took him home after a few days, he did not know how to be a household pet but was so willing and loving, as I write this he is a very much adored dog spread out on my sofa after a swim and a long walk.

He goes everywhere with me and sleeps beside me every night. I thank God for bringing him into my life.

He is on my profile pics. if you would like to see him. I love you Fin xx
he is so sweet!and you are a good human being..thumbs up glad to meet you Millie!handshake
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Jan 30, 2011 1:06 PM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
trish123
trish123trish123Macclesfield, Cheshire, England UK177 Threads 4 Polls 13,724 Posts
estate: Hi Trish, maybe copy this, and give it to your daughter when you feel the time is right!!



Oh wow - when I stopped with the leaking eyes I copied that into a word doc - thanks Estate thumbs up crying
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Jan 30, 2011 1:07 PM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
trish123
trish123trish123Macclesfield, Cheshire, England UK177 Threads 4 Polls 13,724 Posts
estate: Made me feel......not so bad, when I took my Mickey boy to the vet !


I had to take my Old English there when his back legs went - not nice......... sigh
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Jan 30, 2011 1:11 PM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
trish123
trish123trish123Macclesfield, Cheshire, England UK177 Threads 4 Polls 13,724 Posts
millie34: Thank you so much for the above, it made me cry, they give nothing but unconditional love, but sometimes get nothing in return.

My dog was found abandoned in Ireland with a broken foot which coud not be repaired (not that anyone there tried to repair it) he was brought to UK by RSPCA. I fell completely in love with him when he walked over to me with his foot turned in and a big open sore on his foot. He held his foot up to me through the bars and let me touch it, although he must have been in pain.

His leg had to be amputated and I took him home after a few days, he did not know how to be a household pet but was so willing and loving, as I write this he is a very much adored dog spread out on my sofa after a swim and a long walk.

He goes everywhere with me and sleeps beside me every night. I thank God for bringing him into my life.

He is on my profile pics. if you would like to see him. I love you Fin xx


Awww, thats a nice story hug
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Jan 30, 2011 1:13 PM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
trish123
trish123trish123Macclesfield, Cheshire, England UK177 Threads 4 Polls 13,724 Posts
cherrybrandy: i always let my dogs decide,where they want to sleep..


My little dog is never far from my side but Im in a panic at the moment as I havent seen the cat for a few hours, I guess he'll be home when he's hungry laugh
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Jan 30, 2011 1:17 PM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
estate
estateestatePERTH, Tayside, Scotland UK2 Threads 1,664 Posts
trish123: I had to take my Old English there when his back legs went - not nice.........


That's what went wrong with my Mick,Trish. He was still as sharp as a tack, but just got a bum deal with the genetics!!

dunno
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Jan 30, 2011 1:26 PM CST A letter from a dog. How Could you?
trish123
trish123trish123Macclesfield, Cheshire, England UK177 Threads 4 Polls 13,724 Posts
estate: That's what went wrong with my Mick,Trish. He was still as sharp as a tack, but just got a bum deal with the genetics!!


Now heres a really sad story - get the tissues out for this one. I had a best friend one time, she had two beautiful little boys and a dog, an old Labrador, he had arthritis, blood disorders, very limited diet and masses of meds every day (courtesy of the pdsa), he had everything wrong with him you can think of.

My friend and her boyfriend split up and after a bit of time she gets it together with another friend of mine and theyre getting on great then one morning, 4 am, knock on my door and its the police - they had got really drunk, fallen asleep with a ciggie in the ashtray which burned down and fell onto the mattress - Katrina, both her adorable little boys and My friend Billy all perished in the smoke - wandering out of it to greet the fireman came the dog, right as rain.......... the people at the pdsa later that day gave him (Sam) double fish and chips then injected him so he could join the others..........
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