The Year Ahead
Emerging Leaders
Point / CounterPoint
Lease Accounting Update
Can Money Buy Love?
By Jim NoyesIt can at your local shelter or humane society…
The WLN staff was kind enough this month to allow me to go off-topic and speak to something near and dear to me – the plight of dogs and cats that languish at shelters around the country, patiently waiting for their “forever family” to take them home and give them a chance at a happy and love filled life. It breaks my heart to see older animals sitting in cages at a shelter as people pass them by with nary a look as they search for that cute little puppy. I’m pained even more when I see people walking out of a pet store with a new puppy, knowing fully well these dogs almost always come from puppy mills that have no regard whatsoever for the welfare of the mothers who are forced to constantly churn out babies.
While living in suburban Chicago in 2002 my wife and I volunteered at our local shelter. There was a smelly, dirty black lab/german shepherd mix named Missy that always looked at me with sad eyes and then looked away. She was about eight years old and had terrible problems with her rear legs. I always walked her slowly and took her out last, spending more time with her to try to brighten her day. She had been at the shelter for six months already and her outlook for being adopted wasn’t good.
Short story – my wife and I adopted Missy and took her home. We got her cleaned up and this dirty, smelly dog turned into the most phenomenal and gorgeous silky black coated animal that I’ve ever seen. We had to amputate one of her rear legs but it never slowed her down or took away her love of life. She loved us, she protected us and she was nothing short of pure joy in our lives. Missy was with us for almost six years (making her close to fourteen years old) before losing her physical battles due to old age. She was the best dog anyone could ever dream of and I miss her so much…
The next time you want a great dog for your family take a trip to the local shelter/ Humane Society in your area and look for an older, lonely one with the sad eyes and broken heart. That dog will have so much incredible love to give if just given a chance…
That’s a wonderful story Jim.
I appreciate the kind comment Steve…
Jim,
A wonderful story… thanks for sharing. Hopefully it inspires more people visit their local shelter when looking for that special member of the family. My very best to you and your family for the coming holidays.
David
Thanks David and I wish the same to you and your family for a wonderful holiday season!
Great heartwarming story Jim. I am/have been a dog lover and own two beautiful American Eskimos. One purchased the other was going to the pound and is with his litter mate. They stick with you, love you, and are provide the most loyal friends a man can have.
Thank you for sharing this story of hope and integrity. I have had a couple of dogs from the Humane Society and feel good knowing that they have a safe home. I just wish everyone had your same sentiment about the mills.
I couldn’t agree with you more Craig!!! Have a wonderful holiday season!
Kim,
Like you, I’ve found shelter dogs to be the most wonderful companions. Let’s hope that someday puppy mills and those stores that sell puppies from them are all out of business…
Thanks for writing in!