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05-28-2010, 10:46 AM | #1 |
Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,293
| How Could You? I dare you not to cry when you read this. Apologies if this has been posted previously, but I came across this and had to share. It really puts into perspective what anguish and heartbreak our YT rescuers (among the rest) go through on a daily basis. Thank you for all you do. How Could You By Jim Willis, copyright 2001 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 bellyrub. 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 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?" 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 dogspeak, 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
__________________ "The little furry buggers are just deep, deep wells you throw all your emotions into." ~ Bruce Schimmel |
Welcome Guest! | |
05-28-2010, 11:14 AM | #2 |
Donating YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Lake Charles, La, United States
Posts: 325
| Omg saddest thing EVER!!!!
__________________ Mom to 3 skin-kids and one furbaby SAHM and full time photographer |
05-28-2010, 11:19 AM | #3 |
Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Georgia
Posts: 3,262
| Okay, I cried through the whole thing. Fortunately I have never had to make this decision for any of my dogs. I would find another place to live or make sure they had a good home. My son and husband tell me I love my yorkies more than them,
__________________ SUSAN : TESSIE : HOBBES :CALVIN :SASSY There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face! ~ Ben Williams |
05-28-2010, 11:38 AM | #4 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Satellite Beach, FL
Posts: 838
| I came across the piece several years ago and it still brings a lump to my throat. I posted "Lend me a Pup" back in Jan on the 2nd anniversary of sending Harley, DJ and Annie to the Rainbow Bridge within 6 weeks of each other. It is sad when our pups leave us but their memories live on in our hearts forever.
__________________ Zack, Zeke, Zoey, Zipp RIP 6/28/12 |
05-28-2010, 11:43 AM | #5 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY
Posts: 849
| OMG, why did I read that???
__________________ Roxie |
05-28-2010, 11:46 AM | #6 |
YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: West Palm Beach, Fl, USA
Posts: 292
| Cried like a baby. After losing a furbaby far too soon it breaks my heart that some people make that choice. If only all dogs had the love that ours here have.
__________________ Lauren & Kasha There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. -- Ben Williams |
05-28-2010, 11:47 AM | #7 |
YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Illinois
Posts: 303
| I've seen this before. Makes me cry every time. I see a lot of ads on Craigslist that says the same thing..."moving to an apartment that doesn't allow pets". Really? Did you forget you had a pet while looking for an apartment? I know there are extenuating circumstances, but to see so many... Thanks for sharing.
__________________ Mommy to Addie, Dany, Mia, and Pickles R.I.P Miss Mis (Missy) 06.25.08 - Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven if you weren't there to greet me. |
05-28-2010, 11:50 AM | #8 |
YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Land O' Lakes, FL
Posts: 735
| I knew what it was. And read it again. And I'm sitting here crying. I've never turned a dog in, and God willing, I'll never be in the position where I'll have to do that. I've had to put them down because they were sick, but never because they weren't wanted. Once that life, that heart beat, crosses my threshold, it's together until the end. That piece tears me up ... |
05-28-2010, 12:02 PM | #9 | |
Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,293
| Quote:
__________________ "The little furry buggers are just deep, deep wells you throw all your emotions into." ~ Bruce Schimmel | |
05-28-2010, 12:12 PM | #10 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Troy, Alabama
Posts: 233
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05-28-2010, 01:34 PM | #11 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Fall River, MA
Posts: 77
| No matter how many times I read this it still makes my eyes well up... I have turned down great apartments and suffered through some disgusting situations in the past two and a half years because I will not give up my dog. I made a commitment for life... And everyone out there needs to be reminded of that commitment... |
05-28-2010, 04:20 PM | #12 |
♥ Boomer & Bailey ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Belleville, IL
Posts: 815
| OMG that was one of the saddest things I have read. It just makes me cry that this happens everyday.
__________________ Stacy, Bailey and Boomer |
05-28-2010, 04:43 PM | #14 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 1,926
| Okay so I'm not gonna read it after reading everyone's post. LOL I'm too chicken!
__________________ |
05-28-2010, 04:44 PM | #15 |
YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Lincoln, CA
Posts: 252
| I too sit her crying. I've read this before as well and it so touched me. Thank you for sharing it . Long ago, and I mean long ago, I was an unwed mother. I was sent to live with my uncle's family as I had shamed mine. I had to take my beloved "Ruby" to the shelter. I cried so hard. Ruby was so special to me and seen me thru much heart ache and I seen her thru much as well. She had been hit by a car on purpose, and the vet put a pin in her leg that would not heal. ..Anyways.... because I had to place to go, I had to follow their decision. One of the most heart wrenching decisions I've ever had to make. It still haunts me. Just a few years ago, I divorced and found myself with very little money. I had my three yorkies and I was making next to no money at the job I had finally gotten. I could not even pay the rent, so I sold all my worldly goods after being married for 25 years. All my kitchen items ( bread machine, cusinart, etc etc. Sold my jewelry...you get teh picture.) One day my sister called and we were talking of the predicament I was in. She said you are going to end up homeless. I replied that we may well spend the summer in my mazda van. She said. You MUST get rid of those dogs. You can't afford to keep them and it is not RATIONAL at this time in your life. I inhaled deeply and began to speak. Sis, where have you been when I've sold everything?. Where have you been when I could not drag myself out of bed? Where have you been when my life appeared to be spiraling out of control? I can tell you one thing. Cassie, Corkie and Lei have been with me every step of the way. They have loved me, cared for me, gave me unconditional support all along this difficult journey. I KNOW where they have been and I KNOW where they will always be. That is with me. Whether it be a mansion or homeless, my darlins will be with me. That Shut her up! LOL Sorry if that all sounded poor me, but it does illustrate just how special our little fur darlins are in our lives. They will take me kicking and screaming before I ever let them go:-)
__________________ ~On the 8th day, God made Yorkies~ Cj , Corkie Marley and now Lily Keilani! |
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