How Could You--Grab some tissues(Long) - YorkieTalk.com Forums

trixiesmith · 05-25-2007, 07:11 AM

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 welcome her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obey 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 if you had a dog, that you produce a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answer "yes" and change 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 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 attempts 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 changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dreamor 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 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 pounding 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 in 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 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 to continue you 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.

Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for noncommercial 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 an 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 killing, and encourage all spay and neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals------Jim Willis

Please pass this on to everyone, not to hurt them or make them sad, but it could save maybe, even one, unwanted pet

Anna Banana · 05-25-2007, 09:28 AM

I've read this before. It does bring tears to my eyes every time...

Wylie's Mom · 05-25-2007, 09:44 AM

OMG. I shouldn't have read this at work. I've seen other people participate in this very thing - and it truly breaks my heart like nothing else. This is why I've always respected animals more than humans - and how sad is that?

laurenr · 05-25-2007, 09:46 AM

Crying too much to really type anything sensible right now.

rockbaker · 05-25-2007, 09:53 AM

but it happens all the time.

roxanne

CO_yorkie_momma · 05-25-2007, 10:29 AM

Oh my goodness, that is so sad. I am at work reading this and just hoping no one stops by my desk because I am bawling like a baby. It is so sad to think of all those animals that are caged up and waiting for that day that their time is up too. Makes me nauseous thinking about it and wondering if they do have such a clear idea of what is going on as this little one did in this story. Truely heartbreaking.

yesenia83 · 05-25-2007, 05:46 PM

This hurts to read because I remember Sandy.
I can say unfortunatly I know how it feels to watch them go, knowing no one cared for them.

Ive included a link to the thread i posted about her.
/www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75592

yesenia83 · 05-25-2007, 05:55 PM

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75592

i think this is it.

laurenr · 05-25-2007, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yesenia83

This hurts to read because I remember Sandy.
I can say unfortunatly I know how it feels to watch them go, knowing no one cared for them.

Ive included a link to the thread i posted about her.
/www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75592

OMG! What a simply dreadful, heartbreaking experience for you, but bless your kind heart for being the one to hold and comfort poor little Sandy at her life's sad end. I'm afraid I have no words to describe how I feel about Sandy's owner and that family. Hugs to you for being there..... you have the best heart, that of a true animal lover.

stedmansmommy · 05-25-2007, 10:44 PM

I got this in my e-mail a couple of weeks ago...I bawled my EYES OUT

mizzwanned · 05-25-2007, 10:58 PM

Oh man that really did make me cry...it breaks my heart

sexiixtc · 05-25-2007, 11:48 PM

I'm crying as I type.. how can anyone do anything like that?! it makes me so sick the way people treat animals

don't they know they have feelings too!!
I don't have the room right now, but hopefully, one day if the Lord blesses me, I'll take as many of the abandoned dogs (at least here in Chicago) as I can

camly · 05-26-2007, 05:52 AM

there are no words to explain how sad this made me. i immediately went to kikko and baloo and gave them a hug and a kiss ... i never want them to go through some thing like, or any other dog for that matter

littlewhip · 05-26-2007, 06:46 AM

wow that was one of the saddest things ive ever read

i have goose bumps and tears at the same time.

MissSophie · 05-26-2007, 08:30 AM

I am sobbing, and I plan to send it out. Thank you so much for reminding us that these precious little animals are also family.

05-25-2007, 07:11 AM	#1
trixiesmith Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tulsa, Ok Posts: 274	How Could You--Grab some tissues(Long) 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 welcome her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obey 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 if you had a dog, that you produce a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answer "yes" and change 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 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 attempts 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 changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dreamor 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 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 pounding 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 in 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 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 to continue you 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. Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for noncommercial 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 an 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 killing, and encourage all spay and neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals------Jim Willis Please pass this on to everyone, not to hurt them or make them sad, but it could save maybe, even one, unwanted pet

05-25-2007, 09:28 AM	#2
Anna Banana YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: California Posts: 3,025	I've read this before. It does bring tears to my eyes every time... __________________ Anna and Wobie

05-25-2007, 09:44 AM	#3
Wylie's Mom Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 35,889 Blog Entries: 2	OMG. I shouldn't have read this at work. I've seen other people participate in this very thing - and it truly breaks my heart like nothing else. This is why I've always respected animals more than humans - and how sad is that? __________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann \| Pfeiffer \| Marcel Verdel Purcell \| Wylie \| Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨°

05-25-2007, 09:53 AM	#5
rockbaker YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: nc Posts: 403	we try to pretend it doesn't happen but it happens all the time. roxanne __________________ winston & corky

05-25-2007, 05:46 PM	#7
yesenia83 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: bronx, new york Posts: 255	This hurts to read because I remember Sandy. I can say unfortunatly I know how it feels to watch them go, knowing no one cared for them. Ive included a link to the thread i posted about her. /www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75592 __________________ Snuggles Snitch Spyro www.dogster.com/dogs/281277 www.dogster.com/dogs/281283 www.dogster.com/dogs/411121

05-25-2007, 09:46 AM	#4
laurenr Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orange County, California Posts: 2,161	Crying too much to really type anything sensible right now.

05-25-2007, 10:29 AM	#6
CO_yorkie_momma My Angels Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Colorful Colorado Posts: 2,260	Oh my goodness, that is so sad. I am at work reading this and just hoping no one stops by my desk because I am bawling like a baby. It is so sad to think of all those animals that are caged up and waiting for that day that their time is up too. Makes me nauseous thinking about it and wondering if they do have such a clear idea of what is going on as this little one did in this story. Truely heartbreaking.

05-25-2007, 05:55 PM	#8
yesenia83 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: bronx, new york Posts: 255	http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75592 i think this is it. __________________ Snuggles Snitch Spyro www.dogster.com/dogs/281277 www.dogster.com/dogs/281283 www.dogster.com/dogs/411121

05-25-2007, 10:44 PM	#10
stedmansmommy I Love My Lil' Punkin's Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Stedman and Tatum's World :) Posts: 15,331 Blog Entries: 5	I got this in my e-mail a couple of weeks ago...I bawled my EYES OUT __________________ Mommy Loves Stedman and Tatum! They have us wrapped around their little paws!

05-25-2007, 10:58 PM	#11
mizzwanned Donating YT 11K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: new york Posts: 14,007 Blog Entries: 2	Oh man that really did make me cry...it breaks my heart __________________ Primrose, Teddy..RIP, Livie..RIP, And can never forget my duo Sophie and London, Run in Peace <3

05-25-2007, 11:48 PM	#12
sexiixtc Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 3,145	I'm crying as I type.. how can anyone do anything like that?! it makes me so sick the way people treat animals don't they know they have feelings too!! I don't have the room right now, but hopefully, one day if the Lord blesses me, I'll take as many of the abandoned dogs (at least here in Chicago) as I can __________________ Edith and my two Princesses Kayah and Evie Proud Member of "The Pink Club"

05-26-2007, 05:52 AM	#13
camly Mommy to Kikko-man Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: California/taiwan Posts: 1,562	there are no words to explain how sad this made me. i immediately went to kikko and baloo and gave them a hug and a kiss ... i never want them to go through some thing like, or any other dog for that matter __________________ Camly Kikko

05-26-2007, 06:46 AM	#14
littlewhip Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: wiith my furbabys Posts: 8,874	wow that was one of the saddest things ive ever read i have goose bumps and tears at the same time. __________________

05-26-2007, 08:30 AM	#15
MissSophie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 807 Blog Entries: 1	I am sobbing, and I plan to send it out. Thank you so much for reminding us that these precious little animals are also family.