I just read through this entire thread and Sunny looks like a different dog now!!! He was always smiling but there is a clarity in his eyes that he knows he is in the right hands. Thank you for all you do for these babies- my hat is off to you. You truly are an angel on earth. Give Sunny a kiss for me- better yet a hug ;)

As I have stated before all my dogs are loved and cared for ALL of their lives...they die of old age, therefore I do not condone dumping off an inconvenient "pet" (be it roadside or shelter); however, one way to stop the roadside dumping of them is to quit charging people who --- often times with heavy heart --- simply can no longer care for their animals and take them to a shelter, hoping someone else will be able to take them. Now I realize it isn't free for the shelters to take care of these animals, but I'm sure a majority of those to find they must get rid of their dogs do so out of financial necessity and are forced to dumping them with a sign around their neck, etc., because shelters (in my area) charge so much to those that bring in their pet. In this economy, one day people are sitting high and getting a dog is of no financial consequence, within a day they can be losing everything...let's not kid ourselves, not everyone who surrenders their dog to a shelter does so willy-nilly and are bad people. Often they are wonderful people that cared enough to make an effort to find their pet a home rather than let it starve alongside themselves. They may be angels in disguise that cared that much for their pet they gave it away rather than let it become homeless. I think people forget, there was a time in this country (before welfare) that people had to give away their children...for the good of their child...rather than watch them starve...what a gift of love and how heart breaking for the parents (often the abandoned mother and children). This dog's injuries could have come from a number of sources. Maybe someone found that dog and couldn't afford to keep it (or pay shelter charges) and decided rather than just shew it off their property, went out of their way to get it somewhere where someone might be better able to get its needs met. Not every location has a shelter either or in this case if there was, maybe they were too poor to even have a car to travel to one, etc. I spent most of my life in small towns with no shelters/animal rescurers other than the occasional farm person that took in the animals rather than seem them wandering the roads and eating out of trash cans (now days would be called a "hoarder"). I don't know, I just think people should realize that not all those who have to relinquish a pet are bad people. (though I readily admit there are many who are horrible animal abusers, but let's not generalize).

I beg to differ. I have had the occasional person who really had a terrible life circumstance and lovingly surrendered their pet; but, the vast majority of people who surrender their pets are irresponsible. The reasons and the numbers speak for themselves. Have you ever stood in a shelter or volunteered for a shelter or rescue for a period of time and seen/heard the reasons? They defy logic.

There may have been a day I "might" have bought what you are saying, but oh no, no can do now.

OMGosh, look at that adorable face! He's such a happy little fella, he makes me smile along with him. Linda, you have to give him some smoochins from me - I can't resist him. :)

Linda...you are a mircale worker. He looks like he's never had a ugly day in his life!

I know...he really is gorgeous..and so happy now. I cannot take credit though....I really do have an incredible vet! :) I followed her instructions all along even though I was just not so sure it would change much. I questioned her so many times not believing I would see a change like this. She always tells me she learns so much from the pups I get and my questions ...but honestly I am have learned so much from her. She is just wonderful. I get sick at the thought of her retiring one day. Thank you. :)

Don't be so modest...a vet can fix the body...you fixed his soul.

Oh, that is so sweet. I do love the little bugs. Just wish we could save more of them. The plight here in TX is just so terrible. I know it is everywhere....but here just seems overwhelming. Thank you. :)

Someone sent me a link today about someone commenting on how we post these things to be complimented.

It makes me sometimes want to never post anything, BUT the public really does need to see that you can get real gems out of shelters. The misconceptions are still out there and education is key.

There are so many pups in shelters that are just waiting to be loved. Sometimes pups like Sunny D might cost a few dollars more and require more time to get well, but the investment is SO worth it. He will be a wonderful pet now for someone who will love him to pieces!

These things HAVE to be put out there so people see how well things can turn out!
My sister has a rescue that came from a home where a woman had 36 dogs and just abandond them. He is the most loving, happy obediant pup...he knows who saved him and is ever grateful for it.

Oh yes, I totally agree...people really do need to know! It is why I ignore the negativity as best I can.
Yep...your sister's pup is a perfect example.....I swear they know they have been given a second chance. They become the most wonderful pets! :) All of mine were adopted and they are love bugs!

I don't know who would say that you are posting or anyone else in this situation would post something like this for compliments- that is just absurd. I bet that is not a person that takes the time to rescue these animals and sees first hand what is going on. Honestly you have to filter out what people write. People really need to see that an animal that looks like he has no hope can be a normal animal- all these babies need are care and love. That to rescue an animal is rewarding not only for the animal but for the person and that there is a big problem with animals in shelters. People need to hear this message- keep doing what you're doing.

That's just absurd. If you were looking for compliments, you surely could find a much easier, less time-consuming and less heartbreaking way to do so. Please, please keep the updates coming. There's just not enough happy endings these days. Bless you for all that you do for these heaven-sent little furbabies!

:yeahthat: Without the wonderful rescue stories many have shared here on YT, people like me would never even begin to be aware of the problems facing thousands of animals every single day. Personally, I get attached to these pups through the stories and pictures shared with us. I think about them and look forward to updates, to seeing how happy and healthy they are now - thanks to people like you, Linda. Thank you everyone who works with, fosters, donates to or supports rescue!! :thumbup:

You're probably right...I'm probably too naive and want to believe the good in people too much. Actually, my daughters and I have volunteered at various animals shelters and I think that's where I got my feelings on the matter, the usual response was someone in tears, discussing their unexpected financial situation, begging their dog (& cat) be found a good home, begging them to not euthuanize them before calling them to come take them back so they can try elsewhere. In fact, I never met someone that said, "Jeesh, what a pain this dog has become, take it off my hands, would ya?" But maybe all those tears at shelters are just crocodile tears and those that are really callous to get out from under a pain-in-the-rear dog are the ones dumping them on the roadside.
I'm just thankful we have shelters for dogs that can no longer be cared for, whatever the reason and equally thankful for those that at least take them that far. And thankful for people like you that give so much to the shelters and these rejected animals.
Kendra