Today We Rescued Your Dog
by Pat Closher
Today we rescued your dog. We don’t know where you got him from - maybe you saw him in a pet store window or maybe one of your neighbors bred a few litters a year just to make some vacation money or because they loved their dogs so much that of course they wanted to have puppies. We don’t know much about how you cared for him either, although our vet thought that for such a young dog, his teeth were in pretty bad shape.
by Pat Closher
Today we rescued your dog. We don’t know where you got him from - maybe you saw him in a pet store window or maybe one of your neighbors bred a few litters a year just to make some vacation money or because they loved their dogs so much that of course they wanted to have puppies. We don’t know much about how you cared for him either, although our vet thought that for such a young dog, his teeth were in pretty bad shape.
Did you know they were going to keep him outside? At least it was a pretty mild winter. There were no heavy snows, not much heavy winter rain and only a few days of bitter cold. But for all of those weeks he had no companionship, no care, and no love.
For some reason, your grandparents took him to the shelter. Maybe a neighbor complained about him or maybe their own health gave out or maybe they just got tired of him. You know the local shelter is a kill shelter, don’t you? You know that their own statistics indicate that about half of the dogs that enter are killed, don’t you? Maybe your grandparents thought he would be adopted quickly. He is a purebred, after all. No one was interested in him, though, maybe since he’s an adult dog and not a cute little puppy. No one contacted the purebred rescue group either. They probably would have placed him quickly, since he really is a great boy. The shelter is a clean place and they take good care of the dogs. They get good food and they’re bathed and brushed. It’s still a shelter though, and is noisy and chaotic and frightening. He spent two months there in that confusion, away from everyone and everything he had known.
One day, we saw him on the shelter web site. We called and asked about him. The shelter workers were so happy to hear from us and were delighted to agree to bring him to a local pet store where they do adoptions. Do you want to know why they were so accommodating? He was scheduled to be killed that afternoon. He didn’t know that, but the shelter workers certainly did. It hurt them and he felt that, so he knew something was wrong. All of a sudden, though, the shelter workers were happy and excited and so was he. They bathed him and brushed his coat. We think they probably told him this was it - his big chance, or maybe he just knew it somehow. When we met him, we all fell in love.
He had to go to the vet to be neutered, of course, but then he came home. He has his very own 13 year-old boy. You know, it’s almost like watching one of those old Lassie movies, seeing how well they’ve bonded. He’s got good food and his own toys. He’s taken on walks three times a day, is regularly groomed and is taken to the vet for needed care. We’ll be with him always, even if we have to make that last, difficult decision, because, you see, he is our dog and we are his family.
He has a good heart you know, but then he is a dog, so that’s to be expected. He’s probably forgiven you and, with a dog’s grace, doesn’t even remember you dumped him. He’d probably even be willing to greet you at the Rainbow Bridge. But you know what? He’ll greet us and go with us at the Bridge, and then he’ll be with us forever, because he’s our dog and we’re his family.
The way we heard the story, you moved out of state and didn’t want to take him with you. You left him at your grandparents. Maybe you thought a lively, handsome dog was just the thing for them, and under better circumstances it might have been. Maybe they have been cleaning up your messes for your entire life and an unwanted dog was just another mess to clean up.One day, we saw him on the shelter web site. We called and asked about him. The shelter workers were so happy to hear from us and were delighted to agree to bring him to a local pet store where they do adoptions. Do you want to know why they were so accommodating? He was scheduled to be killed that afternoon. He didn’t know that, but the shelter workers certainly did. It hurt them and he felt that, so he knew something was wrong. All of a sudden, though, the shelter workers were happy and excited and so was he. They bathed him and brushed his coat. We think they probably told him this was it - his big chance, or maybe he just knew it somehow. When we met him, we all fell in love.
He had to go to the vet to be neutered, of course, but then he came home. He has his very own 13 year-old boy. You know, it’s almost like watching one of those old Lassie movies, seeing how well they’ve bonded. He’s got good food and his own toys. He’s taken on walks three times a day, is regularly groomed and is taken to the vet for needed care. We’ll be with him always, even if we have to make that last, difficult decision, because, you see, he is our dog and we are his family.
He has a good heart you know, but then he is a dog, so that’s to be expected. He’s probably forgiven you and, with a dog’s grace, doesn’t even remember you dumped him. He’d probably even be willing to greet you at the Rainbow Bridge. But you know what? He’ll greet us and go with us at the Bridge, and then he’ll be with us forever, because he’s our dog and we’re his family.
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05-05-2003 I don't know who all knows about this, but I figured I would break the news...Willie was put to sleep today. He had cardiomyopathy and I guess he just couldn't handle it anymore. He got to spend his last night in a real home thanks to Sherri and today he was put down at Greenway. I wish I would have known he was sick or even that he was being put down I would have been with him, but I know it all happened very fast. I know that Storri spent some time with him in the end while he was down and I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart. I will always regret the fact that Willie did not stay at my house as a foster, he deserved so much better than what he got. I will remember him always as the big goofy boy he was just wanting someone to love him. -Amanda
To Willie: Sweet, sweet Willie Billy....run free and happy with all of the other pups that have gone before you (hook up with Nadia...she can show you the ropes and snuggle with you at night). I miss you, but I am happy that you are not suffering any more. No more kennel runs to make you sad...just run free and be happy sweet boy. Wait for me and I will give you the love and attention that you so very much deserved! -Storri Peterson
LSBR Archive - 2003
Wishbone was born on August 8, 1995. We picked him out from a picture when he was only 2 weeks old. (They wouldn't let me see him in person yet) When we were able to take Wishbone home we knew he was going to be the best dog, and an incredible member of our family. We were very lucky to have him with us for almost 9 years. He was a friend, a playmate, a protector (although he wouldn't have hurt a fly), and his favorite thing; an 85lb lap dog that loved to cuddle with his mommy, daddy, and brother Barney.
Wishbone got ill and passed away very suddenly a short time ago. We were very grateful that he did not suffer from what ever it was that took him away from us. We will miss him dearly, and all the love he gave to us. I'm sure we will see him again.
A donation of $450.00 was given to LSBR in Memory of Wishbone.
LSBR Archive - 2004
It’s with a very heavy heart that we said good bye to our sweet boy Wyatt (Bubby) yesterday. We are devastated. We rescued him in March of 2017 from LSBR. We only had him for 3 years and 3 months. The short time we had him were filled with so many wonderful memories that we will cherish in our hearts forever. We are going to miss his goofy and feisty personality, silly antics, his smile, and his demanding talks! Dogs deserve to be spoiled and he definitely was. He was more than a dog, he was our sweet baby boy. The bond he shared with his Daddy was so beautiful. He was the best dog ever and our hearts are shattered. He was so young and full of life! It’s just not fair! His fur sister Arya is so sad too. They were inseparable. We are forever grateful that he was ours! He was one in a million. We miss you Bubby. We love you with all our hearts. ❤️❤️ Thank you LSBR for helping all these sweet boxers. I’m sure we will rescue again when we are ready. They are the best breed ever. ❤️
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