Tuesday, April 14, 2015

GRANNY

It is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month. We have already been reminded this year of two things: (1) people are capable of terrible things; and (2) dogs are capable of remarkable things.
At 7 years old, Granny was left stuffed into a small crate outside the shelter. Infected eyes, mangey skin, and a skinny frame on the outside, hookworms and heartworm on the inside show her lack of love. And just this weekend, this weary older lady gave birth to 13 pups. The shelter is now repairing the damage caused by years of neglect, and trying to help with pups she is not healthy enough to support. Surely, animal cruelty is when a dog's life at a shelter is better than what it ever was at "home."
Yet Granny remains a gentle, sweet soul who greets everyone with kindness. Her body is falling apart, but her heart is strong.
If you find yourself unable to provide for your pets, reach out sooner than later. Reach out to friends, family, your vet. If all fails, reach out to rescues and shelters. Do not create another Truman, or Granny, or Ripley. Dogs give us their hearts. It is up to us to deserve them.