As a dog owner, I will never be able to fathom how people can dump and disown their furry friends and then go on living life as usual.
The mere thought of my pup being alone or frightened fills me with a dread I can’t explain. I could never, would never put him in that position willingly.
Of course, thousands of dogs are given over to shelters every day, which equates to thousands of dogs being placed in a terrifying new environment without the presence of the person they love most in the world.
One such dog, 7-year-old Shadow, captured attention when he was taken to a shelter in California by his family.
The Facebook post shared by Saving Carson Shelter Dogs read: “My former family who owned me had to give me up because they had trouble containing me.”
And, as if the act of dumping Shadow wasn’t bad enough, things got worse.
When the time came for the family to leave Shadow, the poor dog tried to desperately cling to his owner. He sensed something was wrong, and did everything he could not to be left on his home.
Sadly, despite his best efforts, Shadow joined the rest of the dogs waiting for new forever homes at the shelter.
RESCUED – moved to SAFE Album 06/08
RESCUED – moved to SAFE Album 06/08SHADOW'S Owner wasn't very nice to him when they were waiting and he was really trying to cling to him, hoping this wasn't really happening. He is very scared and confused now. They said he is very playful and loves little kids and other dogs. He is beautiful and he needs help now. Please SHARE for his life, he is VERY special and a FOSTER or ADOPTER would save him. Thanks!#A4107548 My name is SHADOW and I'm an approximately 7 year old male Flat-Coated Retriever mix. I am already neutered. I have been at the Carson Animal Care Center since 6/5. I will be available on 6/9. You can visit me at my temporary home at CRECEIVING.My former family who owned me for had to give me up because they had trouble containing me. http://www.petharbor.com/pet.asp?uaid=LACO1.A4107548Carson Shelter, Gardena, California216 Victoria Street, Gardena, California310.523.9566, M-TH 12pm – 7pm, F-SU – 10am – 5pm PHOTO THREAD: https://www.facebook.com/savingcarsonshelterdogs/photos/a.172032662969376.1073741830.171850219654287/601404036698901/?type=3&theater
Posted by Saving Carson Shelter Dogs on Sunday, June 5, 2016
Just imagine how it must feel to be a dog who is left by the only family he or she has ever known. One day, you’re packed into a car with all your belongings, driven to an unfamiliar place that smells of other dogs, and then left all on your own with no explanation.
Perhaps you think your owner will be back soon – they’ve left you home alone before – or perhaps you think that there’s been some mistake, that your owner will turn around, realize you’re not there and return for you.
Shadow might have thought all of those things. One thing’s for sure, he certainly knew that he didn’t wan to be apart from his owner, making it all the more devastating to watch.
Adopted!
Fortunately, Shadow was later adopted into a loving forever hoe, giving him the second chance he deserves in life. Not all dogs get this opportunity, though, and those that are living in kill shelters will eventually be euthanized if no one takes a chance on them.
Please share this article for Shadow and all the dogs like him.
Together, we can put pressure on people not to abandon their dogs, or rather not to buy them if they think there’s a chance they can’t take care of them forever.
