I hold to my statement that I made from day one, that the solution to the animal shelter problem starts with responsible pet ownership. Responsible pet owners, do NOT turn their pets into shelters. Every time I see a newscast showing a crying person dropping their pet at a shelter, its like nails on a chalkboard to me. Its bullsh1t. If you are dropping your dog at a shelter, you KNOW that your dog, cat or pet, will be killed if they don’t find a home.
Smiley is a typical story. Not sure why he was dumped, but he was, and this is just too sad. A good friend of mine and a very good rescue worker and net worker had been working her butt off to try and find him a home. She got the news that he had died in his cold kennel in the middle of the night – the night before she was set to go and get him.
This is NOT the fault of the shelter, as much as we’d like to say so, this rests on the person who dropped him off… or should I say dumped him. His name was Smiley because he had a big smile on his face, just take a look at that picture.
Dogs, in particular are pack animals. Much like other pack animals, they form strong bonds. There is some talk that Smiley may have been sick, but nonetheless, he died of a broken heart, all alone on a cold piece of concrete after being abandoned by those he dedicated his life. People who didn’t care, or who became inconvenienced by the dog. The dropped him at the shelter and moved on. Their lives went on, but Smiley’s didn’t. He sat in his cell and became more despondent, he stopped eating and his smile faded. Eventually he died a very sad and lonesome death. And the blame on this goes out to those people who dumped him. THEY are responsible for his death. Smiley had no one there to hold his head when he passed, chances are the kennel was dark, cold and loud with the cries of other scared animals. His last memory of this place we can earth was pain and sadness. I can only hope that this pain was eased in someway once he passed to a much better place. I also hope that this pain is one day felt by those who dumped him. Rest in Peace little Man… Rest in Peace.
Here is the email from Blake about Smiley’s passing that inspired me to write this story:
Rest in peace sweet boy.. As many know I have been trying to rescue Smiley since I first heard about him on Wed .. I raised funds for him and got a firm commitment from my friend Diane from Tuffie’s Rescue that she would take him. I have called on him ever day ,several times. Each time I have been told that Smiley was not doing well.. that he was depressed, not eating and very emaciated. I knew it was a matter of time for him and so I tried to get him out as fast as possible. I was going to have him pulled today when I received a call that he had died in his cage sometime during the night. I must tell you that he WAS NOT euthanized.. Please do not call the shelter and accuse them of anything.. He really did go in his sleep. I spoke to the medical staff there and they told me he had been sick since he came in. I believe that is the reason his owner turned him in.. Smiley touched my heart in a special way, that is why I knew I just had to save him.. I’m only sorry that I was not there to hold him as he left for the rainbow bridge.. but I’m sure he knew that we were all pulling for him and trying our best to get him out and care for him.. He is now at the bridge with all our dogs and the other dogs that could not be saved who wait for us.. Smiley will never be forgotten.. just look at that face..
Thank you all who have worried, prayed and donated for him.. In his memory I would ask that you all pay tribute to Smiley by giving your pledged donation to another dog in need.. If you like you may donate to Byron, the sweet Dalmatian who is in great need of medical treatment. You may do so via Pam at:
The Nature Network, Inc.
P.O. Box 66790
West Los Angeles, CA 90066
Note on check: “Donation for Byron”
They are a 501c3 non profit corporation.
With a very heavy heart and a face full of tears I say goodbye to sweet Smiley.. again thank you all.
Thank you Blake for caring and showing that decent, good people still exist in the world who care for what others throw away. Thank you for being you!!!