Guest guest Posted December 20, 2006 Report Share Posted December 20, 2006 How could you????? HOW COULD YOU? When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was " bad, " you'd shake your finger at me and ask " How could you? " - but then you'd relent, and roll me over for a belly rub. My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because " ice cream is bad for dogs, " you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day. Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a " dog person " - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a " prisoner of love. " As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered " yes " and changed the subject. I had gone from being " your dog " to " just a dog, " and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your " family, " but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said " I know you will find a good home for her. " They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with " papers. " You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed " No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog! " And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked " How could you? " They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured " How could you? " Perhaps because she understood my dog speak, she said " I'm so sorry. " She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my " How could you? " was not directed at her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty. The End A note from the author: If " How Could You? " brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly owned pets who die each year in America's shelters. Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for a non-commercial purpose, as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice. Please use it to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. I appreciate receiving copies of newsletters which reprint " How Could You? " or " The Animals' Savior, " sent to me at the last postal address below. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious. Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay & neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals. Thank you, Jim Willis Director, The Tiergarten Sanctuary Trust, accredited member of The American Sanctuary Association, and Program Coordinator, International Society for Animal Rights. email: jwillis John Gordon The Elizabeth Geddis Collection Mailing Address: PO Box 495416 Garland, Texas 75049-5416 Shipping Address: 4914 Freeport Drive Garland, Texas 75043-4133 Phone: 972-226-6188 Fax: 972-226-7847 Email: geddiscollection Visit The Elizabeth Geddis Collection on line at: shopkooldfw.com/geddis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2006 Report Share Posted December 20, 2006 This is such a sad story, this is the reason why people need to take realize all the feelings animals have as well! , Colejil wrote: > > How could you????? > > > > > HOW COULD YOU? > > When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You > called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of > murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was " bad, " > you'd shake your finger at me and ask " How could you? " - but then you'd > relent, and roll me over for a belly rub. > > My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were > terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of > nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and > I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks > and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone > because " ice cream is bad for dogs, " you said), and I took long naps in the > sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day. > > Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more > time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you > through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad > decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in > love. > > She, now your wife, is not a " dog person " - still I welcomed her into our > home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you > were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I > was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother > them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most > of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to > love them, but I became a " prisoner of love. " > > As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled > themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, > and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch > - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them > with my life if need be. > > I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, > and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had > been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a > photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few > years, you just answered " yes " and changed the subject. I had gone from being > " your dog " to " just a dog, " and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. > > Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will > be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right > decision for your " family, " but there was a time when I was your only family. > > I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It > smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the > paperwork and said " I know you will find a good home for her. " They shrugged > and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a > middle-aged dog, even one with " papers. " You had to pry your son's fingers > loose from my collar as he screamed " No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my > dog! " And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about > friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for > all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and > politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to > meet and now I have one, too. > > After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your > upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. > They shook their heads and asked " How could you? " > > They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules > allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, > whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - > that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped > it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I > realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy > puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. > > I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded > along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She > placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart > pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of > relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more > concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I > know that, the same way I knew your every mood. > > She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her > cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years > ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the > sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, > looked into her kind eyes and murmured " How could you? " > > Perhaps because she understood my dog speak, she said " I'm so sorry. " She > hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a > better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to > fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this > earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with > a thump of my tail that my " How could you? " was not directed at her. It was > you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for > you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty. > The End > > A note from the author: > If " How Could You? " brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to > mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions > of formerly owned pets who die each year in America's shelters. Anyone is > welcome to distribute the essay for a non-commercial purpose, as long as it > is properly attributed with the copyright notice. Please use it to help > educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office > bulletin boards. I appreciate receiving copies of newsletters which reprint > " How Could You? " or " The Animals' Savior, " sent to me at the last postal > address below. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family > is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible > care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your > responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can > offer you good advice, and that all life is precious. Please do your part to > stop the killing, and encourage all spay & neuter campaigns in order to > prevent unwanted animals. > > Thank you, Jim Willis Director, The Tiergarten Sanctuary Trust, accredited > member of The American Sanctuary Association, and Program Coordinator, > International Society for Animal Rights. email: jwillis > > > John Gordon > The Elizabeth Geddis Collection > Mailing Address: PO Box 495416 > Garland, Texas 75049-5416 > Shipping Address: 4914 Freeport Drive > Garland, Texas 75043-4133 > Phone: 972-226-6188 > Fax: 972-226-7847 > Email: geddiscollection > Visit The Elizabeth Geddis Collection on line at: shopkooldfw.com/geddis > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2006 Report Share Posted December 21, 2006 This story broke my heart. It is true many people think of their animals as objects or property when they are not working well or not cute anymore out they go. I know of someone who has had three cats killed by cars because she won't allow them to stay indoors and we live in Vermont (it gets cold here, real cold)! It breaks my heart also people who allow their pets to get pregnant over and over then ditch the babies after they lose their cuteness. It is all so sad how people are so irresponsible. Animals are so forgiving even through they are not treated well by their companions. Steph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2006 Report Share Posted December 21, 2006 The most heartbreaking for me is when people dump their senior pet in a shelter to die because they are " moving " or just " can't take care of him or her anymore. " They don't know, or don't care, how upsetting and scary this is to their pet! I have ZERO tolerance for anyone who does this. Lynn - Steph Thursday, December 21, 2006 7:18 AM Re: Re: How could you????? This story broke my heart. It is true many people think of their animals as objects or property when they are not working well or not cute anymore out they go. I know of someone who has had three cats killed by cars because she won't allow them to stay indoors and we live in Vermont (it gets cold here, real cold)! It breaks my heart also people who allow their pets to get pregnant over and over then ditch the babies after they lose their cuteness. It is all so sad how people are so irresponsible. Animals are so forgiving even through they are not treated well by their companions. Steph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2006 Report Share Posted December 21, 2006 This story made me bawl As I told you guys before, it's my dog that is my ultimate reason for not eating meat anymore. She's also from the pound. My DH when he moved to Biloxi had this friend, he got the dog from the pound, but when he realized he'd have to pay $25 in pet rent per month, he decided to take her back to the pound. My husband met the dog and took her right away. When I got to Biloxi from Belgium, I fell in love, we still have her today. She's our first baby, before we even had kids. She's travelled to Boston, Florida, Germany, Belgium, Holland, and now Oklahoma. She's our kid and I hate when people don't take pets for life Sorry for the rant. Whit jilli_demaree <jilli_demaree wrote: This is such a sad story, this is the reason why people need to take realize all the feelings animals have as well! , Colejil wrote: > > How could you????? > > > > > HOW COULD YOU? > > When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You > called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of > murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was " bad, " > you'd shake your finger at me and ask " How could you? " - but then you'd > relent, and roll me over for a belly rub. > > My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were > terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of > nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and > I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks > and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone > because " ice cream is bad for dogs, " you said), and I took long naps in the > sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day. > > Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more > time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you > through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad > decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in > love. > > She, now your wife, is not a " dog person " - still I welcomed her into our > home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you > were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I > was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother > them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most > of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to > love them, but I became a " prisoner of love. " > > As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled > themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, > and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch > - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them > with my life if need be. > > I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, > and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had > been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a > photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few > years, you just answered " yes " and changed the subject. I had gone from being > " your dog " to " just a dog, " and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. > > Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will > be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right > decision for your " family, " but there was a time when I was your only family. > > I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It > smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the > paperwork and said " I know you will find a good home for her. " They shrugged > and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a > middle-aged dog, even one with " papers. " You had to pry your son's fingers > loose from my collar as he screamed " No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my > dog! " And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about > friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for > all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and > politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to > meet and now I have one, too. > > After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your > upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. > They shook their heads and asked " How could you? " > > They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules > allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, > whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - > that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped > it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I > realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy > puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. > > I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded > along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She > placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart > pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of > relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more > concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I > know that, the same way I knew your every mood. > > She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her > cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years > ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the > sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, > looked into her kind eyes and murmured " How could you? " > > Perhaps because she understood my dog speak, she said " I'm so sorry. " She > hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a > better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to > fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this > earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with > a thump of my tail that my " How could you? " was not directed at her. It was > you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for > you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty. > The End > > A note from the author: > If " How Could You? " brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to > mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions > of formerly owned pets who die each year in America's shelters. Anyone is > welcome to distribute the essay for a non-commercial purpose, as long as it > is properly attributed with the copyright notice. Please use it to help > educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office > bulletin boards. I appreciate receiving copies of newsletters which reprint > " How Could You? " or " The Animals' Savior, " sent to me at the last postal > address below. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family > is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible > care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your > responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can > offer you good advice, and that all life is precious. Please do your part to > stop the killing, and encourage all spay & neuter campaigns in order to > prevent unwanted animals. > > Thank you, Jim Willis Director, The Tiergarten Sanctuary Trust, accredited > member of The American Sanctuary Association, and Program Coordinator, > International Society for Animal Rights. email: jwillis > > > John Gordon > The Elizabeth Geddis Collection > Mailing Address: PO Box 495416 > Garland, Texas 75049-5416 > Shipping Address: 4914 Freeport Drive > Garland, Texas 75043-4133 > Phone: 972-226-6188 > Fax: 972-226-7847 > Email: geddiscollection > Visit The Elizabeth Geddis Collection on line at: shopkooldfw.com/geddis > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2006 Report Share Posted December 21, 2006 A lady I know works at a vet clinic. She hates Christmas time because so many people drop off their completely healthy animals to be killed so they can get new ones for Christmas. Sam The most heartbreaking for me is when people dump their senior pet in a shelter to die because they are " moving " or just " can't take care of him or her anymore. " They don't know, or don't care, how upsetting and scary this is to their pet! I have ZERO tolerance for anyone who does this. Lynn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2006 Report Share Posted December 21, 2006 You are right this is very sad. Last month we had to put one of our cats to sleep as she was very sick and it was very traumatic for us. I was not able to be there but my husband and kids were. She was 12 and had lived with us since she was 11 weeks old. My husband still misses her as she used to sit on the bed and let him bet her all the time. g mrswalp29 Thu, 21 Dec 2006 7:18 AM Re: Re: How could you????? This story broke my heart. It is true many people think of their animals as objects or property when they are not working well or not cute anymore out they go. I know of someone who has had three cats killed by cars because she won't allow them to stay indoors and we live in Vermont (it gets cold here, real cold)! It breaks my heart also people who allow their pets to get pregnant over and over then ditch the babies after they lose their cuteness. It is all so sad how people are so irresponsible. Animals are so forgiving even through they are not treated well by their companions. Steph ______________________ Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2006 Report Share Posted December 21, 2006 Tragically beautiful. Made me cry. I am posting this on my myspace. Anyone who would like to add me: www.myspace.com/thesaffells Colejil wrote: How could you????? HOW COULD YOU? When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was " bad, " you'd shake your finger at me and ask " How could you? " - but then you'd relent, and roll me over for a belly rub. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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