Tuesday, May 11, 2010

I Want A Dog

Growing up, I was the girl that brought  home strays and injured animals .  In my adulthood, not much has changed.  In 2002, I became involved in animal rescue.  For the last 8 years, I have helped animals in the capacity of a foster home for homeless dogs and cats.  As a matter of fact, all 3 of my fat, furry cats were hand me downs.  Toby belonged to my late step-father and Louie and Sasha were foster cats that never found a home.

tobynlouie Toby and Louie

For years, I worked with a rescue organization called Underdog Rescue.  The founder, Shannon McKenzie, was a customer at a pet supply store where I was a manager and quickly became a friend of mine.  In the years I’ve been affiliated with Underdog, I have fostered at least 100 pets.  I have had Pit Bulls, Pugs, Cocker Spaniels, American Bulldogs, deaf dogs, three-legged dog, dogs with allergies, dogs with anxiety, dogs that took Prozac, you name it.  Just recently, I decided I was ready to make a dog a permanent part of my family.  I have always wanted a Great Dane, so I contacted Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue and expressed interest in one of their rescue dogs.  I have been so excited to make this gentle giant a member of my family. 

On Sunday, I learned that wouldn’t be happening.  Kona was diagnosed on April 29 with osteosarcoma.  Osteosarcoma is an aggressive form of bone cancer.  Due to this condition, Kona has been deemed unadoptable.  He will spend the duration of his days with his foster family, receiving care for as long as he is comfortable.  Because cancer treatment is very expensive, Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue is accepting sponsors or donations to make his care possible.

While my heart is broken because this beautiful dog cannot live in my home, I am still certain I want to make a Dane a part of my family.  I will continue my search for the perfect dog for us.

It is estimated that 6 - 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year.  If you are interested in making a dog or cat a part of your family, PLEASE consider adoption from a rescue or shelter BEFORE a breeder.  Petfinder or Petango are both great resources for finding pets near you that would make a good fit for your home.

7 comments:

Liz Mays said...

I'm sorry both for you and for that sweet dog. I hope your perfect dog will soon become available though.

Busted Kate said...

Pets are such a blessing! I'm grateful every day for our two boys.

I'm so sorry to hear about your pup, but I'm so glad he's in with a foster family and will hopefully be comfortable in his remaining days.

Hope you get your new pup soon.

Holy Hannah said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Holy Hannah said...

Your such a good person! If I had the room I would love to sponsor a foster pet! ~Stephanie

Anonymous said...

Excellent post. Foster homes for pets are SO important! You are SO awesome!

Im really sorry about Kona though, =( .

My Mercurial Nature said...

I've been the owner of two wonderful Great Danes. They're the goofiest, sweetest, and sometimes stubbornest dogs ever. I adore them! I hope you find just the right Dane to add to your family.

Danielle said...

Sorry about Kona. I love that you are such a great pet owner!

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