My Name Is Sam

Erica · #1 10-08-2006, 03:46 AM

http://www.botcmn.org/main/fun%20stuff/mynameissam.htm

I found this story on the internet last night and it really hit home, since the woman is from Detroit which is where I live. It really explains in detail the very ugly details about how shelters are over populated from not neutering and spaying pets. It is a real tear jerker and it breaks my heart to post this but I really think that people need to know the effects that over population can cause. It really bothers me that many breeders just don't seem to care that there are so many homeless pets being put to sleep EVERY DAY in shelters and rescues. Believe me I know rescue animals can be ALOT of work. But it is SO REWARDING to know that you saved a life. I'm sorry if this offends anyone (if anyone reading this is a breeder), but I am only expressing my opinion. And I think if you read this you will understand why I stand behind my opinion 110%.

mom2bichons · #2 10-08-2006, 08:42 AM

Erica,

Because I am getting ready for church I will read this today but not before church.

I have to say when Michael and I bought from a puppy store, we did not know there were a lot of other options out there. We have obviously since come to realize all the wonders out there just waiting. We have now talked to and helped friends save rescue pups, cats and even rabbits. (Since I am not a snake person, I must admit those I have not helped....eeewww snakes.)

I want to say to all of you who have rescued....THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH A HERO to all of us. You kindness and extra love in your heart has prevented a living feeling being from the horror of what they would have had to endure. You people are truely heros in my book!

LadyTalisman · #3 10-08-2006, 03:31 PM

I can't speak right now

auntietonka · #4 10-08-2006, 05:45 PM

Oh MY! I'm with Gail as tears are running down my face. Thanks for sharing!

Mommyof4 · #5 10-08-2006, 06:10 PM

I could never imagine ...
That was such a sad story ...

Thanks for sharing!

Erica · #6 10-08-2006, 06:20 PM

All my friends here,

I did not post this to upset anyone. I'm very sorry I made all of you cry. I posted with only the best of intentions on educating and getting the word out about what really happens in shelters when pets don't get adopted. I know we all look to this forum as a happy place to have coffee and chat. I enjoy every thread and every post as if I were sitting acoss from you at my kitchen table. My hope is that not only us members but guests too come to this thread to see the uglyness that can happen. I know I can't change things but I just want to do a small part to get the word out. Knowledge is the key to change.

auntietonka · #7 10-08-2006, 06:32 PM

I think it is a great story! Made me want to go to the NHSPCA and rescue all the animals there! I'm hoping I can tame the kittens at the barn so I can get them vaccinated and fixed. (Don't know their sex). Can't really afford 2 more kittens but they are so cute! Thanks again for sharing that story!

Mommyof4 · #8 10-08-2006, 07:05 PM

I think it is a great story as well. It really educates people on how some shelters work. Although the society that I volunteer has a "No Kill Policy" we do hear some pretty sad stories.

When my dad went to the THS to get his dog there were cages and cages of animals there. There was this one dog in particular that really stands out in my mind. He was a Pittbull, and according to the papers he had been there for about 9 months waiting for a home. Can you imagine being 60-70 pounds and living in a 4X4 cage for 9 months? It was so sad. He also had kennel cough. There were other dogs there that were just crying to be taken in and loved. It was so heartbreaking ...
This is the reason I try to educate people about spaying and neutering. As my avatar says "Don't delay .. Neuter and Spay" If everyone were well educated on this topic we would not have over populated shelters, nor would we have starving animals living on the street ...
I wish there was more I could do!

Hey Erica, maybe we need to get together and start some sort of awareness program! How cool would that be?

Mommyof4 · #9 10-08-2006, 07:31 PM

Reading this post has reminded me of a dog that has alot of ups and downs as well. His name is Toby and this is his story!

This is what was posted on the website .........

"Hi! I am Toby, a 6-8 years old male Terrier X. Even the vet can't be sure as I have really good teeth! I am what they call a Special Needs Dog. However, I have faith that there must be some great-hearted people out there who would be kind enough to give me a permanent home which I have been waiting since February 2002.

When I was picked up by a pound in Greater Toronto, I have been living on the street for some time. As you can see, I was then a bag of bones and apparently undernourished. Besides, I am almost blind as my medical problems were never treated in my early years. Obviously I was not on the ‘Adoptable Dogs' list at the pound. Thank goodness the MHS came to my rescue. Despite my poor shape and condition, the MHS was able to find a foster home for me. I thank my foster parents so much for spending all this time nursing me back to health - I have gained 3.5 lbs (I was 11.2 lbs then)!

Despite of what I went through, I have a great spirit and a sense of humour. My foster parents call me a little dynamite dog. My foster Mom believes that no one has told me I am blind as I race down the yard missing all obstacles. I have even managed, by climbing a chair on to the table, to knock over her cup of tea and drink it! I know that's a ‘no no’, but I enjoyed it! I have even been known to climb over a huge dog cage, that even a sighted dog would not have tried, to get to where I wanted to be.

Well, I am a Special Needs dog, as I am suffering from diabetes. This means I need to be on insulin shots twice a day to be done on a regimental basis, as well as feeding four times daily. The monthly cost for the insulin shots is around $25.00 and I also need to be on a prescription diet. I more than make up for the monetary costs with my charm, though. There's nothing I like more than a snuggle and cuddle, and I will give you hours of laughs and amazements at my antics. If you take me home, I promise to be a good pet, or I will try!

Please help me (and my other animal friends), either by adopting me or donating to the Society to help with my medical expenses."

Love, Toby

Toby had been in foster care since 2002. He is a great dog with a great personality, but due to his medical problems he was often overlooked. To date, Toby has had 172 families inquire about him, but none has returned to the foster home to give him a "Forever Home" But we thank God every day that there are people out there like his foster parents that has given him a second chance! We recently had a "Volunteer Appreciation Party" and his foster parents announced that they no longer want to foster Toby. They would rather that he be THEIRS because he has become such a great addition to the family! Toby now has a loving "FOREVER" home ......

Below are Tobys before and after pictures ...

Erica · #10 10-08-2006, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Hey Erica, maybe we need to get together and start some sort of awareness program! How cool would that be?

Stacey,
I know you volunteer at your shelter. I think that is awesome. If I had more time I would be happy to do the same. I do feel that eventhough work and my family are my priorities that in some small way I could help. Like I said before even if it is just posting this story for people to read. I know we are in two different countries but if there is anything I can do to help get the word out I would be happy to assist anyway that I can.