Long-Term Care - Some Solutions

» Joy Butler - Long term care

Pepper looks very loved. It's fascinating how a loved dog actually shows that love in its face. I've found that I can usually tell the difference between a dog who is really a stray, and one who has been loved and just ended up at the shelter by some tragic circumstance. My Carly had been at the shelter for a long time and after I had had her for awhile, I took her back for a visit. One of the lady's remarked about the different look in her eyes, and I knew what she meant. Shelter life, although not exactly bad, cannot substitute for a loving home and I'm glad there are shelters that are beginning to address this and make some improvements.

-- posted by Joy Butler

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» SWALKER0 - Re: Long term care

In response to message posted by JButler:
Yeah, you should have seen her last night - lying in the middle of the bed, on her back, getting her belly rubbed. It's interesting what you said about the look in the eyes. Carol Lea Benjamin said much the same thing in "Second Hand Dog," one of the recommended books on my site. You're right that a shelter will never take the place of a loving home. Unfortunately, there are some animals who, through no fault of their own, get passed over time after time (like Pepper) or perhaps just can't fit into a home situation. That's why it's so important for no-kill shelters to address these issues. Thanks for stopping by.

-- posted by SWALKER0

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» Renie_Burghardt - Re: Re: Long term care

In response to message posted by SWALKER0:

Hi Sherrie! I love Pepper's picture. Is that you, with him?

It is good to know that no-kill shelters are beginnig to do much more than just "shelter" these homeless animals. And, of course, although the best place for any animal would be a loving home, shelters serve a great need. Wonderful article, as always, Sherrie. Hope all is well with you. Renie

-- posted by Renie_Burghardt

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» SWALKER0 - Re: Re: Re: Long term care

In response to message posted by Renie_Burghardt:
That's me! That picture was taken at obedience training last fall. It is heartening to know that progress is being made on so many fronts in animal welfare. I'm feeling really good this morning anyway because we placed one of our dogs in a wonderful new home last night. Experiences like that make all the heartache worthwhile.

-- posted by SWALKER0

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