10/05/2024
It's a sad truth, but not every shelter dog finds a home.
Each dog has an hour glass; some have more time than others, it's always a struggle. The struggle is in preventing them from reaching their breaking point. That point is different for each dog, the same way it would be different for each person who finds him or herself in prison for no reason with no concept of the duration of their time there. It's the not knowing that inflicts so much internal torment.
These dogs have to accept their reality - a reality that is sunk in stress. Every day is the same and every day is different: the same because the routine usually doesn't change: meals, time outside, potential interaction with an adopter, noise - so much noise, people staring, then darkness. Repeat. Different because those variables change in order, duration, timing, without an explanation, every single day. It's a stressful life that they have no control over. They make the best of their surroundings, much better than we as humans would.
That's not to say there isn't any hope. There's so much heart in an animal shelter. The staff and volunteers make a difference in hundreds of thousands of dogs' lives every day. And that is largely overlooked because of the many assumptions that the unfamiliar and ignorant have; they broadcast sadness because it's easy and uncomplicated. Negative thoughts are so much easier to spread than positive, unfortunately.
One in ten dogs finds a permanent home. One in ten. That includes shelters, but also the many other situations - dogs born on the streets, dogs used in fighting rings, dogs bought as an ill conceived gift for someone around the holidays, returned days later ๐ countless other situations . . .
One in ten.
No one hurts more, sleeps less, cries more than those that have to make and live with the decision to end their suffering, confusion, heartache. Never assume otherwise. This heartbreak unites and strengthens a collective resolve to prevent it from happening again. Every day.
Here's what's comforting - Anyone can help. Anyone can make a difference. Anyone can foster. Anyone can share. Anyone can spread positive messages of hope, understanding and forgiveness.
I hope maybe the '1:10' idea will catch on as a reminder; a reminder to make us all work a little harder. To Educate. To Advocate. To Hope. To Love. To Care. Most importantly, to fight for those who can't fight for themselves. Give them a Voice. Give them a Chance. Give them a Home.
Reposting in honor of a fallen friend ๐ค๐พ๐ค๐พ๐ค