Quote: CJ Barrett

We often don’t get the best tempered dogs and we work hard to accomplish what many take for granted. Our efforts change the lives of these dogs. Changes they’re able to make because they were given a chance. The sad thing is they often don’t get that chance and they have no choice.

We adopted Jethro and Skipper from a no-kill shelter. Skipper had been there for a month! And he HATES being in a cage. By the time he got out, he was a bundle of nerves. They hadn't even listed him as adoptable because no one would want him. But we got him and we love him and we couldn't ask for a better dog!

And yes, Jethro is a handful. I watch the other pups in the neighbourhood - who were chosen from litters and raised from 8 weeks. They play with each other on the soccer field while we walk by outside the fence, practicing not barking and lunging. We have no idea what Jethro's early life was like, or why he is the way he is. But we LOVE him, even when he broke his collar in a mad charge. We keep working with him everyday and slowly we see improvements.

The thing is, these dogs are bringing out the best in US. We are better people because they are in our lives. Our home might be covered in dog hair, but it is also filled with LOVE and tender affection.

Kelly, your efforts were not in vain, and we will not forget Faith, or what her life meant to us all.

 Quote: kelly

At one point last night, I asked Connie (my Sage) how one person can cry so many tears for a dog they have never met. Connie's answer says it all:

"Maybe because it's for many dogs, Kelly.

Maybe every time we go to the aid of one, we mean it for all.

Fortunately, this is how it actually works, too. Because every drop of empathy, of kindness, of metta ... every drop of it ripples out in ever-widening circles. "

Truer words were never spoken. Darn it, I'm crying again, but I'm crying for all of them, especially for Faith and for you, Kelly, but really for all of them that we cannot save.

But I don't think that our collective grief will be in vain. I believe that good things will come of this.

Kelly, your story about the St. Francis medals really touched me. What a beautiful thing to do.

 Quote: cheri grissom

 Quote: kelly

At one point last night, I asked Connie (my Sage) how one person can cry so many tears for a dog they have never met. Connie's answer says it all:

"Maybe because it's for many dogs, Kelly.

Maybe every time we go to the aid of one, we mean it for all.

Fortunately, this is how it actually works, too. Because every drop of empathy, of kindness, of metta ... every drop of it ripples out in ever-widening circles. "

Truer words were never spoken. Darn it, I'm crying again, but I'm crying for all of them, especially for Faith and for you, Kelly, but really for all of them that we cannot save.

But I don't think that our collective grief will be in vain. I believe that good things will come of this.

Kelly, your story about the St. Francis medals really touched me. What a beautiful thing to do.

Same here Kelly, we cry with you and share this sadness.
Just beautiful words said by so many wonderful people here at LB.
Kelly, I send you a big (((((ehug))))) please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Trying to save dogs can make your crazy, seriously crazy, IME.


I have thought the thoughts you are thinking many times. Got to let it go, and trust that there is a God out there who is watching out for these critters too, and that
he takes them home.

 Quote: Betty Landercasp

Trying to save dogs can make your crazy, seriously crazy, IME.


I have thought the thoughts you are thinking many times. Got to let it go, and trust that there is a God out there who is watching out for these critters too, and that
he takes them home.

Let it go (release the pain of this time) is right, IMO. For me that means focusing on what I CAN do. This does take serious discipline and hard work; believe me, I know that. But if we don't do that, then we can't move forward with help for the next time.

I know that Faith is loved as she never was in life. I know that she is waiting for me with my grandfather at the Bridge. I know that I will never forget what she means to me.

I will be working with the local shelter. I am offering to take in a foster dog and work on the training needed to earn a CGC certificate. I am also offering to work with the harder to control dogs to teach them some manners that will make them more adoptable.

The money that I had set aside to save Faith was divided and donated to 3 rescues that I have adopted animals from in the past. The money will go towards saving others.

This is what I am able to do- right here, right now. When another dog calls to me, I will answer. Even if it means more heartbreak. Because it's not about me... it's about the dogs.

--Kel

And Faith inspired this. Along with the renewed intent and dedication of many others.

" I am offering to take in a foster dog and work on the training needed to earn a CGC certificate. I am also offering to work with the harder to control dogs to teach them some manners that will make them more adoptable."

This is hard to beat, Kelly, for very meaningful giving of oneself.

It sounds as if you are coming to terms with this. I think what you're doing in Faith's memory is wonderful.
I am now wondering what I can do in her name as well. I wonder if I can offer to walk or groom some of the dogs at the local AC. I just have to make sure I don't bring any (or at least, too many) home. I know several of the employees there, maybe they can try to keep me from adopting any.
I love the way you are reconciling with this. I'm sure Faith would be pleased.

As many of you know, going through this was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do... and I thank each and every one of you that went through it with me.

I just learned of a new program that transports dogs from Miami (the shelter that Faith was at) and takes them to no kill shelters in other states. While this is too late for Faith, it will save many lives. I am happy to share the article with you, and humbly ask you to share it with others. http://www.examiner.com/animal-welfare-in-miami/miami-dade-shelter-new-transport-program-to-no-kill-shelters

Thank you!!

Kel (and Faith)

Thank you for sharing that link, most certainly will share and make a donation via their chip in links. I wish I had room/time for just one more