"You Can't Save Everything."

I have been told this time and time again all my life in regard to homeless, abandoned animals. Even as a young girl, I would try to save injured birds, homeless cats, stray dogs. I have never been able to turn my back on an animal in need. I have let strays hop in my car, went to the dog warden and "bailed out" I dog I hadn't even MET, taken in injured cats and nursed them back to health- the list of things I have done for these helpless creatures is extensive.

I'm not writing this to pat myself on the back or brag. I'm writing because I have taken in another animal in need and frankly, I had forgotten how rewarding it is. I received a text from a co-worker on Monday talking about a dog who had been THROWN FROM A CAR and left in the street. The dog was understandably bewildered at having been dumped like a piece of trash and apparently hopped right in the car of my co-worker's friend, who took her in for the day but wasn't going to be able to keep her into the night. If she couldn't find someone else to take the dog, the only alternative was the dog warden.

I wrestled with this for a good hour or so while at work. I knew I had enough pets (four cats and a giant, slobbery Boxer) but I also knew that this animal would certainly be put to sleep because she was part Pitbull. I literally made my decision while heading home from work- I swerved from one side of the highway to the other to meet Rescuer #1 (also named Amanda) in downtown Toledo to pick up this poor animal.

I was wondering what I got myself into on the way to get the pup. Any apprehension on my part completely vanished when I pulled up and saw the dog hop out of the car.

She was absolutely precious. She had the head of a Pitbull but the body of a stocky Bassett Hound- she looked like a midget Pit! Her face was sweet and she had a wagging tail despite the ordeal she had been through. So what did I do? I immediately starting crying like a little baby in front of Amanda and her daughter. I couldn't control it- I was unable to wrap my head around how someone could throw away any dog like a piece of trash, let alone THIS little angel.

(May I take this moment to say that I wholeheartedly hope that there is a special place in hell for the asshole who dumped her and that he or she spends eternity in a continuous loop of riding in a car, being booted out onto concrete and nearly run over by another car over and over and over again. And THAT, my friends, won't be punishment enough in my eyes.)

Anyway. Roxy (had to call her something, I spent the first day calling her "Puppy" and "Little Fatty"- she's quite the porker) fits in very well at our house. Joe Boxer ADORES her and loves having a constant companion to wrestle around with. The cats aren't thrilled with yet another lumbering beast in the house but they're dealing with it. Unfortunately, my darling boyfriend doesn't think we should keep her so I will be fostering her until she finds a forever home through Planned Pethood (or until he has a change of heart- I'm still holding out for that).

This blog isn't humorous like my normal posts, but I needed to take the time to share Roxy's story and remind everyone that when searching for a new pet, ADOPT A SHELTER DOG! And please, do your research before making such a large commitment- a pet is a big responsibility, and he or she will depend on you to be the best owner you can be.

Report any animal cruelty to your local authorities! Donate to shelters this holiday season, even if you only donate an hour of your time to play with a shelter pet!

And, without further delay, I am pleased to introduce you to Miss Roxy!