|
Cane Corso Rescue
Cane Corso
Working Club Rescue
CorsoLuv Passion Page
Network Rescue
Friends of Cane Corso (Rescue) - United Kingdom
Operation K9 Rescue -
Southern California
Yahoo! PETS Groups - Molosser Rescue
How Could You?
 When I was a puppy I
entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child and
despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I
became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and
ask "How could you?" - but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub.
My housetraining took a
little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on
that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your
confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more
perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice
cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I
took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending
more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate.
I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and
disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at
your homecomings, and when you fell in love.
She, now your wife, is not a
"dog person" - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection,
and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came
along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they
smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might
hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog
crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."
As they began to grow, I
became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly
legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my
nose. I loved everything about them, especially their touch - because your touch
was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them with my life if need be.
I would sneak into their beds
and listen to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound
of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you
had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them
stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the
subject. I had gone from being your dog to "just a dog," and you resented every
expenditure on my behalf.
Now you have a new career
opportunity in another city and you and they will be moving to an apartment that
does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there
was a time when I was your only family.
I was excited about the car
ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of
fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will
find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They
understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with
"papers."
You had to pry your son's
fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let
them take my dog!" And I worried for him and what lessons you had just taught
him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about
respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes,
and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to
meet and now I have one, too.
After you left, the two nice
ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no
attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How
could you?"
They are as attentive to us
here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but
I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed
to the front, hoping it was you - that you had changed your mind - that this was
all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who
might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for
attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far
corner and waited.
I heard her footsteps as she
came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to a
separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my
ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to
come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of
days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she
bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew your every
mood.
She gently placed a
tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in
the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the
hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing
through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured
"How could you?"
Perhaps because she
understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me and
hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where
I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a
place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last
bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How
could you?" was not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was
thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.
May everyone in your life
continue to show you so much loyalty.
-By Jim Willis
 PDF
(Printable Version)
|
