tugging at my heartstrings

When Matt and I decided we wanted a puppy, we decided adopting from the Humane Society or a shelter was best. Little did I know how much that decision would affect me emotionally. I would browse the website for WHS and petfinder, looking for a dog that might be a good match. We eventually went one step further and actually visited the Humane Society to meet some of the dogs. Now, I don't consider myself to be an overly emotional person, but visiting WHS was HARD for me. Like, really hard. Every time we went, I left in tears. Not so much because we didn't find the right pet, but because I wanted to rescue all of the dogs. I learned that WHS is a no-kill shelter, which made me feel a little better. But having the dogs watch me with their big, sad eyes was heartbreaking. Even more so were the older dogs that had been brought in as a "surrender". Who in their right mind could just decide one day that they don't want their 12-year old dog? These animals had all been through enough. They deserved good, loving homes.

In addition to visiting, I continued to stalk WHS's website. I knew the status of every dog there. Equally as heartbreaking as visiting was seeing dogs come back up for adoption after they had been adopted out. This happened several times and I can think of at least three puppies that came back more than once. Who are these people who are adopting puppies and then not realizing how big of a responsibility it is only to bring them back?*

When I sat down and added up the costs of puppy shots, spaying, microchipping, etc. that are already completed on the animals adopted from WHS, I quickly realized that the adoption fee barely covers everything. And, taking into account the veterinary care that the animals receive prior to being put up for adoption, it's very apparent that donations are crucial in allowing them to continue operating. I make charitable contributions every year to a few organizations that I have taken interest in. After adopting Indy, I decided that I would add the WHS to this list. While I don't have much to give, every little bit helps.

And then, today, I got an email from WHS, asking for help. Two little puppies, Luke and Tucker, need help. I cried while I read their stories (I dare you to go read them and not feel a little sad for them) and contributed to their care. Not a lot, but some. In addition to caring for these two pups, WHS has taken in almost 40 dogs that were displaced from flooding in other areas of the midwest. Local shelters became overwhelmed with the large number of animals coming in and many were sent to other shelters across the country that would have a better chance at adopting them out (this was also how we got Indy--she came from a shelter in Indiana). Like all animals up for adoption at WHS, the animals will be vaccinated and sterilized prior to being available for adoption. While some may take some time, it really is impressive how quickly animals are adopted out from the Humane Society.

Now, after having adopted a pet, I have a greater admiration for rescue shelters and the WHS. Many of these folks are volunteers and they operate solely on donations. I'm not going to tell you to go donate, but I certainly won't stop you, should you feel so inclined. I tell just about everyone that is looking for a pet to check out a shelter. It is such a better option that buying from a pet store. Indy is the best thing ever and, while we don't know much about what happened to her (she suffered some seemingly significant trauma to the entire right side of her face) or where she came from, we are happy knowing that she will spend the rest of her life in a loving, caring home.