This was posted on one of the resuces I donate to. I give to some just once in a while, some fairly regular. I get news letters from several golden retriever rescues I donate to and my heart just breaks at the pictures and stories of tossed out senior goldens (or any dog for that matter) They are dumped for so many reasons--they can't play like they use to so the family wants a puppy instead. They have old age health problems and the people don't have the time to mess with giving them daily meds. They are moving to a new house and don't want dog hair all in it, etc, etc. Some of the stories are unreal. Here we do everything in our power to keep our beloved dogs for as many years as possible and others just toss theri dogs out like stale bread. Even statle bread has it's uses (Ah, bread pudding)
One by one they pass my cage, Too old, too worn, too broken, no way. Way past his prime he can't run and play, Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way. A little old man, arthritic and sore, It seems I am not wanted anymore. I once had a home, I once had a bed, A place that was warm, and where I was fed. Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail, Who wants a dog so old and so frail? My family decided I didn't belong, I got in their way, my attitude was wrong. Whatever excuse they made in their head Can't justify how they left me for dead. Now I sit in this cage, where day after day, The younger dogs get adopted away. When I had almost come to the end of my rope, You saw my face and I finally had hope. You saw thru the grey, and the legs bent with age, And felt I still had life beyond the cage. You took me home, gave me food and a bed, And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head. We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low, You love me so dearly and want me to know. I may have lived most of my life with another, But you outshine them with a love so much stronger. I promise to return all the love I can give, To You, my dear person, as long as I live. I may be with you for a week or for years, We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears. And when the time comes that God deems I must leave, I know you will cry and your heart will grieve. And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new, My thoughts and my heart will still be with you. And I will brag to all who will hear, Of the person who made my last days so dear. -Author Unknown