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speakup

We brought animals into our busy mechanized world. Therefore, we are responsible for their care, their safety, their welfare.

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Someone once told me, "The last five dogs we've had have all been stupid. They've all gone to the road and got themselves killed."

Sadly, I asked if they had taught road safety to their children.

"Oh, yes," was the response. "I started when they were very young, had a little fenced area of the yard to play in then taught them to look both ways, etc, etc."

In the ensuing silence, I couldn't help but think "So, you expect more of your dogs than you do of your children, eh?" So often this is the case – the average lifespan of those "stupid" dogs being about two years.

Sawyer was fortunate. His owners wanted him to live a long life. He is an example of a dog for whom everything was done correctly, but he still got out onto the road for that one split second that ended in tragedy. Luckily he's one of the ones who had a happy ending.

Sawyer

By Krista Allison

Growing up as Dr. Drost's niece, I was conditioned to care about animals. There was no getting around it. Over the years I have brought home many strays. How could I leave them where they were when they were so scared and alone? My parents were very accepting of my ways, always letting me give these poor creatures a temporary place to stay. I have not changed as I've gotten older, and I am always moved by what homeless dogs and cats must endure.

My boyfriend and I had just purchased our first home and he had given me "Permission" to get a dog. I knew, of course, that I would be headed straight to DunRoamin'. The second I laid eyes on Sawyer I knew he was coming home with me. He had been hit by a car and had suffered two broken legs. He was lying there in his casts and he looked so pitiful. I walked up to him and he immediately started licking me. His personality was shining through his injuries. I had to wait two months to get him, and, since I had moved to Ontario, my sister took care of him until I could get back to Florenceville to get him. She was in love, and I was sure she would be reluctant to give him up. This turned out to be a trend. Sawyer has yet to meet anyone who doesn't love him. He loves to go next door and greet our neighbours, and we like to joke that he can't hold his ‘licker'. He is always eager to push himself up against anyone who will give him love.

Our only problem with Sawyer was he craved companionship from other canines. We eventually gave in and adopted an eight-week-old very skinny puppy from our local SPCA. We named her Edna, and, like any little sister, she is in awe of everything he does. She loves to sleep on top of him and follows him wherever he goes. My dogs are both very loving and well behaved. I hope that if you are looking for a great companion you will go to www.bekindtogodscreatures.com and give a loving homeless cat or dog a chance. I did, and it is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.