When I met Moose, it was obvious there was something wrong with him. He couldn't stop panting, taking in deep gasps of air. I'd seen something similar before in my own dog, Stella, when she was suffering from heart failure. Lungs filling up with fluid, couldn't get enough oxygen into the bloodstream, and thus the panting.
I was surprised Moose was even in adoption but the alternative would be what? Another check by the vet, some x-rays and tests to confirm his poor health and then a final needle into his leg?
That's what I was expecting to hear this morning when I phoned in to ask about him, that I'd be writing his obituary. Instead, I was told, a few phone calls were made, a vet authorization was given, an opening was found and Moose, an old dog abandoned by his owners when he needed them most, is going to Lab Rescue.
I don't know what the future holds in store for Moose. I don't know how his prognosis will turn out. But I know that whatever happens, his last days, whether many or few, will be lived in a comfortable house with compassionate people who will carry him to the end.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
· [Print]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A request
The reason for this blog is to help get specific dogs adopted from TAS but equally important is to try to normalize the idea of shelter dogs being just as good and just as desirable as any other dogs including those which are regularly merchandised by backyard breeders, puppy millers and those few remaining pet store owners who still feel a need to sell live animals. The single greatest stigma shelter animals still face is the belief that shelter animals are substandard animals. Anyone who has had enough experience with shelter animals knows this is untrue but the general public hasn't had the same experiences you've had. They see a nice dog photo in a glossy magazine and too many of them would never think of associating that dog with a dog from a shelter. After all, no one abandons perfectly good dogs, right? Unfortunately, as we all know, perfectly good dogs are abandoned all the time.
The public still too often associates shelter dogs with images of beat up, sick, dirty, severely traumatized animals and while we definitely sometimes see victims such as these, they are certainly not the majority and, regardless, even the most abused animals can very often be saved and made whole again.
Pound Dogs sometimes discusses the sad histories some of the dogs have suffered. For the most part, though, it tries to present the dogs not as victims but as great potential family members. The goal is to raise the profiles of animals in adoption centers so that a potential pet owner sees them as the best choice, not just as the charity choice.
So, here's the favour I'm asking. Whenever you see a dog picture on these pages you think is decent enough, I'd like you to consider sharing it on Facebook or any other social media sites you're using (I know many of you do this already and thank you for that). And when you share it, please mention that the dog in the photo is a shelter dog like so many other shelter dogs waiting for a home. If we can get even five percent of the pet buying public to see shelter dogs differently, to see how beautiful they are and how wonderful they are, and to consider shelter dogs as their first choice for a new family member, we can end the suffering of homeless pets in this country.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The public still too often associates shelter dogs with images of beat up, sick, dirty, severely traumatized animals and while we definitely sometimes see victims such as these, they are certainly not the majority and, regardless, even the most abused animals can very often be saved and made whole again.
Pound Dogs sometimes discusses the sad histories some of the dogs have suffered. For the most part, though, it tries to present the dogs not as victims but as great potential family members. The goal is to raise the profiles of animals in adoption centers so that a potential pet owner sees them as the best choice, not just as the charity choice.
So, here's the favour I'm asking. Whenever you see a dog picture on these pages you think is decent enough, I'd like you to consider sharing it on Facebook or any other social media sites you're using (I know many of you do this already and thank you for that). And when you share it, please mention that the dog in the photo is a shelter dog like so many other shelter dogs waiting for a home. If we can get even five percent of the pet buying public to see shelter dogs differently, to see how beautiful they are and how wonderful they are, and to consider shelter dogs as their first choice for a new family member, we can end the suffering of homeless pets in this country.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Search this blog
Toronto area animal shelters
TAS South on facebook
2012 Pound Dog Calendars
Archives
-
▼
2012
(276)
-
▼
October
(23)
- Spike - Yellow Labrador Retriever
- Dizzy - Golden Retriever
- Pacey - Australian Cattle Dog mix
- Angel - Beagle mix
- Lily - Schnauzer Dachshund mix
- Beauty - German Shepherd Husky mix
- Sadie - Labrador Retriever mix
- Doby - Doberman Pinscher
- Sharpei - Vincent
- Chico - Jack Russell Terrier mix
- Jenny - Pomeranian
- Snooker - Beagle mix
- Candy - Pomeranian
- These three are safe
- Bat - Labrador mix
- Jaida - Labrador Retriever mix
- Molson - American Eskimo Dog
- Benjamin - Miniature Poodle
- Update on Magoo
- Moose - Chocolate Labrador Retriever
- Eddie - Rottweiler Bassett Hound mix
- Penny - Sharpei Pug Puppy
- Rocky - Miniature Poodle
-
▼
October
(23)
My other blogs
Animal rescue blogs
-
What's That?5 years ago
-
Late Night Musings: Clearing the Shelters5 years ago
-
-
Simon Loves the Snow!7 years ago
-
May your words make it so!
with so much sadness in the animal world it helps to hear that there really are people who care. People like the ones at Lab Rescue who will make sure Moose feels loved and cared for until the end. Praise be for such people!!!!!!!!
You have a way with words that causes me to regularly reach for Kleenex. I cannot wish for more for Moose, to be loved and cared for, for however long he may have.
Lab Rescue is a GREAT group. We had a *huge* 6 month old European lab who came in with hip dysplasia in both back legs, and they not only contributed to getting him to Canada, but found him a forever home before his first birthday with people who were willing to pay for hip replacements when he was fully grown! And, they sent us pictures of him romping in the woods with his play buddies afterwards. I am so happy for Moose that they took him on -- he will be treated with love and respect.
It is very likely that this situation is the best possible outcome for Moose - because he will now get the medical attention he needs. So glad rescue has taken him!
I hope he keeps well. Poor old Moose. A fitting name for him. He is a very sweet strong dog. I wish him the best. Im happy he'll get medical attention and a good caring home for the rest of his days. Hope he has many left comfortable and happy ones!
Moose had a super weekend with his foster family and is so happy to be out of the shelter environment. We also had a delightful family apply to adopt him and if all goes well he will be in his new home next weekend. He goes for his x-rays tomorrow so we can investigate the heavy breathing but regardless of the outcome - yes he is safe with lab rescue. www.lab-rescue.ca follow us on face book by searching for Labrador Retriever Adoption Service - a Registered Charitable Organization
Wonderful news Anon. Fingers crossed for Moose and thanks for the great work you guys do.
Hi Fred, thank you for starting the blogspot on moose, it gave him the exposure he needed to get the adoption application into the rescue. Laura - Lab Rescue