Hi everyone. I hope that my title caught your eye enough for you to read my post. First of let me tell you that I live in Canada, to be specific Edmonton, Alberta. I have an abundance of pets, most of which were given to me by people who no longer wanted them or we adopted them from the Edmonton Humane Society (SPCA). I do however have two pets that were purchased from a pet store, this was before I became a regular visitor at the SPCA, I will never purchase from a pet store again. My list of pets is:

2 dogs
3 rabbits
1 bird
1fish

I would love to adopt more but I’m running out of room.

So what is the purpose of my post you ask? Well, I check the SPCA website everyday, specifically to check on a dog named Boots. We adopted our 2nd rabbit around 8 months ago, Boots was at the pound when we went there, and he is still there today. Boots is an 8-year-old border collie cross, his specifics are not listed on the site as they are updating it but I know them all too well. Boots cannot be in a household with other pets or small children (under 16 years old) he would do best with an older childless couple. Boots is 8 years old so he’s lived more life than he has left and has spent at least 8 months (that I know of) at the pound. When you look into Boots eyes you see a dog that has lost all hope, why bother looking cute and wagging your tail, most people just pass him by to look at the puppies or younger dogs. Boots needs a home that is why I’m writing this.

Let me just say that the Edmonton Humane Society does a wonderful job, most of their funds come from donations, most of their staff are volunteers. There is an overabundance of animals coming in everyday; they all need to find their forever homes. Please help.

If you are looking for a pet please, please, do not impulse buy, always research the pet that you are adopting, never ever get a pet because “Oooh, it’s soooooo cute!”. All puppies, kittens, bunnies etc. grow up. All animals have behavior problems when they are young, they need us to teach them what is acceptable in our world, through love and patience. If you adopt an animal make sure that you can commit to keeping the animal for it’s whole life span, if you have even a tiny doubt than do not adopt the animal. Have all your pets spayed or neutered, leave the breeding up to the breeders, there are too many unwanted pets in the world. Please, these animals cannot help themselves, it is up to all of us animal lovers to put a stop to this.

Anyway, my main concern is Boots, if you live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and are looking for a dog (or any pet for that matter) and you fit the criteria please consider Boots as a pet. I would like to know that his last few years on this earth are spent in his forever home with loving arms around him. And if you are thinking of adopting a pet for your family, consider an animal from your local pound. Remember that all animals grow up, puppies, kittens etc. are always adopted, consider an older pet, they spend the longest time in the pound and need a loving family the most (in my opinion). And lastly, remember, pets are not disposable.

Thank you for listening.

Here is the Edmonton Humane Society webpage: www.edmontonhumanesociety.com

Altenmeg, your compassion is phenomenal.
As of right now, I wish I lived in Edmonton.
I do hope your words are heard by someone who has the room in their home and heart.

remember, pets are not disposable

I know, just recently there were news articles showing that many people who are foreclosed on in the US, leave their homes often with their pets left behind in them. I have had several renters though the years move out and leave their pets , it is so sad

Altenmeg, your compassion is phenomenal.
As of right now, I wish I lived in Edmonton.
I do hope your words are heard by someone who has the room in their home and heart.


Thank you and I wish you lived in Edmonton too, but remember, there is probably an animal shelter near you if you are looking to add an animal companion to your life. Also, it's a well known fact that people with pets live longer and are happier.:) No pressure, just something to think about.;)

Altenweg I think this is a wonderful post. Does your t.v. stations have a segment that spotlights their shelter dogs? If not maybe you could contact a station and give them an idea for a show such as this. It is normally 5 or 10 minutes on the local news. Some stations let the animals sit with the broadcasters during the news programs. These shows have very good in getting help for the ASPCA.
See if you can get a pic of Boots and put it up in the local pet store. A few of the petstores that don't sell dogs and cats will allow this. Maybe look into this. I really hope he gets adopted.

Altenweg I think this is a wonderful post. Does your t.v. stations have a segment that spotlights their shelter dogs? If not maybe you could contact a station and give them an idea for a show such as this. It is normally 5 or 10 minutes on the local news. Some stations let the animals sit with the broadcasters during the news programs. These shows have very good in getting help for the ASPCA.
See if you can get a pic of Boots and put it up in the local pet store. A few of the petstores that don't sell dogs and cats will allow this. Maybe look into this. I really hope he gets adopted.

We actually do have a TV station that does this, unfortunately I don't think Boots has ever been featured, maybe because of his age and credentials. I did write to the SPCA yesterday and asked if there was anything that Boots needed that I could provide, they haven't written back yet. I'll keep you all posted.

Aww I wish I could rescue a dog but I don't have the time to commit or a house with a garden. Maybe one day...

I hope Boots finds a good home, poor wee mite.

Thank you all for your compassion for Boots, I'm going to try and post a picture of hime, hope it works.

6085

Great post Altenweg

I really hope Boots finds a family soon.

I hear you, but also many people who would like to rescue a dog don't have the means to sustain it and give it a proper life. So in my opinion there are numerous people out there who would rescue an animal, but perhaps they're not the right person. I have a dog and if I ever had to put him up for adoption I sure wouldn't like him to end up somewhere his needs wouldn't be met. Or in a place in which he wouldn't be treated good.

I've rescued and adopted two teenage cats who came to my front door wanting food. I found my soulmate at a local cat shelter (actually, he chose me). Our fourth cat came from my son's friend's litter of kittens. If I had a bigger house, I'd take in more. Alley Cat Allies and Best Friends work with local shelters on Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, but many communities are still not convinced this system works for stray and feral cats.

I hope Boots finds a family who loves him.

Sorry I don't live in canada but I like dogs

I have done both . My recent spaniel I purchased from the pet store . My border collie/Aussie Shepard mix I got from a shelter . He has been a faithful family member for 10 years . Despite the monthly epilepsy about he has been a Godsend to our family.

Recommended reading... Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish

Amazon.com: Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish: Books: Mark R. Levin (http://www.amazon.com/Rescuing-Sprite-Lovers-Story-Anguish/dp/1416559132)

I hear you, but also many people who would like to rescue a dog don't have the means to sustain it and give it a proper life. So in my opinion there are numerous people out there who would rescue an animal, but perhaps they're not the right person. I have a dog and if i ever had to put him up for adoption i sure wouldn't like him to end up somewhere his needs wouldn't be met. Or in a place in which he wouldn't be treated good.

Boots physical needs are being met, he has a warm cage, food and water, but there just aren't enough volunteers or staff at the shelter to meet his emotional needs, those can only be met by a family. I myself would adopt boots but because of his criteria I cannot. I have two dogs and two children 5 and 9 so they wouldn't even look at us as likely candidates. I think his age and his needs are both preventing him from finding his forever home. I posted this so that more people could be made aware of Boots and his plight and in the hopes that someone who was looking for a dog and met Boots criteria and lived in Edmonton, would see this and maybe consider Boots as a pet. It's a long wish list but you never know, it just might work. Thank you all for reading this and for your kind posts on Boots behalf, I hope he finds his home soon.:)

Thanks for the book I will read it

The Edmonton Humane society has finally finished updating it's site and this is what the have posted for Boots:

"SPECIAL PET IN NEED!

Handsome and Affectionate Canine Bachelor Awaits his Retirement Home!

Boots seeks a loving and patient adopter to tame his frightful heart. The perfect gentleman, Boots is strong, affectionate, and sweet. Even though he is considered a senior, he absolutely loves to run, chase, and return a ball (it's possible that you'll grow tired long before he does!). After an energizing game of fetch, Boots will be ready to lie at your feet and bask in the glory of being with you.

Although Boots tolerates other dogs at a distance, he's really not all that into the dog scene. A canine-free home would be ideal for this "set in his ways" guy. Boots would likely settle nicely into a home with older children, just remember to teach the kids proper dog handling manners.

Some stability, lots of love and a steady stream of milk bones should go a long way and before you know it, he'll build his trust in you and he'll no longer be a cowardly lion. He'll have c-c-courage!

WALLFLOWER: Shy yet charming canine searching for patient owner with relaxed lifestyle. Looking for gentle guidance to help me come out of my shell. Treat me sweet and kind and I'll blossom."

Altenweg, that is extremely well written! With luck, he will be placed soon!

I adopted my current kitty from the streets (a while ago).
She was abandoned at an area apartment complex and was existing by raiding garbage cans. She is tremendously loving and since having a solid home and living as an indoor cat (she is fixed) she is clean and healthy.
At first she didn't have a "voice" and could barely gurgle out sounds but within a short time, she has found her stride and is quite comfy.

Actually my own dog has the same problem. He cannot be around other animals. When we moved into an apartment I was really thinking about giving him up for adoption but knowing his criteria, I thought it would be a hard thing to do. Especially find a home that not only meets the criteria but a home in which he will be treated will all the care I would give him. I wanted to give him something better than what I was able to do not get him into a worse situation. Never do I really want to give him up because I love him so much, but if I ever have to, in order for him to find a better home, then I'm up for it. Just that I know it won't be an easy thing.

The sad thing is that an older animal is always harder to place, not only because they are set in their ways but because most of their life has already been lived. Boots is 8 1/2 years old and he is a large breed which means he probably only has around 4 years of life left. I understand why people want puppies, you can mold them to your lifestyle and enjoy their entire life span with them. I just wish that this old gent could find his home, he deserves it. The good thing about the Edmonton Humane society is that they do not destroy healthy adoptable animals. Adoptable means, non-aggressive etc. Boots is healthy and adoptable so I don't think he will be euthanised, I just hope he doesn't have to live the remainder of his life in a cage. Thanks again for all your animal stories and for expressing your sympathy for Boots. My dream (if I ever win the lottery) is to buy 40 acres and open a no-kill animal shelter, Boots would be my first priority.

The Trixie Foundation :: Appalachia's Animal Protection Organization (http://www.thetrixiefoundation.org/news/082001kypet.htm) Alten You may be intrested in this site, this all began as a memorial to his dog Trixie. Kentucky has a really bad rep regarding their laws and treatment of animlas this man is slowly changing things.

I'm from Edmonton Altenweg, and we went to the SPCA... We also fell in love with boots, but it was recommended that he be with a family with older children, my daughter is 3 and loves to wrestle with puppies. She trusts them fully and wouldn't understand not to pull a tail or hull on a collar. Its so sad to see Boot's is still not adopted. That's eight years of wisdom in that old puppy. Just wanted you to know that we know how you feel. Right now we have a golden retriever cross G lab, a parrot and a cat we saved from there that we are trying to find a home for. This poor kitty is living in our basement, we keep an ad out for people to adopt the little girl, but she's 5 years old and with all the free kittens out there, it's a lost cause. You can post an ad on Kijiji Edmonton Classifieds: Free Classified Ads for Edmonton, Alberta (http://edmonton.kijiji.ca/) and I bet you may find him a home in a week. Just tell the same story you did here. Go to Free pets and it's that easy. Anybody looking for an almost free dog will see your ad! And I'll keep working on this dog hating cat.

Just a suggestion... if you could swing it, pay his adoption fee. We got one of our cats this way. I want to volunteer at our local shelter, but have been forbidden because I'd come home with every animal in the place. Plus I'd be crying every night. If you knit, crochet, or sew, you could make some pet snuggies. I have the pattern sites some where. My email should be on my profile. Send me a line and when I find my links, I'll send them to you. If you don't, maybe a local church group does, or maybe senior citizens in a retirement home could. Then donate them. I hope boots finds a good home.

Gregg Quinn - Great Idea, I'll look into it. I wrote the SPCA last week and asked if there was anything I could do for boots, a new doggy bed, chew toys or even allowing me to come in and sit with him, pet him, give him some of my time, they haven't written me back yet. My kids are 5 and 9 and I have two dogs already, otherwise I would adopt Boots in a second. I hope you find a home for your kitty, my husband and son are both allergic otherwise I would adopt a cat too. We are thinking of adopting another rabbit next month (we already have 3) they are hard to place and usually end up being returned to the pound because people have no idea how to handle them or train them. Good luck, maybe I'll see you at the SPCA one day.:)

just a suggestion...if you could swing it, pay his adoption fee. we got one of our cats this way. I want to volunteer at our local shelter, but have been forbidden b/c i'd come home with every animal in the place. plus I'd be crying every night. If you knit, crochet, or sew, you could make some pet snuggies. I have the pattern sites some where. My email should be on my profile. send me a line and when I find my links, i'll send them to you. if you don't, maybe a local church group does, or maybe senior citizens in a retirement home could. then donate them. I hope boots finds a good home.

I actually found a great pattern for a doggie bed and I'm buying the material this weekend, I'll make as many as I can and bring them to the SPCA when I'm done. I know how you feel about volunteering, I'd have to get a bigger house or an acreage because I'd end up with a shelter full of animals at home. I checked the site again and Boots is still there, poor old guy I hope he finds a home soon.

I started a new post with this story by Jim Willis, I thought I'd put it here too. Warning, if you love animals it will make you cry.

How Could You?by Jim Willis
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 bellyrub. My housebreaking 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 and 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 and 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, and 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, 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 and 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. And 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 directed at 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. The End


Copyright Jim Willis 2001 A note from the author: If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly owned pets who die each year in America's shelters. Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for a non-commercial purpose, as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice. Please use it to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. I appreciate receiving copies of newsletters which reprint "How Could You?" or "The Animals' Savior," sent to me at the last postal address below. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious. Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay & neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals. If you are a member of an animal welfare organization, I encourage you to participate in the Spay/Neuter Billboard Campaign from ISAR (International Society for Animal Rights); for more information, please visit: www.i-s-a-r.com Thank you,Jim WillisDirector, The Tiergarten Sanctuary Trust,accredited member of The American Sanctuary Association,and Program Coordinator, International Society for Animal Rightse-mail: [email protected]

As I read it... I couldn't stop my tears. Knowing I have a dog that needs me or someone who cares about him and is loyal to him as he is to us. I sure would never want him to go through that.

I actually found a great pattern for a doggie bed and I'm buying the material this weekend, I'll make as many as I can and bring them to the SPCA when I'm done. I know how you feel about volunteering, I'd have to get a bigger house or an acreage because I'd end up with a shelter full of animals at home. I checked the site again and Boots is still there, poor old guy I hope he finds a home soon.

3 ferrets
1 rabbit
1 tortiouse
3 dogs
1 chinchilla
8 cats
Love my furbabies

3 ferrets
1 rabbit
1 tortiouse
3 dogs
1 chinchilla
8 cats
love my furbabies

Wow, congratulations:). We are thinking about adopting another rabbit in the spring, that would bring us up to 4, were we live you are only allowed 2 dogs per household, otherwise I would get another. I also love cats but cannot have any because my son and husband are both allergic. Never had a chinchilla or a tortiouse or ferrets for that matter. I think it's great that you have provided a loving home for so many animals.:)

Alert!

Boots is gone. I checked the Edmonton Humane Society website and Boots isn't there anymore. I tried calling to find out if he's been adopted but all I kept getting was a machine. I emailed them but I haven't gotten a response.

I hope that he found a home and that they didn't end up euthanizing him. He's been there so long, I got used to seeing his face on their site everyday and now I'm worried that the worst has happened.

I just thought I'd let you all know. I hope he's okay.