Dear Stranger

You don't know me, but I know a little about you.  I know you once had a border collie puppy.  I know you probably got her from a newspaper ad, or in a parking lot, or from a friend.  I know this because you were clearly unprepared for this puppy.  A good breeder would have known this, would never have sold her to you or would have taken her back if needed.

I know her name was Sadie.  I know you kept her tied up part of the time.  I know you didn't keep her on heartworm prevention or have enough time for her because you also had a baby.  Or at least that was your excuse.  I know you left her at the shelter when she was just 6 months old.  I know you signed the form saying she could be euthanized.  You knew she could be put to sleep. You knew.  And still you signed it.  And you walked out.  You left a six month old, happy, healthy, puppy behind not knowing if she would ever get out.

I know all this because it's written there on the relinquishment form in my files.  The rescue gave it to me when I adopted "Sadie."

Sometimes I wonder if you ever think about her.  Do you ever wonder if she made it out?  Did she get a good home?  Where is she now? Or maybe you don't care.

You don't deserve to know, but I'll tell you anyway.  She did get out.  She's happy, healthy and has everything she could possibly want or need.  She's never tied up.  She has the best medical care available to her.  She has a big yard, lots of toys and plenty of friends.  She has earned over 30 titles in obedience and agility, is a champion and has been to two national competitions. She loves to swim, play ball, tug on her leash, and even chase her tail.

In fact, I don't think she even remembers you, or your puppy, "Sadie."  And really, why should she?  She didn't mean anything to you.  To you, she was disposable.  A nuisance.  Something you could just walk away from, like a toy you don't play with, shoes you don't wear, a chair you no longer sit on.  But to me, she's everything.  So don't expect to hear from me again.  I'll be too busy with MY dog.  She may look familiar to you, or then again, maybe you have forgotten her, as well.