Tuesday, July 10, 2012

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.




14 comments:

Diana said...

Im so glad you rescued her. And she is having the life she should have.
At least the person dropped her at the shelter. Lots of time , here anyway, people just dump them in the woods. They think the dog can find food on its own and then wont be put to sleep. Instead it starves to death or gets hit by a car.
Thanks for rescuing "Sadie". She now knows what it is to be loved. And loves you back. That other family will never know what they lost out on.

Nicki said...

Same thing happens here too. Some people suck more than others huh?

Greg S said...

Generally people suck.
My Skye dog was left in a park near Denver tied to a tree. Guess the idiot thought maybe someone would come along and 'save' him. Thankfully someone in the local border collie rescue ended up with him and he ended up as one of our fosters.
I know how you feel about those unknown idiots who can just walk away. I hope they get what they deserve some day.

By the way, the 'Prove you are not a robot' post verification really is crap - I had to scroll through about 20 of them before I could sort-a read one!

chezsmom said...

Well that made me cry! Legend, you are so lucky to have Nicki for your mom! You are a fantastic dog!

Nicki said...

Gred-I agree on that verification thing. The new format is terrible. I've been thinking about taking that off since I get so mad everytime I have to do it on someone elses blog!

Also agreed on the people generally suck thing.

Paws on the Run said...

Great post!!!

Blue said...

Love this!!! So glad she's living the life she deserves now :-)

Paint Girl said...

People make me so angry. I don't get how people can "dispose" of a perfectly healthy, good dog!!
I am so glad that you were there to take her and give her the home she deserves!!! There needs to be more people out there like you!!

Charlene and Storm said...

fantastic post, well done on making one little girls life so special. i read something just the other day. to make a dog happy doesnt change the world but it does change there world xxx

Sara said...

This is wonderful! I'm so glad that Legend found you, and vice versa.

tervnmal said...

Wonderful post! Legend's start in life with that idiot was just a speed bump on the way to finding you.

Kim W said...

I feel this way about people who "rehome" their dogs on craigslist. It's nice that they are making slightly more effort to see their pet gets a good home but now it's MY dog and they no longer have any right to be involved. If they wanted to be involved then they shouldn't have given the pet up in the first place.

However that said, thanks so much to the idiot who got a puppy and gave him up at 3-4 months old to me.

Border Collie Mom said...

you tell 'em!
I always wish I could find Jake's previous owner. And give him a good swift kick. But then I remember that Jake has moved on, and I am the big winner. But still... just one good swift kick would make me feel better.

Kathy Mocharnuk said...

ya know Legend is one lucky girl, and we all know she was meant for you, I am just sorry she had to take a detour on her way to you. Just seems there is no shame in people not having an animal or pet...so if your life is not set up for one, esp a breed like a border collie, just go visit a friend with a dog every once in awhile but dont mess with these poor little souls. Glad at least the lady with "Sadie" gave her up because that is how she got the best life, but it is scary becaause she put her in such great risk. What about what ever nut bred her and then picked that home for her and must not have kept track so that she could have taken her back and assured her safety ughghghggh.