Possible Stepping-On-Toes Ahead. Proceed With Caution.

I'm going to apologize now for any toes I may step on, any feelings I might bruise, or any offense that may be taken.  That being said - I need to get this off my chest and I can't do it in my normally diplomatic way.  Please know that I'm not passing judgment on anyone and I do respect your opinions and feelings, but right now I need to scream...

The dogs make me sad too!! 

It makes me sad that there is a sweet dog that just gave birth to 9 precious puppies that will most likely find homes long before she does.

It makes me sad that there is another mama dog in boarding who led an animal control officer to where her pups were located because she was malnourished and couldn't keep her pups safe.   Her babies have been adopted - she is still waiting.

It makes me sad that dogs all over this country are being put into shelters because their owners have  "lifestyle change" or it's "too much responsibility" ... or best one yet - "moving." 

It makes me sad that pure-bred litters are dumped at a rescue.

It makes me sad that a dog is listed as un-adoptable simply because of it's breed. 

It makes me sad that thousands of dogs are euthanized in shelters across this country because they are out of room.  And that cycle doesn't ever stop - make room, run out of space, make room ....

It makes me sad that this problem isn't going away anytime soon as long as there is no legislation to shut down puppy mills.

It makes me sad that we have to be careful when we do adopt dogs out because there are people out there looking for cheap bait dogs.

It makes me sad that because it's uncomfortable to look at people choose to look away.

It makes me sad that people keep buying that adorable little puppy - rather than adopting the sweet, loving and loyal 1-2 year old.

It makes me sad that there simply aren't enough homes and people willing to help to save them all.

It makes me sad - so I try to do something to help the dogs find happiness.

It makes me sad that I can't do more.

And then comes a message from someone who is so thankful for their newly adopted dog and how blessed they feel to have found them, or the friend who out of nowhere offers to help you pay for surgery for your rescued dog, or an anonymous donation of food and toys, or the pic of a small child placing a loving kiss on a pitbull's head, or the news that one more got adopted today - and the sadness goes away and is replaced with the motivation to continue on.

I don't judge.  I don't place blame.  I'm not trying to point fingers.  I don't think less of anyone.  I get it.  I change the channel when the ASPCA commercials come on too. 

All I ask is if you choose to not look at it, please don't ignore it.  If you have pets, please spay/neuter them.  If you are considering a new fur-friend for your family - please check PetFinder, your local shelter, rescue groups, etc rather than buying.  Consider a happy and healthy older dog instead of a puppy. 

And one day all the dog pics will be ones everyone wants to see because it makes them happy.