It’s an inevitable fact that people, as well as animals, grow old. Sometimes this leads to our pets being achier and slower, and their naps being longer than usual, but that’s certainly not a reason to get rid of them. The beauty is at growing older together, and those who truly love their pets know that adoption is for life.
Facebook/Laura Garrick
An employee at the Los Angeles Animal Services North Central Facility in California was so upset when an older man brought his sweet and loyal dog Canela to the shelter. They had grown old together, but he had decided it was time for them to part ways.
“She don’t do nothing no more.”
Facebook/Laura Garrick
Laura Garrick was listening and recording the man surrendering his dog at the shelter. He told everyone that she is a “great dog.”
In fact, he had gotten Canela from that very shelter 15 years ago he said, and guessed her to be 18. But the workers gently commented that they didn’t think she was 18.
Nonetheless, the man insisted that she just didn’t have the get-up-and-go that she used to. He was giving her up not because he couldn’t afford to care for her any longer or physically couldn’t meet her needs…
It was because she laid around all the time instead, even though she was still a wonderful companion. He had decided enough was enough — but yet he sat there, petting her head.
“…but she don’t do nothing no more — she don’t chase the cats.”
Laura commented that the dog seemed very frightened at that moment. Canela knew that something was going on and it wasn’t going to end well for her.
As she tucked her tail between her legs, shaking with fear, the man turned around and left her there with strangers. He walked out the door without a second thought about the dog that had been a part of his life –and he hers — for 13 years, leaving Laura shaking her head.
“Thirteen-year-old senior, spayed and so pretty…”
After Laura shared the video, she later posted that Canela had been picked up by Leave No Paws Behind. The organization rescues dogs, especially seniors and animals with special medical needs, and places them with foster families until they are adopted or no longer living.
Canela is blessed to live out her final days, weeks or months with her new foster family. That’s wonderful news!
Facebook/Laura Garrick
But sadly, her story could have had a much different outcome…
https://www.facebook.com/lgarrick/videos/10155785607376628/
