A friend sent this to me today - I have to admit, it brought tears to my eyes and made me think of the poor dog down the street that we pass on our walks. He (or she) is tied to a dog house and looks like the dog in this letter

I stole your dog today ~Jim Willis~

"I stole your dog today. No, I didn't set a foot on your property, but from the condition of your dog, I can imagine what it looks like...the word "junkyard" comes to mind.

I found her along a road, with a heavy chain wrapped around her neck, still attached to rotten boards from her doghouse, with rusty six-penny nails protruding. Not only did I know that most of the town had already ignored her, judging by where I found her, but I knew that if she had gotten into the woods the "cross" that she dragged behind her would have wrapped around a tree until starvation or thirst killed her. The local populace is usually deaf to the sound or blind to the sight of an animal in need, unless they decide to shoot one for trespassing.

That her ribs showed, that her ears were filthy, that her overall condition was poor and that her coat and eyes were dull, were good indications that you didn't deserve her. But just to make sure, I checked with the local authorities for a report of a missing (unlicensed) dog matching her description and to see if you'd placed a "lost dog" advertisement in the local newspaper. You hadn't, which I can only surmise means that you do not miss her. That's rather convenient, because the fact that she is not spayed, probably unvaccinated, and possibly heartworm positive means that restoring her health could cost me around a thousand dollars.

Perhaps it may be some small comfort to know that she doesn't miss you. In fact, her very act of escape made it clear that she'd had enough of your brand of pet guardianship. It took her about a day to realize that I'm not you, that I won't hurt her, that despite our brief acquaintanceship, I love her. It took two days for her to realize that the other animals who live here accept her and that one of the joys she has been missing has been the companionship of other dogs. It took three days for her to appreciate the ecstasy of a home cooked meal and that a couch is meant to be reclined on, and that she no longer has to sleep outside - in fact, when the thunder starts, she'll get a hug and her ears rubbed, and I'll make a fool of myself with baby talk.

She has a beautiful name now. Already in the first week she has come to look more like she should. Her eyes sparkle and she has learned to wag her tail in greeting. She has stopped flinching when I make a sudden movement, because she knows now that I won't beat her, in fact, she rarely leaves my side. She's even become brave enough to bark at a cat and today I watched from the window as she initiated play with the other dogs. No, it's clear she does not miss you or her former life of neglect on a chain.

Of all the things that have become apparent from my brief relationship with her - such as the forgiving nature of the dog, their wonderful ability to heal and to trust, the fact that love can work miracles - one of the most apparent is what a fool you are. She was possibly the most trusting, loyal and loving being in your life, and you consigned her to a life of filth and loneliness until she made the best choice she's ever made when she broke free. Perhaps her guardian angel helped her escape. Lest anyone should mistake me for an angel, I will admit that one day I hope to be as good as she; I believe she forgave you within the first twenty-four hours of her new life for the about four years of her previous "life," while I still wrestle with the part of me that hopes that one day you will burn in Hell.

It's not clear yet whether she'll remain here or whether I'll find her a loving home where she can count on more individual attention than I can give her, but one thing is certain, this is one bit of stolen "property" who is never returning to you. So sue me, prosecute me, plead with the courts that she is rightfully yours...I'm convinced this is the best "crime" I've ever committed. Hardly anything has pleased me more than the day I stole your dog. I need only look into her beautiful brown eyes to know that she'd defend my decision with her life. If we have one prayer, it is that you will not replace her, and if we have one special day to commemorate together, it is the day I stole your dog and the day she stole my heart."

Wow...

Well that sure cleaned my eyes out! Sad that this does go on in every part of the world. You wonder why people have dogs when all they do is tie them up.
We have rescued a dog from a garage that was closed for the Xmas holidays. A cold (no food or water) and his chain around his neck had to be cut and taken out of his skin where it had grown in. Sad part is that there is no law against it.

a story heard more and more.....rural areas are becoming overwhelmed with loose roaming dogs.
I feel one reason is the high cost to neuter and spay pets. Wish there were more programs for strays and low income families.

in our rural area horses are standing out in pastures starving, owners can afford to feed them and cant give them away let alone sell them. Animal control is overloaded, low on funds and employees.
There are some horses in a bare pasture along a main hwy, people are stopping and throwing hay bales over the fences in hope to feed them for that day.
We found a skinny donkey grazing the road along our pastures, turned out to be some guy few roads away just could not feed his horses anymore so he opened his gates and let them out figuring they would at least find grass somewhere.
Makes my heart break

unfortunately I had to rescue a little GSD pup back several months ago....even though my husband was fighting cancer at the time and we had several dogs I couldn't watch this little guy starve to death because some ignorant un caring person left him when they moved out to fend for himself. when I saw him I thought he was already dead, that was how bad he was.

I did save his life and after putting weight on him and some of his hair grew back GSD Rescue stepped in and help with the rest of medical needs and found him a forever home.

I am thankful I was able to do it, not sure I could have lived with myself if I did nothing.....wouldn't make me much better then the person who left this little guy.

I guess we just have to help where ever we can

Barb, you hit the nail on the head - everyone doing whatever they can to help! I hope your hubby is okay & tks for helping the GSD pup! Rural, I know exactly what you're talking about - we have similar problems in our area too.