When Harriett and I agreed to take Donald, Pluto, and Daisy as fosters we knew there was a very good chance they will not make it. We still don’t know how their story will end, but we go into each foster situation with an idea of how things will turn out. Over the years about 12% of our foster animals have died, though almost all of those were years ago, before CCHS had a staff veterinarian. The animals we work with are high risk. Most of them have had poor nutrition and often have never seen a vet or had proper vaccinations, prenatal care, or heartworm tests or medication.
Frankly, I considered not posting about Donald, Pluto, and Daisy because the odds are against them from the start. We decided to include them here because I want a record for myself of what we do and also to let everyone know that not all stories from an animal shelter are about cute, cuddly puppies or big goofy adults. The public doesn’t usually see this side of sheltering, yet these things happen at open admission animal shelters all the time.
So the question I have for everyone is, do you want me to post about all of the foster animals we take in, or only the ones that we’re pretty sure will have a good outcome? There’s a poll at the top of the left hand column and I would appreciate it if you would take a second to let me know your opinion.
I don't look at what you do in the blog and on the puppycam as entertainment (although there's no denying pups are tons of fun!). I for one have learned a lot from Pupsispups; kindness and the best in human behavior (amazing fosters and the community of "aunties" who love pups they have never met), to the worst and most inexplicable in human behavior (mistreatment and abondonment of helpless animals).Please continue to allow us to share in your journey...happy or sad.... SM
ReplyDeleteI think it's good to show both sides of what you do. Three of the cats I adopted from the shelter died. Two of heart related issues and 1 from FIV. I didn't have them for very long. But I gave them the best life they could ever have, in the time we had together. It would be nice if every animal had a long healthy life with good owners, but that's not always possible. I know the animals in your care, are being well taken care of and loved. I appreciate everything you do for them.
ReplyDeleteI hope you continue with all the posts, and I hope people will understand that it's not always a happy ending. We all need to know that, and anyone thinking of becoming a foster parent, or even volunteering at a shelter, has to understand that they will see and hear sad stories. But that's why we do this - not just to save as many as we can, but also to comfort those that we can't save.
ReplyDeleteI think it's important to blog about all animals, even the ones that may not have a favorable outcome. While of course we'd rather hear of healthy animals finding wonderful homes, it's my opinion that it's important to know that that's not always the case. It also raises awareness to the public of certain medical conditions, etc.
ReplyDeleteI, for one, and really rooting for these 3! And I'm back today specifically to see how they are doing. I know that there's a chance that I'll check in, and one of them will have crossed the rainbow bridge. But, its heartwarming to hear about their time with you. And like everyone else, I really appreciate the information that you provide in your posts! Devin - mom of Grover(Champ) - adopted from CUHS Oct 09'
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