Tag
Tag was just a puppy when he was found emaciated under a porch. While his heart never wavered, his body was just too weak. He passed away after a week of what may have been the most love he had ever been shown. We have written Tag’s story many times and rather than tell it one more time, instead we would like to print this letter from one of Tag’s caregivers.
You were taken from us too soon. Never able to know the true love of a “family”. Tragedy struck so shortly after you came to us. You were loved unconditionally in the short time that we had you; it’s tragic to think the most love you saw only came after you arrived at a shelter. When you walked in the door, our hearts broke for you, like they have for so may. You touched everyone you met, no matter how weak or sick, you would always wag your tail and try to give a kiss. You were the most peaceful laying your head on someone’s chest.
These were the moments that we knew brought you comfort.
Sadly, you came to us too late. What had been done by the people before could not be undone by us, we tried so hard, and you fought as long as you could. Your spirit and bravery are greater than most. No matter how much you hurt, you never let it show. In your last day many tears were shed by everyone you had touched. Your sad eyes, your sweet kisses, your gentle tail wag will forever be in the hearts of all who cared for you. We will never forget what happened to you. We will never forget the life you were robbed. We will never forget all you suffered in the five months of your life. Most importantly, we will never forget you, and we will continue fighting to help as many others as we can. Every time we look into the soft brown eyes of a pit bull, we will see you, and every time we see the smile of a dog, we will see you shining back at us letting us know you overlook all the dogs that come into our care.
You were robbed of so much, but you gave your all. You reminded us why we are here, why we don’t give up and of all the others that need to be saved.
Thank you Tag for everything you showed us in your short time, for everything you had to give up. Thank you for warming our hearts and humbling our souls. You live in our work. We miss you and you will never be forgotten.
Blink
Blink was abandoned at the shelter with a litter of kittens in 2007. Her babies were adopted quickly, leaving her at the shelter to wait for her own forever home. It turned out to be a long wait and, like most long-term residents, became a big favorite among staff and volunteers. Blink could be very sweet, but was also shy and liked to spend her time with the feral cats. We all knew that it would take a very special person to adopt Blink, but also that they would be greatly rewarded for it. Just in time for the holidays this past winter, that special person appeared and now Blink is living in her forever home. It’s always hard to say goodbye to a favorite, but there’s also no happier moment.
Grampy
Grampy was rescued just in time. After almost being hit by a car several times, Grampy was scooped up by a kind person and brought to us. Even though he was 12 years old, Grampy always had a lot of energy, especially if he heard the treats bag. With his teddy bear-like appearance, it was hard to resist falling in love with him. It soon became clear that he needed extensive dental work, but that didn’t bring his spirits down at all and it didn’t scare away the family that adopted him. He is now living happily in his new home and will be going to the dentist very soon.
Alex
Alex had the distinction of having lived at the shelter longer than any other cat, not a prize any animal wants to win. While he was very shy, Alex could be incredibly loving. He enjoyed being talked to and, when his foster mom’s imagination started faltering, he often listened to Sherlock Holmes stories. Alex is a testament to the importance of foster homes. As his illness progressed it became clear that the shelter was too stressful an environment for him. Even though he passed away in the end, having a foster home allowed him to be comfortable and happy for his last few months.
Truffles
Truffles is a little dog with a huge personality. This poor girl came to MHS with skin allergies so severe she would scratch until she bled. She will likely always need some supportive care for her skin, but she’s feeling so much better now and has long since grown her hair back. (And in this cold weather, she needs it!) Now that she isn’t so concentrated on itching all the time, her real personality is starting to come out. She loves to sit on laps and gives kisses and has endless amounts of energy. It was hard not to fall in love with Truffles right from the start, you try resisting a dog who looked as pathetic as she did, and hopefully this year she’ll be well enough to find her own forever home.
Caden and Pasta
Both Caden and Pasta lived difficult lives outdoors before coming to MHS and it resulted in both testing positive for FIV. Caden was brought in with a horrible wound on his neck from being attacked by a dog and Pasta was humanely trapped in a feral colony. Despite their different backgrounds, they got along great. Both proved to be very cuddly and would rub up on people at any opportunity. FIV can be scary to potential adopters, but once you learn the facts it isn’t scary at all. Thankfully for these two big boys, their FIV didn’t scare off their new family. They were adopted together and have settled wonderfully into their new home.
