It doesn't take a nuclear physicist -

Today Mom's on a tangent, but with very good reason.  This post isn't just for those of you who are dog lovers, this one is for anyone who has ever thought of owning a pet.

Being a dog owner isn't about having a flashy accessory available at your convenience.  Being a dog owner is not about the first fifteen minutes of puppy love.  Over time that puppy will become a dog and that dog will continue to need your care for the next fifteen years.  If you can't provide that, you do not need a dog.

A lot of people see a movie depicting a human/dog relationship and think they want that too.  That is not a reason to get a dog.  That relationship was not formed in the first few weeks of being together, but in all of the ups and downs walked through together in the years that follow.  Can you invest that time?  If not, you do not need a dog.

Being a responsible dog owner includes (but is certainly not limited to):
Providing food, water, shelter, and medical care, but also, providing time, attention, and love.

Being a responsible dog owner means spaying or neutering your pet (unless you are a responsible breeder - and that is a different blog all together).  If you can not afford a one time operation for your dog, you can not afford to own a dog.  And you most certainly can not afford to care for the litters of puppies that will be coming your way if you opt not to spay or neuter.

My needs aren't that different from yours.  I require food, water, shelter, and LOVE.

We would like to introduce you to a special little girl.  This is Mello Yello (affectionately called Melody by mom).

Melody is a golden retriever/lab mix who was abandoned this week at a vet clinic.  (The same clinic Kudzu came from.)  She was found outside in some bushes as the employees made their way into the office.  Perhaps someone thought they were being kind leaving her where her needs could be tended, but let's be honest people - veterinary hospitals are just like everyone else:  THEY WORK OFF OF A BUDGET.  There just simply aren't enough resources to care for every pet that is carelessly dropped off on their door steps.  Had a foster home not been found for Melody, there would have been no option but to euthanize her. 

Melody's injuries are somewhat severe.  What happened to her is anybodies guess.  Was she dropped, thrown, ran over, tortured?  We'll never know.  What we do know is that in addition to a bruise on her eye, her right front leg is broken just above the knee cap, and the tendon is torn in her right, hind leg.  She has begun to heal but can only walk a short distance before tiring out and needing to rest.  The veterinarian who examined Melody believes that she will make a full recovery within a month. 

Animals are not disposable.  They require a commitment.  If you can't make that commitment, please do not add a pet to your home.  Abandoning an animal when they are no longer of use to you is not acceptable.  It is cruel.

A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.  Proverbs 12:10

 Melody will be available for adoption once she is healed.  If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about her, email us at:  agapepuppylove@gmail.com