I'm not quite sure how it happened, but I take in old and/or dying dogs

[cali]

Dunk is my third over the past 10 years. I get how hard it is for people to deal with and I can't say no.

Dunk is the most lovable ugly guy. He's a pitbull and as sweet as can be despite being a rescue dog with a bad puppyhood.

The person who I adopted him from is a wonderful young woman and she loved him dearly, but she just couldn't deal with his prognosis. It was either I took him or she put him down. I took him. He's only 6.

It's been a year. And he's still going strong. He's ugly in part, because he has a big inoperable tumor that misshapes his head. But he's beautiful to me. I've come to love him dearly, as I did the other dogs, I took in.

The last dog I took in was almost 12 when I got her. She belonged to my ex originally. And he was going to have her put to sleep. She lived another 7 years!

It breaks my heart but it makes it stronger.

My http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023746189memorial to Little Dog, who died in 2013.

[malaise]

1. Some folks can't help themselves

when they see animals in need.

Went to our small neighborhood supermarket yesterday - the owner filled me in on their missing cat. They are house sitting for her in laws and took their cat with them. Well the cat is one clumsy female who apparently could only find her bearings through one window. She disappeared for almost a week and she and her husband spent hours searching for her. They found her on Friday and the drama of coaxing her with food then getting her through a small space had about four of us captivated for some time. The best part was that when they got her inside she started making noises which they interpreted as 'what took you two so long'?

There's something naturally good about folks who take care of animals in need.

[michaz]

2. That is wonderful!

I work in rescue and have one old guy myself along with 8 others that are all rescues and different ages. Giving new life to these animals which often are thrown away and/or medically in need is so rewarding. Dogs are loving loyal and forgiving animals. Congrats to you, Cali.

[cali]

3. thank you. It sounds like you are far more deserving of praise than I am

8! That's wonderful.

[michaz]

4. We don't look for praise and that is what makes it genuine.

I have learned a lot from dogs over the years and cats too. It doesn't really matter how many we save, it is why we do it. I am glad to be able to change their lives as I am sure you are also.

[First Speaker]

5. God bless you for your work with those dogs...

...and that's a very heart-felt "God bless you"...you're in my prayers tonight. I've taken in a couple of sick old cats in my time, and one lived for three years...Barney. He was sixteen when I took him, and he spent all three years laughing at me--"See? I'm not ready for the needle quite yet, thank you." And as happy as a kitten the whole time...

[ailsagirl]

6. cali, you're an angel

My hat's off to you

[lunamagica]

7. Oh, wow, that's amazing

My last dog lived to be 17 yrs old. Seeing that energetic furball deteriorate was so so, hard.

for doing this. It's heroic of you to take on such compassionate, but difficult task.

[redstatebluegirl]

8. Hugs to you Cali for caring about animals in need.

It takes a strong person to take them in knowing they will only have them for a short time. They deserve love and hugs as they leave this world for the rainbow bridge.

[cali]

9. hey, they've all lived longer than anyone thought.

I'm really hoping Dunk the punk does too.

[redstatebluegirl]

10. We took one that they thought would not live 6 months and he lived 6 years.

If they are loved and taken care of they can live a long time.

[cali]

11. I believe that too. (I also make my own dogfood)

it's easy peasy and it freezes just fine.

[Sophiegirl]

12. I understand completely

I have two shelter rescue kitties and one stray kitty that showed up one late August night two years ago. They are all about 6 yrs old now. Before that was a rescue puppy that lived to 16. I can't say no either. And they give me more love and pleasure than most people I know.

[Adrahil]

13. Awesome!

An old dog needs love and comfort.

[jehop61]

14. Bless you

w

[shenmue]

15. Ceiling Cat will shower u with lurv

[Bigmack]

16. YES. You ARE an angel!

Our older dog is 13....and we love him to pieces, and just want him to live another 13 years! I can understand why hardship cases get "given up," but if you really love your dog, you just want her/him to KEEP ON KEEPING ON! The dog may be old, but it's just all the MORE precious! Ms Bigmack

[Native]

17. We rescued a flame point himalayan kitten from under a dumpster - he was so tiny and totally covered

in grease and oil. His breathing was terribly labored and after numerous tests and specialists, it was revealed that his heart was over-sized and he wasn't expected to live past 6 months. Fast forward almost 20 years later! You just never know, Cali. I sure do hope your Dunk has many more wonderful years to come. He sounds so beautiful. So much love!

[femmedem]

18. I hope Dunk continues to do well. I took in an old neighborhood stray who'd been declawed

and was staying on my tiny urban lot in even the worst weather. (If I'd known he was declawed, I'd have brought him inside a few weeks earlier.) I took care of his dental work, started feeding him a grain-free food, and he looks a lot better now than he did a year ago, although he still has arthritis from being declawed, which altered his normal gait and posture.

Thanks for taking in the elderly and caring for them. We make a pact with our critters: they are our companions, and we care for them until the end of their days.

[elmac]

19. Your a good human being

I inherited my moms dog who is suffering from many old age ailments and needs constant care. She is my little shadow and still has her good days but I know it won't be long before she will have to be put down.

[Snarkoleptic]

20. We started with AKC purebread dogs in our 20's and now are

committed to adopting only shelter pets. If you have room in your heart, check the local shelter or ASPCA.

Looking for inspiration, check out the lovelies in your area by searching here-
www.petfinder.com

[billhicks76]

21. Thank You

Dogs are the most important beings in my life. They love unconditionally and humans have so much to learn from them. You are doing a great thing.

[UTUSN]

22. t y