“She Cried While She Ate”: Unchained Dog Overcome With Joy

[midnight]

I received a call about sweet dog chained to a tree, needing to be spayed and perhaps re-homed. The caller knew that the owner would allow the spay, but was unsure if he would allow me to re-home to a family who would allow her indoors.

Upon my arrival, I found Darla chained to a tree in a very secluded backyard, way down a hill where she could not even see the home. Her shelter was a very rickety box with holes and lots of space for wind, water and snow to get in. She spent more than three years living there and had puppies that were given away at the grocery store. When she saw us coming, she was so happy that she whimpered and cried. She did so as I petted her as well; she was just so happy for the love and attention.

The owner said she wandered into his yard and he kept her there because he was fearful that she would be put to sleep, since she was a pit bull. With some education and compassion, he decided to let her go.

When I got her home, she cried while she ate. She was just as overwhelmed with emotion as was I. Darla is one of the sweetest dogs I have ever met. She loves everyone and appreciates every ounce of love she gets.



Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/she-cried-while-she-ate-unchained-dog-overcome-with-joy.html#ixzz1mJCkjF9y

[vt_native]

1. I hope the poor, sweet thing gets the loving home she deserves.

I rescued my best friend, a daschund/ corgi mix!

[northoftheborder]

2. I just cannot relate to a human treating an animal this way. Thanks for rescuing her.

[Scootaloo]

3. It doesn't look like intentional cruelty, at least

By the article, the holder of the animal just strikes me as someone who knew enough to tell the dog would probably be killed without his intervention, but didn't know what to do beyond that. Probably small comfort for the dog, of course, but it's better than some cases.

Good for her that she's in better care now.

[Bryn]

4. What a sweetheart!

This touched my heart.

Picture of Darla

[xchrom]

6. Hi darla! You good girl! Here's to your forever home. Nt

[xtraxritical]

27. Check out my "site" and click on "Bevs Web"

She specializes in Pomeranian rescues and has quite an adorable collection. (Had to edit 'cause I forgot address) [link:http://l8tly.com|

[Worried senior]

5. Thank you

for doing this. Imagine a dog crying because it was allowed to eat. I hope she gets a wonderful home.

[Enrique]

7. there's a Joyce Carol Oates story about a dog that's chained up

it's called "Shot", that's the dog's name in the story, and it is absolutely heartbreaking.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

14. I want to read that

but I don't think I want to....when it comes to animals, I get TOO overwhelmed and I can't get back to normal

I know how powerful her writing is; I would be devastated.

[tblue37]

24. I can't bear to read a lot of these stories either. nt

[Hubert Flottz]

8. K&R

I hope Darla finds a good human in her next home.

[evilhime]

9. WE own two rescues

One is a pit mix and the most loving dog I think I have ever had . How anyone can neglect a dog that way . You did good on all counts!

[1620rock]

10. Poor thing, thank God for the kindness of others.

[roguevalley]

11. dog is god backwards. no coincidence.

[Skittles]

12. awwwww such a sweet face!

she is lovely

[rocktivity]

13. Oh...this ISN'T about Romney's dog?

Never mind...


rocktivity

[sinkingfeeling]

15. Brought tears to my eyes.

[lonestarnot]

16. Ahhhh. Poor little thing.

Can't you keep her?

[whathehell]

17. Oh Wow...You really know how to bring on the tears!....Thanks for this LOVELY story!

and in appreciation for it, I'm giving you a heart!

[glinda]

18. Our 8 yr old 100 lb dog is a chained dog prior. Was chained to a tree in 100 degree

heat with no shade, food or water for hours and days by a neighbor. We convinced the owner to surrender him and after not being able to place him due to "his mistrust issues" we kept him.

[Faygo Kid]

19. Donation going to local shelter in Darla's name.

Thanks for the reminder. Great Valentine's Day gift, too, in another's name.

[FedUp_Queer]

20. Thank you so much.

I adopted two cats, both rescues. One was on a euthanize list at animal control in Manhattan and the other one, well...here is a video of his travails. The older one (in the video) is Mason. The younger is Petey (short for Petunia Jane). Funny story...when I pulled her off the "euth list," they thought she was a he...ergo the name "Petey." When I arrived at animal control, I found that they spayed "him." Obviously, I found he is a she. Either way, pure joy.

How people can treat animals this way is beyond me. They're innocent and are completely at our mercy.

[CountAllVotes]

21. Enjoy your new life Darla!

Poor sweet thing.

[MsFlorida]

22. Thankful for people like you, that do -- just not think to do!!

I couldnt read this story yesterday, was afraid that it would be about another animal that people had been cruel to on purpose. Needless to say, it haunted me all night.

Today, I read.

I've rescued by consent, rescued without consent and paid money to so called people to rescue.

All I can say -- is thank you.

Emma, Ella, Peeing Pete, Phoebe and Sebastian thank you as well.

[Uncle Joe]

23. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, midnight.

[Yooperman]

25. You are awesome!!

Thanks for caring and taking steps to help her! Animal lovers everywhere appreciate you!

I do think strays or in this case lonely, pets can learn from their experience. They learn how hard it can be to live.

I have had two cats in my lifetime .. One my wife and I saw a 10-12 week old kitten running across the parking lot of a party store on cold October night. He was all black so we were lucky to see him. I jumped out of my car and crouched as small as I could (trying not to be a threat) and called to him. He came running over... still a bit wary but just close enough for me to reach out and grab him. He was skinny... with worms... and scared.

We tried to find the owner but of course we couldn't.... we ended taking him to the vet and took care of his health problems... he turned out to be such a wonderful guy to have around. I think animals can realize where they have been and what they currently have and appreciate it. Our other cat my daughter had bought as a kitten.... had never been outside and is always trying to get out... our stray... no way... he loves being just where he is... he knows outside is not an easy place to be.

So now that I am on my own again... (separating) I wanted to find a companion pet... I went to the local shelter and found the most loving cat ever. He also was found dirty, skinny, with worms and now that he has a home he just loves to be held and gives me hugs everytime he jumps up on my lap. He also appreciates where he is and I am sure remembers the difficult life he had before he found me.

Peace

YM

[Report1212]

26. <3 nt

[secondvariety]

28. Pitbull mixes

Best friends in the world. Mine came into my life during a really bad time and literally saved my sanity. Probably my life, too.

[Lil Missy]

29. Thank you.

[Centrik]

30. so happy to see

She finally has a wonderful life now, and that she was rescued. I may not be a fan of pitbulls. Not because of there bad reputation, some are absolutely wonderful, just I've never wanted one. But still, no dog deserves what she went through. Even if the intent was good.