A few years ago, we wanted to buy a new house. The one we visited was empty because the owners were separating and had already bought two smaller houses. When we arrived in the yard, we found an old, yellow-coated Labrador retriever, who looked at least 11 or 12 years old. His food bowl was empty, and the water bowl had been knocked over. We filled the bowl with our children’s water bottles, and the dog started following us around, wagging his tail.
When we returned to the house to continue the visit, the dog started whining and didn’t want us to leave. When we got in the car, he stood up on his hind legs and barked over the fence, as if begging us not to leave him there.
We immediately contacted the real estate agent to inquire about the dog. He told us that pets weren’t allowed in the owners’ new home and that, in fact, they had left the dog there alone. I was shocked. My children barely slept that night.
The next day we went back to the house and the dog was still there. His food bowl was always empty, and so was his water bowl. We brought him food and water, and he devoured it all in a matter of seconds.
I called the real estate agent again and told him I wouldn’t buy that house even if it was the last one on earth, but I’d keep the dog. If they didn’t give it back to me within 24 hours, I’d call the police.
Shortly after, they contacted me again and agreed to give us the dog.
We took him to the vet: he was deaf, severely malnourished, and very sick. We spent a lot of money treating him and getting him back to health. He lived with our family for about a year and a half until, at age 14, he got sick, and we had to let him go.
He was a fighter to the very end, even when he was being euthanized. He never gave up, and neither did we.
He was an amazing dog, and my children had the privilege of growing up with him, learning the value of affection and unconditional love.
Please! Don’t abandon your pet(s). If you can’t take them, find them a loving home.
Here’s a photo of him, finally home, snuggled up next to my youngest son…