The thought of euthanizing animals scares every dog owner, but the sad reality is that many animals end up in shelters.
For the second year in a row, Texas put down the most animals, according to a report by Best Friends Network. (One)
While the number of adoptions has increased, the number of adoptions has decreased. (2)
The shelters are full. It is heartbreaking to see sick dogs and dogs deemed less desirable on the euthanasia list to make room for other dogs.
Darla was one of the puppies on that list. He was one of the lucky ones who was saved at the last moment. Let’s see how it turns out. I was afraid to ask for it.
Darla, an adorable golden retriever, lived at the Laredo Animal Care Services shelter in Laredo, Texas. Shelter staff describe him as a very shy dog. He could not get used to sheltering life.
With so many animals, the shelter had to make the difficult decision to euthanize some of them. Puppies with low adoptability potential were also put on the euthanasia list.
Darla Darla was one of them. In July 2023, shelter staff attempted to take Darla to the euthanasia room. I was horrified when I realized where it was going. My legs gave out and I couldn’t walk.
Shelter staff picked him up and placed him in a wheelchair. On that day, Austin Pets Alive saves animals from euthanasia! Members of the non-profit came to the shelter. They brought several dogs to the shelter to save their lives. On that day, Austin Pets Alive! Director of Country Operations Claire Callison was also present.
“I knew it was around the time of day when the shelter does routine euthanasia for opening up kennel space,” she said.
As they walked down the hallway, a frightened Golden Retriever crouching in a blue wheelbarrow caught their eye. They learned that the scared pup was on her way to be put down.
Rescued At The Last Moment
The moment they saw her, they knew they had to rescue her.
“We had to pull her, we had to save her. We hope that she’s able to come out of her shell and be the happy puppy she deserves to be. It’s what every one of the pets in the shelter deserves, and that’s what we’re working so hard for,” Jordana Moerbe, APA!’s national shelter support director, said.
After speaking with the shelter staff, Callison learned that Darla’s shyness was the only reason she was turned away.
Callison patted her head and noticed that Darla was not only shy, but open to love and pets. it hurts! Members took him to the vet and received a thorough health check. Darla’s rescuers discovered she was an 8-month-old puppy. it hurts! Their partner, Mile High Lab Mission in Denver, Colorado, asked Darla to take her home. They soon found a foster family who wanted to take him home.
looking for love
As soon as she met her foster family,Darla wagged her tail… something she never did during her stay at the shelter. Finally, she could let go of her fears and let her family love her.
“She was a completely different dog now.” Callison said.
On August 9th, in 2023, the Mile High Lab Mission shared the happy news that Darla had been adopted. She now lives with a delightful family who loves her with all their heart. We wish her a life filled with love and immense happiness.
