January 19, 2005
SAD NEWS ABOUT DELAWARE THE DOG
The minute I answered the phone and he said his name, I just knew that it wasn't going to be good. David's the director of community outreach at the Indianapolis Humane Society, and when he called yesterday morning to ask if I had a couple of minutes to talk, tears instinctually came to both of my eyes. David's the person who treated me so well when I showed up on the Humane Society's doorstep last Wednesday morning with Delaware, the dog I found all knotted up in his chain in amongst the trash and trees alongside Fall Creek Parkway.
David explained that after four days had gone by without anyone claiming him, Delaware and the Humane Society's staff had reached a difficult crossroad. Delaware failed the IHS's mandatory aggression test, given to all dogs before they're released into the adoption pool. He consistently showed his teeth and snapped at anyone who attempted to come close to his food and toys, and even went so far as to snap at a stroller with a baby-size doll in the same position as where a young child might have been placed. Bottom line, unless I wanted to adopt him yesterday afternoon--under the condition that I had no children in my home--Delaware would have to be humanely euthanized.
Revealing everything, David also shared that additional testing discovered that Delaware had severely bad hips--Canine Hip Dysplasia is the official term--and that its likely that his owner, upon learning of the condition and the costs associated with its fix, decided to give up on old Dell, and may have actually let him run off on his own rather than incur the medical costs connected with the condition. In any event, it seems that Delaware had a lot of odds stacked against him, and that this life just wasn't meant for him to live out.
I feel bad about what happened to Delaware, more than words can express. I visited him on Saturday afternoon, and while he seemed happy to be out in the open for a few minutes, he appeared to me to already be a different dog from the one I encountered and connected with on the side of the road. He smelled different, had an attitude about him that was different, and didn't seem at all interested in reconnecting with me. I know, I'm reading too much into the situation, but still, I couldn't help but notice that my expectations were much higher than Dell's (he says with a quirky half-smile on his face).
Here's wishing that all dogs do go to heaven, and that Delaware The Dog is romping thru a delightful field right now, snapping away at dragonflies along the way.
If anyone's compelled to, the Indianapolis Humane Society is always looking for volunteers and contributors. To make a donation in Delaware's name, click here, or click here to learn more about volunteering at the IHS.
Posted by Mikal at January 19, 2005 6:08 AM
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Hi MikalÖ
I canít stop my eyes from welling up with tears since I read your update. I had feared this may be the outcome. I work with a guy who lives in that neighborhood, and he says that many of his neighbors have dogs, and almost all are Chows and used solely for the purpose of protection. I had suspected as much when I saw the long lead attached to his collar. So ultimately, Delaware's behavior isn't his fault, itís the fault of his misguided owners who taught him to be that way.
I know how heart-wrenching this must be for you. It is for me too. Nonetheless, you did a good thing, Mikal, and I'm so proud of you.
Let's all say a little prayer for Delaware and hope we meet him again!
Best wishes...
Cindy
I'm sorry to hear about Delaware. It's too bad he was treated so poorly. I'm sure there is a special place for him in heaven. (P.S.You really know how to evoke emotion in your writing, probably because you write from the heart. It made my eyes tear up, too). Thanks for the update.
It was very sweet for you to try and save Dís life MB, most people wouldnít have given the poor neglected pup a second look. You have a very big heart my friend. The good news, is that all dogs DO go to heaven, so now Abbey has a fun new partner in crime to keep her company.
Sorry to hear about the dog. It's never easy losing a pet, be it one that you've known every day since it was born or a dog that you happened to save on the side of the road. It's clear that you, and a few of your blog readers, connected with Delaware, even in the few hours that he was a part of your life.
I know it's not much consolation, but keep in mind that you probably helped Delaware more than you realize. Instead of suffering for weeks or months, living amongst the dark back alleys and cold garbage bins of Indianapolis, he was treated with love and care, given a warm place to sleep, and good, healthy food. We should all be so lucky to meet our end in comfort.
I sent energy to Delaware to aid in his passing, and got the following message to convey.
Delaware the Dog
Has jumped over a low stone fence covered with snow to the other side, which is at a slightly higher ground level (about 2-3 feet). His tail is high and curled and he is barking like a wolf with his head to the sky. Happy. He looks back at the humans (Mikal and friends) and runs away, further into the snow-covered field. Dogs that look like him gather and greet each other. It is a happy time. Slowly sniffing each other and turning round and round with excitement. Then the dogs spontaneously form a circle (think football huddle) with their noses in the center and they move back a few steps with their noses lifting, which sends a smoke puff in the air saying "Thank Mikal". Delaware is barking the loudest. Looking at me, wanting to make sure I get the message properly. Howling with tail thumping on the snow. Inside his mouth is another dog. A pug? A baby embryo dog. It jumps to the ground. A new baby dog. Delaware is happy. He doesn't need to dig for a bone.
MIkal,
I put off reading this until I was home and ready for whatever came. I thought. I wasn't ready. I am so sad about this. Not only that Delaware is gone, but also that your hopes were dashed. I think that poor Delaware didn't have your kindness long enough to make an impression on him against all else he had gone through. What sad things we do to our animals. What sad things we do sometimes overall.
Deb
Mikal,
I'm sorry to hear about Delaware and the pain this episode caused you. I once tried to save a puppy that I saw hit by a car on my way to work, but had to let the vet euthanize it. I was an emotionally wreck for the remainder of the day as I tried to perform my duties at work. I agree with the other writers, though, that at least his last few days were made comfortable by your intervention.
PS Congratulations on the new car!
This story hit home because we volunteered for a California rescue for years and adopted a stray we worked with/trained/loved for five years. He made progress, but never outgrew his aggressiveness and we finally had to stop making excuses for his behavior. I am retired and was able to spend all my time with him. We knew if we could not make it work, he was not adoptable. We (and you) did the right thing, even though it is so heartbreaking to say goodbye. The shelter made a good decision. Remember, it's never the fault of the dog that he is unable to trust. Curse the people who abuse these poor animals who want nothing more than a person/family to love--and know that all dog-lovers salute your efforts! Cindi, too. First-time reader.
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