While the mere idea of animal euthanasia fills every dog owner with dread, it represents a sorrowful reality for numerous animals that find themselves in shelters.
A report from the Best Friends Network indicates that Texas recorded the largest number of shelter animals euthanized for the second consecutive year. (1)
The rates of intake have increased while adoption rates have plunged. (2)
Shelters have become congested. It’s distressing to witness that sick dogs and those deemed less appealing are placed on a euthanasia list to create space for other dogs.
Darla was one of the dogs whose name appeared on that unfortunate list. Fortunately, she was among the fortunate ones who was rescued just in time. Let’s explore how this transpired.
Terrified Darla
Darla, a charming Golden Retriever, was a guest at Laredo Animal Care Services, a shelter located in Laredo, Texas. Employees of the shelter characterized her as a very timid pup. She struggled to adjust to life in a shelter.
Due to overcrowding issues, the shelter faced the tough choice of needing to euthanize several animals. The dogs with lower prospects of being adopted found themselves on the euthanasia list.
Gentle Darla was unfortunately one of them.
In July 2023, staff at the shelter attempted to escort Darla to a euthanasia room. Upon realizing her destination, she became terrified. Her legs buckled, and she was unable to walk.
The shelter personnel carried her and placed her in a wheelbarrow.
On that very day, members of Austin Pets Alive!, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing animals from euthanasia, were visiting the shelter. They had come to the shelter with the intention of saving several dogs and giving them a second chance at life.
Clare Callison, the director of national operations at Austin Pets Alive!, was present that day as well.
“I was aware it was around the regular time when the shelter conducts routine euthanasia to clear kennel space,” she mentioned.
As they traversed the hallway, a terrified Golden Retriever huddled in a blue wheelbarrow captured their attention. They soon discovered that the frightened pup was en route to being euthanized.
Saved Just In Time
Upon spotting her, they recognized they needed to rescue her.
“We had to pull her out; we had to save her. We hope she can emerge from her shell and become the joyful puppy she deserves to be. Every pet in the shelter warrants this love, and that’s what we strive so hard to achieve,” stated Jordana Moerbe, APA!’s national shelter support director.
After conversing with the shelter staff, Callison learned that Darla’s timidity was the sole reason she was slated for euthanasia.
Callison gently petted her head, noticing that besides her shyness, Darla was receptive to affection and relished being petted.
The members of APA! took her to the veterinarian, where she underwent a comprehensive medical examination. Darla’s rescuers discovered she was an eight-month-old puppy.
APA! reached out to their partners, Mile High Lab Mission, in Denver, Colorado, requesting them to take Darla. Shortly thereafter, they secured a foster family eager to welcome her into their home.
Discovering Love
Upon meeting her foster family, Darla began to wag her tail… a behavior she had not displayed during her time at the shelter. At last, she was able to shed her anxieties and accept the love her family offered.
“She transformed into an entirely different dog now.” Callison remarked.
On August 9th, 2023, the Mile High Lab Mission announced the joyous news of Darla’s adoption. She now resides with a wonderful family that loves her unconditionally. We hope her life is filled with love and immense joy.
References:
- Best Friends, Animal Shelter Statistics, accessed on Aug 10, 2023, https://bestfriends.org/
- Best Friends, Shelter Crisis, accessed on Aug 10, 2023, https://bestfriends.org/