Do you remember thinking that it was time the kids learned some responsibility, and you looked in the newspaper for a cheap dog for sale?
Do you remember bringing home this little ball of fur and putting her out in the yard on a chain that was too heavy, and on a night that was too cold? Of course you don't remember this, - she was only a dog.

Do you remember this baby crying because she was afraid and alone? Do you remember screaming at her to be quiet and finally going out there to kick her so you could drive home your point? Of course you don't remember this, - she was only a dog.

Do you remember the many times you noticed her water bowl was empty, and her food bowl was covered with mold, and thinking to yourself that it was the kids' job to take care of her? Do you remember when you noticed her coat was dull and lifeless, and in many places, chewed down to the skin because of some type of rash that no one took care of? Of course you don't remember this, she was only a dog.

Do you remember her first heat, and the neighbor's male visiting her night after night? Do you remember thinking that letting her have the puppies would be a good experience for the kids? Do you remember that every one of those puppies died because their mother was just a puppy herself? Of course you don't remember all this, afterall, she was only a dog.

I know you remember the animal control officer coming to the house, accusing you of animal cruelty and taking her away because you could not understand what all the fuss was about.

I thought you might be interested in how this girl is doing today. You see, once she found a home that gave her love, attention, and proper care, she blossomed into a beautiful, loyal companion. To these people, she is far more than just a dog.

She became a Therapy Dog and now goes to nursing homes and hospices where she brings joy and hope to the infirmed and dying. To some of these people, she has given hope. To others, she has given them a reason to keep living. To even others, she has given them the will to die peacefully, with a smile on their lips. To these people, she is much more than only a dog.

Just las week, she helped find a little boy that was lost in the woods. She spent the long cold night, lying over him to keep him warm and risked her own life to save his. Let me tell you, to this little boy, she is much more than just a dog.

What is the difference you ask? Why did that little filthy, flea ridden animal chained in your backyard suddenly become so important to so many? Because she never gave up her trust in people, and let me tell you this,.....never once did she say or think,

"After all, he is only human."

A very touching story, vshelton!

Thank you for sharing, as I think many will benefit from it!

That is so true..thanks for sharing this with all of us!

Wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it. Hopefully, if there is anyone reading this that could be the 'neglectful' pet owner, they will see theirselves and turn it around.

You might have saved an animal or two with this.