Piper
"New Beginnings" - Stories About Saved NYC Shelter AnimalsTHIS CHRISTMAS I’M SO GRATEFUL FOR MY… #DEATHROWDOG PIPER!
On June 27th 2014, just 18 months ago, my life changed forever. A little angel entered it, bringing joy, light and happiness with her. That day 18 months ago, I went on the Urgent Part 2 – Urgent Death Row Dogs to view the Euth List & was heartbroken to see so many amazing dogs in jeopardy of losing their lives. I knew that I had room for another dog & felt compelled to save one. I was incredibly nervous, the very nature of the “At Risk List” forces quick, often less than perfectly thought out decisions. It’s nerve racking enough adopting a dog you’ve never met before & had no plans to adopt a day prior but, add the pressure of if you don’t adopt, the dog would likely lose its life and it’s a recipe for serious anxiety.
I remember listening to the adoption counselor reading aloud the details of Piper’s safer evaluation and thinking “Oh F**k. What am I doing?! This dog sounds like a nightmare.” I had previously read her safer notes but, there was something about hearing someone else read them to me that made it sound so awful. I thought to myself, “I should’ve picked one of the other dogs.” But, I am so thankful I didn’t!!! Even when they finally brought Piper out to meet me & my other pibble Sasha, I felt more pity than love for her. She had a giant road rash abrasion across her shoulder, she was really thin and had a giant golf ball sized skin tag hanging off her front leg. Her appearance wasn’t heartbreaking, but, more like shabby & sad. But, the one who really decided Piper’s fate was Sasha.
Sash is normally very selective with females and even some males too but, she immediately liked & accepted Piper & vice versa! So that settled it, Piper was coming home with us. Over the weeks to come, I really got know Piper and fell in love with her! She was so special and the more she came out of her shell the more I got to see that. I’m so grateful that she’s a part of my family and I wouldn’t trade her for all the money in the world. She is the greatest gift and truly the richest of treasures! I’m so thankful that I took a chance on her because I almost didn’t at so many points. And I’m so glad Sasha saw the beautiful dog Piper is on the inside that I had trouble seeing at first. Sasha & Piper have never had a single fight either. Which is odd because Sasha will not let other dogs take her balls or chews including other dogs she lives with (and she has started more than one quarrel over such) but, she will let Piper take anything she wants.
Furthermore, if Piper was given the same shelter “safer evaluation” two weeks later in my home, she would have scored Beginner. She was terrified at the shelter but, once she came out of her shell, you couldn’t ask for a better, easier, more loving dog.
I wrote this post to urge anyone on the fence about saving a deathrow dog to consider not just the fact the dog may lose its life if you don’t do it but, that you may never know the best thing in your life if you don’t do it. There are treasures as far as the eye can see at the #NYCACC but, you have to look more than surface deep. See not what they look like or act like in a frightening Kill shelter but, see what they could be if they had you & a home!
Please think about fostering or adopting a dog this Xmas. If you have room take a chance on a dog in need! They will give you more than you ever give them!
View all entries in: NB Dogs By Month | NB for Dogs 2015-12