My friend Page did, about two weeks ago.
I've known Page for years--he lived on the river with his four dogs.
When I'd visit him , the dogs were always happy to see me, and Page and I
would take them across the river for a run in the woods. It was always a joy to see them,
running, happy, free.

Page loved his dogs and cared for them faithfully, but I guess he didn't expect to die
so soon because he never made any provisions for the dogs.

I just learned that his son has taken the dogs to the pound where they'll eventually be
euthenized. I am heartsick. Those dogs are a living, breathing part of Page, and the thought
that they've been tossed away makes me sick. They're healthy, dogs! Just kill them?

I've been losing sleep over this trying to figure out what I can do to save them. I can't
take them. I don't have enough space and I have my own dog, but I feel like I'm their
only hope and I'm going to let them down.

I wish I knew someone with a farm or ranch where they could live out their lives in happiness,
but that's pretty unlikely, people have their own dogs and are usually not interested in taking on others.

I also look at the huge suffering that's going on in Haiti right now. My petty concerns are inconsequential
compared that.

But still, when I think of those dogs, there's a part of me that is still a kid that
cannot comprehend the injustice of it.

Dear Walt,

I'm so very sorry to hear about your friend Page and his dogs.

Have you tried doing a search on Petfinder for rescues in your area? Many times rescue organizations pull out shelter dogs--especially from the "high kill" facilities.

If you know Page's dogs well and they have a lot of positive attributes, that's a plus, and it might make them even more desirable for adoption...

So if you haven't yet, try contacting dog rescue organizations in your area and describe to them the situation. It's worth a try...

Hoping things work out for the best...

Sincerely,
hope2heal

Thank you. I'm looking.

Also, if you have a craigslist in your area you can post under the pets section about the situation. A lot of rescues are active there and there is also a chance someone with a farm or acerage would be able to help.

I wish you luck with your effort to help your friend's dogs. He and they both appreciate your caring.

Ginger

I would post about the situation--which is horrible--all over the area where you live, every bulletin board you can think of. I know this takes time, but could be worth it. I wouldn't be surprised if one or more private dog "rescuers" would come to your aid. Probably they'd have to be split up--but maybe not, or maybe in pairs. Remember, there are tons of dog lovers with hearts of mush, just like we who post here are!

The dogs are lucky to have you to advocate for them--I sure hope you manage to find a solution. Try posting. I don't know what kind of town or city you live in, but in my little town, I can guarantee that someone(s) would adopt them and save them from the awful shelter fate!

The very best of luck to you in your quest!!

My heart goes out to you for the loss of your friend as well as the dog plight now.

Margi and Ladywolf

Can you rescue the dogs from the pound and keep them until you find them a home? Where do you live? I live in Michigan and work with hundreds a rescue groups in the eastern part of the U.S. I hate to think of these poor animals being put down. I would also suggest you call the pound and see what you can do to save them, maybe they could go to the local humane society? Don't give up without a fight, think of your friend Page, this could be one last gift to him.

If I can be of any help, please let me know.

Rhapsedy

Walt,

If you post on Craig's list, please be very careful. People get dogs off of Craig's list and do horrible things, like sell them for animal testing. I'm sure there are a lot of rescue groups on Craig's list but you need to make sure they are ligit.

Also, if you have a craigslist in your area you can post under the pets section about the situation. A lot of rescues are active there and there is also a chance someone with a farm or acerage would be able to help.

I wish you luck with your effort to help your friend's dogs. He and they both appreciate your caring.

Ginger

Are the dogs any particular breeds, or are they hybrids? Because there are all kinds of rescues available for specific breeds...

Good luck in tyring some of these options!

Margi

Thanks for the support everybody.

I live in St Petersburg, Florida and Page lived in Ridge Manor, near Brooksville.

I've left a message with the Brooksville animal control center on Oliver Street (they were closed for the holiday) where
the dogs are, to let them know not to do anything until I can figure something out. I'll call again, tomorrow
to talk to someone about it.

I'll definitely be calling shelters and rescue groups in the area to see what my options are.

The dogs are just mutts. In fact, every one of them was rescued by Page, himself.

Walt--

MUTTS need saving too! And plenty of the rescue operations are for mutts, not purebreds.

Good for you for taking action--there must be SOMEONE who will help!!! I would honestly try posting signs too--you never know who will respond in a positive, helpful way. My heart aches over this situation, but you're doing the right things...

Margi and the Wolf

Thanks, Margi,

I'll give it a try.

Sure do wish there was something I could do. It just breaks my heart!!!

Please keep us informed.

Hope, hugs, and prayers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Walt,

As a ray of hope, I want to share a short story with you...

My sister lived alone for years after her divorce. She loved dogs, the bigger breeds especially, but she feared that her home was too small for one, and she had few places around her crowded neighborhood to walk and play with one.

One day, however, a beautiful male German Shepherd appeared in her yard out of nowhere. He liked to lay on her front steps and bask in the spring Texas sun. He kept returning several days right in a row. She couldn't understand why this dog chose her yard out of all the similar yards in the bug community, but he did. My sister began to have concern for the dog. He wore no tags. He looked tired and sad at times. She gave him water and bought him food, dog biscuits, and occasional treats. He was very friendly, intelligent, and mild mannered. He loved the care and attention she showed him. She named him "King". She inquired around town, and posted signs everywhere, but no one one knew anything about King's owner or origins.

Finally, my sister decided to take the dog in. But the day she had made this decision, King stopped appearing in her yard. She hoped and looked and worried for days, to no avail. She hoped he had found his way back home, or that his owner's drove by and found him. But her heart sank to realize how much she really cared for the dog and that she had lost him so swiftly.

Long story short -- well maybe not -- as my sister wept by the kitchen window, accepting this finality, King pranced up onto her front porch once more! His tail wagging and his eyes fixed on her front door. Cheryl took him in, and took wonderful care of him for the rest of his long life. They became absolute best friends and companions for nearly a decade.

I think many people might say they don't want a dog, or could think of a hundred reasons not to take Page's dogs, but at the same time, there are many people out there with soft hearts and lots of love to give, so never give up. Maybe you could write a short story about the dogs for your local newspaper and explain the situation. Supply photos of the dogs, provide their names and describe their personalities. Ask people to get the word out uising their email lists and social network sites. Work travels fast! My sister believes that a family must have abandoned King when they lost thier home to forclosure and couldn;t afford him anymore, or moved to a place that didn't accept dogs. Sadly, many people do this a lot.

Good luck, and thanks so much for caring for these animals. I'll be praying for all of you

Gees, I hate stories like this and I feel exactly the same way as you do, those poor dogs. It will be really difficult to place all four together, not many people will take on all four. I have three, all unwanted at the time I got them and I couldn't bear for them to go to a pound. Your concerns are not petty, they are admirable. It's a lot for you to take on and I hope you succeed somehow in finding someone who will take them. All you can do is try, it's not your fault if you can't. Good luck xx


madi xx

Hi Walt

Thank goodness that there are caring people like you in this world. My heart goes out to you as you try and find the answer to this terrible situation for your dear friend and his dogs.
Everyone on here has given you some very good advice. I am in UK so I'm not sure about what Animal rescue measures are taken in the USA.
All I know is the more publicity you can get the wider range of people will get to know about these dear dogs.
Our vets over here post up details of dogs needing to be 'rescued'. Also our local papers, radio stations, even TV. They would certainly want to print or broadcast your story I'm sure. The crucial thing though is to make sure they are safe until they find their new home/homes. Hope you can get to speak to the people at the Centre today.
Please keep us posted and keep doing whatever you can, wish I was nearer and could do more to help you.

Love Jan and My Angels

This situation is already becoming more depressing than it was.

Joann at the animal control center said that the dogs were due to be euthenized tomorrow, but that she would
try to put it off for a few days for me.

I've called several rescue groups and shelters around the state this morning and I'm beginning to see what a really tough job
this is going to be. All these places are full. Because of the economy, most have had to cut back on services, even
as more and more people fiind they can't afford to keep the pets they have and are having to give them up.

I'm beginning to feel the edge of panic.

I'm thinking, now, that this is a pretty big country. There must be some state that could be a good home to these guys.
I think I'd be willing to rent a van and drive them there if I could find one.

It might be possible to find a reasonably priced (?) piece of property with, say, a mobile home and I could move them in there.

This is all wishful thinking. I'm going to have to come up with something pretty quick.

Oh Walt I do wish I could help. We are very lucky here as we have so many shelters where they keep the dogs and rely on donations and fundraising events to keep them going. They don't destroy any 'healthy' animals or animals that can be brought back to health. Many are rescued but some live in the shelters for the rest of their lives where they receive lots of care. Not as good as their own home of course. We got our Noushka from one of these shelters.

I know you said that Page's son had taken the dogs to the pound. Are you in touch with him? Has he taken over Pages property by the river? Just wondered if you would be able to look after the dogs there until they can be re-homed. Does your own dog get on with them or would that cause problems for you. I don't know all the circumstances of course but was just a thought. The son obviously is not going to be too sympathetic if he could do that to his Fathers beloved dogs. Or maybe he was just desperate and didn't know what to do or that you would help to sort something out.
The going to a different state might help, or even a different district in Florida maybe.
Sending prayers that you can get help Walt. You are a very caring person, and you are doing your best.
Jan and my Angels

Hi, Jan,

Thanks for your concern.

My dog is a Brindle Pit (which I inherited from my step-son). Do NOT say anything bad about pits--at least mine.
He's wonderful, just the perfect dog for me. He's extremely sociable but does get excited around other dogs,
and sometimes the excitement develops into a fight, but only if the dog is his size or bigger. So, not wanting to
encourage that tendency in him (primarily to protect him, and other dogs), I strictly control his association with other dogs. Dumping four dogs on him here at my house would, I think, be pushing the envelope.

Page's house has reverted to his wife's family, so that is pretty much out.

I'll let you know if anything turns up.

Walt

Dear Walt
I just found a posting that our friend Dottie(AngelCareOne) posted on here earlier in the year. She worked in Animal Care and rehabilitation for many years . She lists a few good animal shelter websites where you could probably get some help. I replied and the topic is now on this forum , heading 'not too far away' (or similar) its at the top of the topic board at the moment. Maybe it could be a help. I do hope so. And thanks to Dottie for listing them for us.
Jan x

So far, nothing yet.

My next strategy will be to adopt them from the Brooksville shelter, and turn them in to the
Pinellas County shelter, here. They'll be put up for adoption. If any of them are adopted, great.
If not, it'll at least give me some more time to come up with something.

If their time runs out there, I can adopt them again and go to another shelter.

The negative part of this is, if the shelter deems one or more of the dogs un-adoptable--sickness or whatever,
then I won't be able to get them back. They'll be put to sleep.

At least I will have had some time with them, and they'll know that I was fighting for them.

Well, I'm coming to the sad conclusion that there's not a whole lot I can do about this.

If I had enough money, energy and motivation for it, I guess I could take all these steps to secure
the dogs--I even considered buying a piece of property where they could be kept, at least temporarily.

But I'm seeing that a lot of this would be disruptive to the life I have now, and could even end up jeopardizing
my ability to take care of my own dog.

I have to distance myself from this or pay a big price emotionally.

I guess if there's something to take away from all of this, it's this:

If you care about what's going to happen to your pet when your gone, do something about it while your still around.

Hi Walt,

Aren't you going to adopt them from the shelter and put them in a no-kill shelter? Please don't give up! There is a place that might take them and keep them for the rest of their life if they can't be adopted. Go to bestfriends.org... this is a wonderful animal sanctuary that has hundreds of animals and 8 vets on staff full time... they are run strictly by donation. They are located in Kanab, Utah but they may come and pick the dogs up in Florida or may meet you somewhere.


Well, I'm coming to the sad conclusion that there's not a whole lot I can do about this.

If I had enough money, energy and motivation for it, I guess I could take all these steps to secure
the dogs--I even considered buying a piece of property where they could be kept, at least temporarily.

But I'm seeing that a lot of this would be disruptive to the life I have now, and could even end up jeopardizing
my ability to take care of my own dog.

I have to distance myself from this or pay a big price emotionally.

I guess if there's something to take away from all of this, it's this:

If you care about what's going to happen to your pet when your gone, do something about it while your still around.
[/quote]

I know Craigslist has some preditors when it comes to pets but I have had good luck with saving dogs in bad situations through posting in the pets section. If there are active rescues in your area and you can help with food & vet expenses many of them will do all they can to save these dogs. I was unable to take in the dogs but could help with adoption fees and donate a bit of money for their care. I did a lot of posting about them which only cost me my time. People are very caring about dogs in this situation. I helped with a German Shepherd who lost his owner and he went to a police officer in a different town from where he was. I was 150 miles away from where he was in the shelter also.

I agree about making arrangements while you are here. My Mom is almost 90 and claims that when her old dog is gone she plans to get 2 puppies!!! I try to convince her that it is not fair to the dogs or the rest of the family. We are dog lovers and I have a lot of room but not sure I could take on a couple more pets and my sister is disabled. I couldn't have them put to sleep just because she was gone.

We recently took a cat that belonged to a friend who died and it has not been easy to add him but he is a joy to have. We had given the cat to him as a kitten when we found him, got him his shots & check up but felt unable to keep him at the time so could not let him go to a shelter.

At least you have given an effort for these poor dogs who must be very confused and extremely distressed being in the shelter and wondering what has happened to their owner. How sad that Page's family would not try to find homes for them.

I completely understand your desire to help but realize what a toll it takes emotionally to be unable to do more. The pets are unable to help themselves and you feel so helpless while caring so much what happens to them.

This is so sad to me and I wish I could help in some way. Thanks for caring what happens to these dogs who were obviously loved by your friend.

Ginger

I called the pound this morning, and they're still there. I told them I'd been in to adopt them.

I've also posted to 3 florida craiglists and I'm starting to get responses.

Wish me luck.

AWESOME WALT!!! Great job! You not only saved 4 dogs lives but you did one last amazing thing for your friend.

I called the pound this morning, and they're still there. I told them I'd been in to adopt them.

I've also posted to 3 florida craiglists and I'm starting to get responses.

Wish me luck.

Oh man, Walt, do I ever wish you luck. I don't know how you are going to manage with your own dog, but GOOD FOR YOU!! You obviously have a heart as big as the sky, and these dogs really NEED you right now.

Congratulations and I DO wish you luck--you're going to need all the help you can get!

Fondly--

Margi and Ladywolf

Walt,

I was so glad to hear you may be making progress. Many people will be touched by the fact tat the dogs lost their owner and need help. They may have a better chance than strays or owner surrenders.

Reputable rescues will check out prospective adopters and if you adopt them out yourself I'd be sure to ask rehoming fees so they don't fall into the wrong hands. It's obvious you have a good heart and the best of intentions so I should probably keep my advise for someone who needs it...................

I wish you lots of luck & will be checking in often to see how it's going.

You are truly a good friend to Page as well as his dogs.

Ginger

I'm not feeling too optimistic about this.

Tomorrow, I'll leave about 7am to pick up a van to drive to Brooksville, about 90 miles.

At Animal Control in Brooksville, I'll adopt the dogs, and start back. Then...what? I don't know.
I've already decided that I don't have enough room at my place to keep Page's three males
and my dog apart, so bringing them there is out.

I'll probably drive to some big field between Brooksville and here, where they can get out, stretch
their legs and enjoy some open air and a little freedom again. I'll pet them and tell them what
great guys (and gal) I think they are, and that if it was up to me, they'd live out long lives as happy
and free as when they lived with Page.

I'll probably cry a lot, too.

I'll tell them I'm buying them a little more time, but, so far, things don't look promising. It seems like the
whole world is in the same situation I'm in.

I'll then drive them to ASPCA in Largo and check them in there.

Someone there told me that they'll be examined, and if healthy, will be put up for adoption. If not, they'll
be--"put to sleep" is the most comfortable way to say it. By turning the dogs in, I'm relinquishing ownership
to them and have no further say in what happens to them, except that I can adopt whichever ones are
adoptable--hopefully all of them.

It's a delaying tactic, but, hey, it's something.

Good Luck for tomorrow Walt. I hope all goes well for you and the dear dogs. You are certainly doing your utmost to help them.
Thinking of you.
Jan and my Angels x

Good luck, indeed. Your plan sounds courageous and better than the other alternative.

Have you tried yet calling the newspaper and tv stations, now maybe around Largo instead of where you live, and telling them the story? I'll betcha' that it could get picked up and publicized, since it has the potential to open up the whole topic of animal care after the owner's death, making provisions, etc. If you could get it on TV or in the newspaper, you'd be making great headway. The press is ALWAYS looking for good "human interest" stories,as well as "animal stories." An article or tv feature could end up doing a lot of good for a lot of people, and would, no doubt, find them a home or homes.

Good for you--Page would be proud of his friend--as all of us are! Thank you for being here, it is an honor to "know" you!

Margi and the Wolf

You are indeed a courageous person Walt and I wish you luck with your plans. I think Margi's idea is a good one too, someone may even take all four of them together if the plight of those darling dogs is publicised. Take care xx

madi xx

I'm having a change of heart on this.

I've been giving it serious thought, and it occurred to me that
Page's dogs were as lucky as dogs can be. They had two owners
that loved and cared for them dearly, Page and his wife--while she
was there, a wonderful home on a river across from a state park
where they could run and explore, and with four of them, never a
moment of loneliness. This is not common for dogs, it's rare.

If they were to die now, well, their lives were full. They had what we
would want all dogs to have, but what few ever get. If I can extend
there lives a bit, what have they got to look forward to, sitting all day
in a cage? Bringing them to that from where they've been is nothing
less than cruelty and abuse.

Sure, I feel better because they can live longer, but how do they feel?

Can I guarantee them anything close to the full life they had? No. All I can
guarantee is a good chance of boredom, idleness, loneliness and more
suffering, and finally getting euthenized anyway.

Two of the dogs are quite old and probably not candidates for adoptions.
The other two are fairly young, but not much different than thousands and
thousands of other dogs waiting to be adopted.

Sure, miracles can happen, but it should have happened already. More waiting
just means inflicting more punishment on the ones I'm trying to help. I probably
should not have interfered, but I was selfish, trying to keep Page alive a little longer.

I think it's time for me to give this up.

I know this is not what you guys want to hear. But it seems right to me. It feels right.

Hi Walt--

Okay, I'll brave enough to answer you. In a way, I agree with you. Euthaniasia is the unfortunate ending for many of our pets anyway, realistically, and I can see how you would have decided that sooner rather than later might have been in the dogs' better interest. I am sure that you agonized over this decision, as we did with you. Your assessment--that they might have ended up living out their lives in cages or tied to ropes or in some kind of boring, limited life situation is probably accurate.

You have a heart as big as the sky and I want you to know that we appreciate that. You jumped in and tried to do something about a miserable situation, and you just didn't have the resources to accomodate four adult dogs. I totally understand that. It is like when Ladywolf had her last horrible, bleeding, open tumor a year ago, and I didn't have the money to have it treated for months and months, so I tried to treat it myself. (Finally, a rich friend paid for the surgery, bless her.) My intentions, like your's, were very pure, but I just didn't, and you don't, have the means to fulfill them. One or two dogs left behind would have been a different story for you--but FOUR? That's overwhelming.

I just wanted you to know that we haven't shunned you because of your decision. We all do the best we possibly can under the circumstances. Page would be blown away just to know that you cared that much. I am so sorry for your loss of him--I'm sure he was a great friend, and it sounds like he led a pretty idyllic life with his dogs, one to be envied.
Best of luck to you, don't beat yourself up too much for trying and "failing," and please keep visiting us.

Hugs--Margi and Ladywolf

Thank you.

Walt

Walt,

I attemted to send you a message twice yesterday but we have lost power twice for several hours at a time so I am saving my battery on the computer. We are now without power for over 8 hours again so I can only say that I agree with Ladywolf completely.

It probably took more courage to come to the conclusion that you did than to make the almost fruitless effort to do otherwise. Since you know what a wonderful life they did have you have done what probably was best in the long run.

You are a true and caring friend to Page.

Ginger