Shelter Dog asks God...
Author: Joan C. Fremo
Published on: July 29, 2001
Dear God,
What is "Time"?
I hear the sadness in the voices of workers here.
They say my "Time is up", that they have to make
room for yet another dog.
My "Time" is up. I don't know what that means, God. I
only know that my new friends are so sad, and the more I
wag my tail---the harder I try to make them feel better--
-the sadder they become.
I know I have heard that word "Time" before, but I don't
understand. When I was younger, my people would
say "Time to play!" They would throw the ball, and I
would run fast. Sometimes I brought it back to them, but
other times we'd end up chasing each other having fun.
I remember "Time to eat". My people would put down a
bowl of food, and I would enjoy dinner, wagging my tail
in joy. There was also "Time for your walk". My boy
would put my leash on, and we would go walking together,
visiting the neighborhood and enjoying each other's company.
When I was younger I thought "Time" meant fun.
Or maybe Love?
I don't understand. "Time" must mean something else, but
how can it change, God? Before I came here, I heard my
people say, "No time to feed you now, boy. Later, when I
get home." Sometimes my family would forget, and there
was no food in my bowl.
Does "Time" mean when my belly hurts?
My people said there was no time for walks. I tried to
hold it all day long-- but God, I just couldn't anymore.
When I finally had to go, it made my family very angry.
Does "Time" means anger? Or maybe Loneliness?
My family said they didn't have "Time". They didn't have
time to play, or time to take me to the vet, or time to
go for walks. They didn't have "Time",
so they brought me here.
Maybe I was right... They said they didn't have time,
and if "Time" means Love, how did they lose it?
Did I do something wrong?
God, I think my new friends are sending me to you. Do
you have "Time"? May I sit on the couch?
Am I a good Dog, God?
Is it "Time"?
=========================================
One of the most important things we can give our Pets
is "Time". The time to love them, care for them, and
train them. Animal Shelters and Humane Societies across
the country are filled with Pets whose families didn't
have "Time". Every year, the "Time is up" for 12 million
companion Pets.
Do you have the "Time" to make a
difference?
News
Because we are supported totally by private donations, money contributions are much needed and appreciated. You can receive tax credits by making donations through the City of Charleston and designating the Dog Shelter as the recipient.
Items (besides money) that we always need are:
Dog food
Dog treats
Paper towels
Bleach
Adjustable collars
Towels and Blankets (no batting please)
Athletic socks (make great toys)
Brushes
VOLUNTEERS! (over 18 years old or with a parent present).
THANKS TO:
Thanks to Butterfield Place, The Courtyard by Marriott, and Sparks Hospital all of Fort Smith for the donation of bedding materials to keep out dogs warm and comfy this winter!
In Loving Memory of Lyla Hellums. Thanks so much to her family who honored Lyla's memory by making the Charleston Dog Shelter the recipient of monetary donations in lieu of flowers on Lyla's behalf. The contributions totalled more than $1500.00 which will be used to help the sweet, adoptable dogs waiting at the shelter for a new, loving home. Lyla was a strong lover and supporter of animals. Though she is gone, her memory will live on as the line of needy dogs arriving at the shelter never ever stops. The many contributions in her memory will go a very long way in furthering the work at the shelter. Thanks again to her wonderful family.
Special thanks to On The Spot Septic Cleaning of Ozark, Girl Scout Troop 107 of Lavaca, and the 4-H Groups in the Charleston area for their recent support of the shelter.
We would also like to acknowledge and honor the passing of shelter supporter Donald Wood, he was a good friend and will be missed. We are grateful to be the recipient of memorial donations for him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Who We Are
We are a non-profit dog shelter caring for adoptable dogs in need of loving, responsible homes. The volunteer-run organization has been successfully placing dogs and puppies into homes since November of 1997.
The shelter depends totally on private donations in order to operate.
Adopting a friend
The adoption fee for dogs is $40 and puppies $45. All animals are spayed/neutered prior to adoption; if they are too young, we require that they be altered when they are old enough. The adoption fee is less than the costs of immunizing and altering, so any additional donations are very appreciated. We reserve the right to refuse adoption priviledges to anyone.
Our dogs are guaranteed to "fit" with your family, or they are happily accepted back by our shelter.
Because we are all volunteers, there are no employees at the shelter. Visits to the shelter are made by appointment--- Call 479-965-3591 and a volunteer will take or return your call as soon as possible. You can also inquire about a particular dog through the contact person provided with the dog's description.
We are rescue friendly!
Come Visit Us!
Charleston Dog Shelter POB 118
Charleston, AR 72933
Phone: 479-965-2088
