Animal Welfare Association of Warren County - (AWA)

"As a volunteer with a rural Missouri county animal welfare group, I have seen animals at their best and at their very worst. I've watched as these helpless creatures were nursed back to health, helped to adjust to new people and surroundings, spoiled by their foster "parents" and eventually, adopted into loving homes. However, I have also been there when an animal is brought to us in such horrible condition, that the only way to end their suffering is by euthanization.

Not long ago, I received a call to retrieve a discarded stray dog from a private residence. Even though I was told the dog was in poor condition, I was unprepared for the extent of his neglect. He was curled up in the dirt and weeds, filthy, covered with ticks, quietly watching as I approached. I saw that he was a male Pit Bull Terrier, who had suffered long at the hands of an uncaring owner. As I knelt down, his tail began to wag, and he rolled onto his back coaxing me to rub his tummy. Amazing, I thought, that after all he'd been through, he could still trust a stranger not to hurt him as he lay helpless on the ground. As I stroked his head, and yes, rubbed his tummy, that tail continued to wag. That was when I noticed he was "smiling." His upper lip curled in appreciation and I couldn't help but smile back.

When he finally rose on unsteady legs, to stand at my side, I could see the walking skeleton that he'd become. His ribs and hips pushed against his dull black coat, and the huge collar he was wearing hung halfway to the ground. He was beyond emaciation, so thin that one hand would have fit around his waist. Then I realized, that the oversized collar probably use to fit!

I slowly led him to my car, gently helping him to curl up in the back seat, and off we went. When we arrived at the veterinary clinic, owners held their pets close as we walked in the door. Their well fed, well groomed, much loved pets were in such contrast to this poor, dirty, starving dog, fresh from the mean streets he'd been left to wander for who knows how long.

Even though the exam rooms were full and the phone never stopped ringing, the staff at the clinic took turns loving on this dear, sweet creature with the big brown eyes and the great big "smile." Finally, it was our turn to see the doctor. After a thorough exam, the prognosis was grim. The extent of his emaciation had probably begun to affect some of his vital organs, and he had heartworms. Considering his dire physical condition, and the fact that he wore no ID tags or microchip, after much discussion and alot of tears, we finally made the only decision possible. As I signed the consent form, I noticed a line for the animal's name. It was at that moment, that I decided this poor, dear creature was not going to leave this earth just a number, with no identity of his own. So, with trembling hands and tears streaming down my face, I carefully wrote the name "Smiley."

I held Smiley while we waited for the medication to take affect, and as we all said our goodbyes. I told him, through my tears, how beautiful he was and that soon he'd be able to run and play, free from the pain and neglect he'd suffered most of his much too short life. You see, we think dear Smiley was only about one year old. The long life that should have awaited him when he was born, was cut short by someone who never cared that all Smiley wanted was to be their best friend.

Even now, new animals, each with their own story to tell, are arriving to fill our foster homes every day. Most will be lucky, finding their forever home and loving family. A few however, like Smiley, will leave us way too soon and break our hearts along the way.

I share this with you, in hopes that you will hold your pet a little closer and respect the trust they put in you each and every day of their lives. You are all they live for. They love you unconditionally. They think you are perfect no matter what you look like, no matter how bad your day, how busy, tired or grumpy you are. YOU are their hero. Don't you think it's about time you work to deserve that honor? Smiley did."