Shorty's Story

It's late at night and Bob has just finished mowing by moonlight. The work is never done at the Sanctuary and everyone is tired. It was so hot today I thank heaven for the air conditioned buildings - most of the animals spent all day inside hiding from the sun.

We finished our last "outs" of the evening, making sure everyone had their evening medication, were tucked snuggly in their beds and were contently polishing off bedtime cookies.

The house was so quite and there was just one more animal to tend to. His name was Shorty and he is a 15 year old Lhaso. I watched as Bob gently carried him outside to potty and then carried him upstairs to sleep with us. Shorty was having a bad day and he was confused, scared, wobbly and just wanted to be next to someone. Bob carefully put medicine in his eyes and then settled down to give him Reike. Shorty whimpered softly but settled right down and was soon sleeping peacefully. My heart went out to them both, the old dog given up on and the gentle bear of a man softly cradling this little creature.

Shorty was brought to Pet Guards because his owner could no longer care for such an aged animal. Shorty has his share of ailments. He is deaf, partially blind, arthritic, a little "leaky" and a trifle senile. In spite of his problems, Shorty is devoted, loving and very determined. Bob could not turn him away. I remember when he called to ask, "Honey, can you take one more?" He knew we already had our hands full but his voice was so hopeful I could not say no. All of us at Pet Guards share the same feeling that just because an animal is old or requires extra care does not mean they should be killed.

I continue to watch Bob as he drifts off to sleep still supporting the old dog and I turned to look at some of the others;

Eggie the old Beagle, run over and left for dead, was brought to Pet Guards to be put to sleep. But many animals, just like people, want to die naturally and we believe in giving them their choice. Eggie wanted to fight and he did. He beat all of the odds and now lives with us at the sanctuary. He was snoring away in his bed chasing a rabbit in some field of his dreams. To look at him you could barely tell he was ever so broken.

Greta, the ancient dachshund was sleeping soundly in her bed. I thought of all the others.

Merlin, starved to near death.

Diva, beaten so badly her walk will forever be stiffed leg..

Lil bear...thrown from a car.

Sophie, left to die from her injuries..

Petey,- found in a taped up box on a hot summer day and on and on.

So many like Shorty have come to us lately that I think we need to start a special area where the old and infirm can live out their life to the fullest. Tomorrow I will talk to Bob about an idea I have been thinking about.

That was how the Alliance for Aged Animals came to be. Located at the Sanctuary in the South, pets like Shorty can spend their final days loved and cared for. But we cannot do it alone. Bob and I realize that not everyone has the time or even the desire to care for these special needs animals, but at the Sanctuary there are some very special people who want to do just that But we need your help.

Please help us care for these animals. Your donation or sponsorship will help assure that all of these and many more continue to receive the care they deserve. Pet Guards can only go on with aid for the animals if you choose to offer recurrent help. The fate of these animals is in your hands. Sometimes that sounds harsh. I wish just as you do, that there was enough money and I did not have to ask. But I DO HAVE TO PLEAD for your assistance. Your help is the only way we can guarantee these animals a place to live happily and die naturally and peacefully.

You can choose to sponsor a particular animal or we can pick one for you. I will send you a picture of them and their story They cannot write and say thank you but we will keep you updated from, time to time if you prefer. We can also email you periodically with their antics if you choose.

Please say yes, to Shorty and those like him - yes I will help - yes I believe you and others like you have the right to live out your life - yes I love animals and want to see you have a good place to live - yes Shorty - you keep fighting.