A 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?
Please help stop the killings of these helpless animals, when you take them to a shelter many are killed, such a disposable society, where is the value of life when it comes to our pets? We can’t love them then neglect them and send them somewhere to die, it is time to make this stop. Say no to kill shelters, help people keep the pets, and let us put tough penalties on animal abusers and let us show the rich where they can put their money to good use.
Help an animal to live today.
