Owner surrender. RJ found his way into an overfilled shelter. It is not a no kill shelter. He is a beautiful boy, only two years old. I am one of many BARC photographers and promoters of “used” dogs at the shelter.
When our eyes first met, it was love at first sight. How could it not be? He was so handsome and well mannered. Plus, he was a serial hugger. Who doesn’t love that? I made it a point to exercise and work with him on every occasion I volunteered at that shelter. And I made it often just to be with him. I love that tall lanky drink of water.
But, his time was running out. I wanted to bring him home with me, but I already had a house full of rescues. Plus, my better half was having none of that. I wanted to place him in the beautiful new building BARC had built so he would get more exposure. But there was no room. The shelter was over filled. In fact, RJ was languishing away in the hospital ward where he was being treated for an upper respiratory infection. There was just no room for him anywhere so he sat in his hospital bed watching Oprah. You can imagine how old that got.
I finally snuck him out of the hospital and walked him toward the new building. On the way, we walked in line behind many dogs. I asked one of the kennel techs where they were going. She just frowned. It wasn’t going to end well for these poor souls. RJ and I looked at one another. No way was I going to let this happen to him. I told him this would probably be our last walk together. I was praying it would end well. Better than the fate of those in front of us. We made it past bay dock, the final stop for many.
We made it to the new building. I waited. He waited. Finally, it happened. A kennel opened up and before another dog could be placed in it, I quickly placed RJ in it. He didn’t want me to leave. But I had to. It wasn’t easy. I told him this would be the last time I would see him. He said something.
RJ was adopted yesterday. I won’t see him anymore. That’s okay. He beat the odds. Have a great life RJ.
