Very sad puppy story

I saw a dog, a Golden Retriever puppy, get hit by a car the other night. I was jogging on the opposite side of the street. I saw him leap out of a parked car from a child’s arms and immediately get struck by a passing car. I helped him off the road and into his owner’s car, and she took him to an emergency veterinary clinic. I don’t know if he made it through the night and probably never will. I have a dread feeling that he did not.

This was one of the most disturbing events I have ever personally witnessed in my life (yes, I’ve led an easy life and yes, I’m very sensitive about animals); though it happened days ago, I still cannot get the image of the dog and his distraught owners out of my head and I doubt that I will be able to for a considerable time. The experience has made me think a lot about pets and I want to share some of my thoughts in the hope that it will make me feel a little better.

1) Take care of your pets! Our animals may, at times, seem independent (cat owners can especially relate to this), but I assure you they are not. Our pets are 100% dependent on us for their care and protection, an enormous burden that lasts for years. It is not something to be entered into lightly nor is it a task which we can ever waiver in our devotion to. The sad results of any such lapse are flashing through my mind as I write this.

2) I felt unable to help this poor animal in any meaningful way. I and other bystanders covered him to keep him warm and helped him into a car, but that was all we could do. In talking to my sister about this incident, I joked that I have decided to become a veterinarian just so that I can do something more if any event like last night’s ever occurs near me again. This is obviously preposterous, but I cannot shake this awful feeling that I failed this poor dog.

3) For every dog like the one I met last night, there are hundreds without an owner to rush them to the expensive suburban emergency clinic when they are sick or hurt, who die cold on the street, forgotten or unknown. The idea of the events of last night, multiplied by hundreds, is very difficult for me to live with. I could not help the dog from last night, but I can help others who can help by donating money or time to rescue and shelter organizations. I encourage other animal-lovers out there to do the same. Donate to the ASPCA and the Humane Society. Find a local shelter and donate money or your time to them.

“We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.”  Immanuel Kant.

I believe that this quote can and should be applied universally to mankind. These animals are our responsibility. How we treat them is a reflection of who we are. I hugged my dog for hours after coming home from my run that night. I also brushed his teeth, looked at his eyes and ears, checked his tags, and practiced “stay” commands with him. But mostly I loved him, and I hope you all do the same with your pets.

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