Urgent... Richie is in a Kill Shelter! Please help if you live in Florida!!

ghggp · Mar 21, 2017

I am posting to help Barb...

This sweet guy is in Marion County Animal Services--Ocala area.
This is a Kill Shelter
Can anyone help PLEASE

Barbara Davis
407-719-1219
My name is Richie. My ID number is A066352 and I am a neutered male, sable Shetland Sheepdog. I have been at the Marion County Animal Services since 03/15/2017.

Sharon7 · Mar 22, 2017

Oh my heart breaks - he looks like a senior gentleman... bewildered at what's happened to him. I am crossing all fingers that he gets pulled out by someone quick! I wonder why Florida has so many Shelties needing rescue.

Thanks for posting Gloria, lots of eyes here on Sheltie Nation (and big hearts too).

Caro · Mar 22, 2017

Poor old fellow, wonder what his story was, how did he end up there - he should be enjoying cuddles on the couch with his family at his age. He's older than 7 years though, just look at the eyes.

ghggp · Mar 22, 2017

Yes, I thought he looked older than 7 too. I just can't understand why anyone would abandon a sweet soul like this! My prayers go out to him and anyone who lives in Florida that can help! Please.... Help...

ghggp · Mar 24, 2017

I also wanted to give you an update on Richie. Many of you have come forward willing to take him in so he will be saved. This shelter apparently has a 10 day hold so when that time is up he will be adopted and begin his new life in his own home sleeping in a warm comfy bed instead of a cold hard floor. Again, I Thank you from the bottom of my heart for so many of you reaching out to help. With your continued support we will be able to help many more of our precious breed.

With all my heart
Barbara Davis, MFSR

Bailey's Mom · Mar 25, 2017

ghggp said:
Yes, I thought he looked older than 7 too. I just can't understand why anyone would abandon a sweet soul like this! My prayers go out to him and anyone who lives in Florida that can helped ! Please.... Help...

I just saw your post but I have noticed several older Shelties appearing in Shelties rescue when owners have passed and those are the lucky ones who had people aware enough to get them to a breed rescue when the owner passed and nobody was in a position to take the dogs.

Currently we have no family or friends in dog friendly living conditions that we would trust with our dogs should something happen. Perhaps that will change in time, but for their protection our will states our Shelties are to be sent to Shelties Rescue and money is set aside for costs associated with the rescue. While our local shelters are not kill shelters I wouldn't want my dogs placed in any of them. If at any point we find appropriate guardians we will change our will to reflect that but for now I know the best job will be done to find them safe, loving homes if DH and I are not available to do so. While not a happy topic it is one we all need to consider.

ghggp · Mar 26, 2017

"Our WILL states our Shelties are to be sent to Shelties Rescue and money is set aside for costs associated with the rescue."

You are so smart to require this Bailey's Mom! I have the exact same provisions!

I actually have it divided into three levels.
Level one: my Brother/Sister, Level Two: Back to breeders, Level Three: Michigan Sheltie Rescue.
Each one would have financial compensation for their care until they pass.

Hanne · Mar 26, 2017

As probably most here on SN know I am so much against - keeping dogs locked up in a cage
-all kinds of forced means, for example. to teach dogs go nicely in line - not let the dog be with us all the time when we are at home etc. :biggrin2:

But then the"chain jump of" for me :cry:

If I leave this world before Minnie, and my daughter can not have her, then she shall nowhere else but to Rainbow Bridge.

I can not stand the thought of, if she would not be treated well - people do not understand her, what she said - and did not understand what great dog she is.

I know it is absolutely a selfish thought, but I love her so much :hugs

that I could never let fate decide about her future life - never!!!!

(Think of all the dogs that must change homes because people think that buying a toy - and puppies that are misunderstood)

Sharon7 · Mar 26, 2017

First, I am so relieved Richie is safe. My heart just sank at his picture - he seemed sad and confused as well he might be. Thanks to all those willing to help this senior boy finish his life in comfort.

Second, we don't have kids, so we have arranged "godparents" for our Shelties should anything happen to both of us. It is in our will, in a Pet Trust, and money has also been set aside for their lifetime care. I would feel comfortable with them going to a Sheltie rescue, if that was the only other alternative. Having adopted three different adult Shelties, I know they can adapt to new homes. I would never have them put to sleep just because we were gone. I feared my Dad would have that reaction, that's why we made other arrangements.

Bailey's Mom · Mar 27, 2017

Hanne said:
As probably most here on SN know I am so much against - keeping dogs locked up in a cage
-all kinds of forced means, for example. to teach dogs go nicely in line - not let the dog be with us all the time when we are at home etc.

But then the"chain jump of" for me

If I leave this world before Minnie, and my daughter can not have her, then she shall nowhere else but to Rainbow Bridge.

I can not stand the thought of, if she would not be treated well - people do not understand her, what she said - and did not understand what great dog she is.

I know it is absolutely a selfish thought, but I love her so much that I could never let fate decide about her future life - never!!!!

(Think of all the dogs that must change homes because people think that buying a toy - and puppies that are misunderstood)

I could never willingly condemn my dogs to death because I could not care for them when there might be a great match for them out there. DH and I were blessed twice because Shelties were surrendered to Shelties Rescue that were good matches for our home.

If this is a concern for you, getting to know the people involved with Shelties rescue is good option. Lots of them are involved and engaged in other Shelties related activities too. This might give you some confidence that should the worst happen they could find a home where your dogs could live out a happy life.