Rescue founder posts powerful message about the realities of shelter life

If you’re reading this, chances are, you are an animal advocate with an especially soft spot for dogs. The iHeartDogs audience is a special group with utmost love and empathy for animals, and seeing scared, cowering dogs in shelters breaks your hearts.

Video: A powerful Message to you! Your LIFE will never be

But not everyone is as saddened by, or even aware of, the harsh realities that dogs face when they are suddenly subjected to shelter life. That’s why a post by Tammy Graves, founder nonprofit rescue The Haley Graves Foundation in North Carolina, has gone viral–it shares a powerful message.

Graves wrote on her Facebook page:

This is what happens when people bring their dog to a shelter and leave them. This guy yesterday morning woke up happy on a couch or in a warm bed, waiting to be fed, hopped in the car thinking he was going to the park or if it was a bad day he was going to the Vet.

Instead he went to a place where there are 275 dogs barking to be freed, it smells like death, and doors are banging shut all the time. Animals walk by and never return. And he has no idea his fate. All he knows is he didn’t ask to be here. He didn’t even ask to be born to irresponsible owners.

But today he lays frozen in fear, in a puddle of his own urine. Afraid to move, afraid to make eye contact, thinking just maybe he can fade away into this wall.

Because if he does no one will see him and just maybe he can escape whatever fate waits for him. This is the reality of irresponsible pet ownership and the shelter system. This is not a shelter issue, this is not a rescue issue. This is irresponsible pet ownership. Own it people!!

The post touched the hearts of many dog lovers and went on to be shared over 130,000 times!

The Haley Graves Foundation took this pup under its wing to make sure she received the best care possible. Originally named Johnny Cash, they realized that she should actually be called June, and found her the perfect foster home.

Just two days after posting the heartbreaking message about June Cash being surrendered, Graves put up another message, but this time, it was to say that the pup is now free from shelter life.

“This is what freedom smells like,” she wrote on Facebook.

Still a little timid from her experience, Ms. Cash needed a bit of a nudge…

But soon, she was walking out the door toward a new life with her foster family!

To the car they go…

They made June as comfortable as possible, laying a nice blanket in the trunk. She looks at home already!

Video: The Simple Message That Brought This Middle School Class to Tears

Just look at that sweet face! This car ride is going to end much better than the last one.

Video: Kids sang a powerful message of life

On top of everything else, poor June was diagnosed with a severe case of heartworms. But now, she’ll be able to recover in comfort. She’ll stay with her foster family as she heals, both physically and emotionally, and once she’s ready, she’ll find her forever home.

Although she’s not up for adoption just yet, applications have been pouring in. We know that this sweet girl will find the perfect forever family when the time is right!

In the meantime, Miss Cash is living the good life that she deserves!

Check out The Haley Graves Foundation Facebook page for updates on June. They post frequently!

Share this story to spread awareness of the realities of shelter life. Together, we can help make a difference!

Reviews & Comments