Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Legacy means for LIFE! (With sad update)

Some people ask why we're called Legacy Boxer Rescue. Our mission statement says, "We, the founder and volunteers of Legacy Boxer Rescue, have made it our mission to seek out these Boxers and create a legacy they deserve, a loving family and home of their own." We believe that all dogs are entitled to a legacy of love and a furever home that will give them that.

Sometimes things happen that shake all of our faith in what we do. We all see the horrible neglected and abused dogs out there that have had such terrible things happen to them. It makes us sick and sad and worried about people as a whole. But for me, the worst is when it's LBR adopters who fail in providing the legacy they promised. We chose them, we screened them, we did everything to check and make sure they would be a good home for one of our dogs. And sometimes... that's not enough.



Deacon was adopted in 2011 at the age of 8. You'd think that anyone adopting a senior dog would be a kind, compassionate person who knows what they're in for and is willing to provide a happy retirement home for a dog's golden years. Well, yesterday we got a call from one of the shelters we work with. Deacon's owners (NOT family!) had left him at the shelter to be euthanized because he was "having a hard time walking."

Yes, at the age of 12, these horrible people DUMPED Deacon at the shelter and ASKED for him to die cold and alone and surrounded by strangers! Well, not with LBR around!!

"SEE YA, shelter!"

Thank heavens LBR has worked so hard and built up such a good relationship with shelters over the years. The shelter workers called us right away, we recognized him as one of ours, and we got him OUT of there!! He came straight home with one of our volunteers, and spent the night being treated the way a handsome old guy SHOULD be treated.

"More cheeseburger please?"

"Can you read me the one that ends happily ever after again?"

Today Deacon will go to one of our vets to see what his medical condition is like. There's a very good chance that he'll be fine and just need some treatment or pain management to deal with his condition. If he is in such bad shape that he has to be sent to the Bridge, he'll go with loving hands petting him and telling him what a good dog he is. That's what EVERY dog deserves. That's what FAMILY does for a dog. 


Update -- This email is from Deacon's angel, Uncle David, the LBR volunteer who took him in yesterday:


"I wish the news this morning was different but unfortunately the news from Dr Fuller wasn't good. He felt the best option was to help relieve him of his pain. He was suffering from advanced DM, probably spondilosis and possible had an issue with either his bladder or kidneys.

 Last night I was full of rage at his previous adopters but honestly now I am thankful for them. Our hearts grew 10 fold last night because we had him at our house. While it was sad watching him in his condition it was refreshing to be able to shower him in unconditional love. It was a blessing to be able to give him a very special day and for that we are grateful we had him with us. Last night he was spoiled rotten with cheeseburgers, treats, and love from several other LBR volunteers. We read him all 2,400+ comments from Facebook last night as well as every email and text message we received. He slept on the couch last night and I laid on the floor next to him because we didn't want to risk him trying to jump out of one of the beds. He had potty breaks about every 45 minutes or so last night and even a mouth jousting episode with my arm at about 3:00 am.  This morning before we went to the vet went took him on a little walk through the neighborhood and then made a stop at McDonalds for some hash browns and a sausage biscuit. He didn't get to eat it until after Dr Fuller did his exam though because we were still holding out hope.

 He was surrounded by love this morning with the staff from AVCP.  Jeanette, Hailey [the little girl in the pictures above] and I were all right beside him as he crossed the bridge. Hailey insisted on being in the room with him and we are so proud of her for that.

 So on Thursday we will be thankful that his previous adopters decided to let us have a special day with Deacon. God speed sweet man, we fell in love with you!!"

18 comments:

  1. It is amazing how horrible some people can be....thank goodness for LBR and other rescue organizations for being vigilant and keeping in touch with shelters!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amen to that! Inviting a dog (or any animal) to be part of a family should be a life-long commitment....for better or for worse. I sure would hate to be an elderly relative of some of these "people". They would probably not think twice about dumping their elderly or sick relatives off anywhere just to be rid of the responsibility. A pet is also a family member and deserves a family who will stick by them no matter what....the good times and the bad times. Thank goodness for rescues such as LBR!

    ReplyDelete
  3. We volunteer for the French Bulldog Rescue Nerwork. That's how mom found me. We will never understand in a trillion years why humans have ZERO regard for a pet. They should be thrown away
    Edward (& Lily)

    ReplyDelete
  4. how mean is that? they used Deacon like a "thing" and if it seems he could be sick and needs help, they dump him like an old shoe? I'm so sad... but I cross my paws as hard as I can for good news from the vet. And if he has to go, please give him a hug from me and tell him, that not all people are as bad as his owners... Thanks to you and Legacy Boxer Rescue for all what you did for Deacon and all other pups in need.
    -Easy Rider who can't comment at blogger, it says I don't own my own identity-

    ReplyDelete
  5. You are making a difference. We don't understand why canine lives aren't valued by some people. It has to be some defect in them.

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

    ReplyDelete
  6. We agree with Easy and Murphy and Stanley...

    We also want to Wish You a VERY MUCH Happy Thanksgiving.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dear me I too was furious at first then thankful like you that you were able to get Deacon from the shelter to love and respect him and give him the dignity he deserved.
    Mom is a FIRM believer in 'what goes around, comes around'!! You cannot treat another living breathing creature that way...
    thank you LBR for making a difference in Deacon's last hours.
    Run free...over the bridge..
    Hugs madi and mom

    ReplyDelete
  8. We think Legacy is the perfect name. That's because it's our name, too. Mom chose it as our Kennel name and each of us has it in our name. She thinks it represents us all, past, present and future and ties us all together forever.
    The Legacy Dogs: Morgan, Sebastian, The Porties, Syd and Mac

    ReplyDelete
  9. This post made us cry, this was equally a terribly sad and happy message, it's disgusting how some dogs are treated it sickens me to my stomach, it makes me feel so unhappy and in fear of these people who can hurt such beautiful trusting dogs, I'm so sad to hear that Deacon crossed the bridge but happy that he was surrounded by love and given a wonderful goodbye. Love and Licks from your furiend Frank XxxxxxxxX

    ReplyDelete
  10. We are so glad their faces were the last that Deacon saw...what love and fun he had with the LBR family...what a sad sad story.
    stella rose

    ReplyDelete
  11. I read this earlier and came back to comment and now see the update. God Bless all the LBR volunteers for doing what you do. I do not understand how anyone can bring one of these precious souls into their lives and then discard them when the going gets a little rough.I just don't. My pugs are my kids. I could no more abandon them in their time of need then my own human children. Thank you LBR for making Deacon's last day probably the best day of his life and sending him off with the love he deserved
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Angel Greta

    ReplyDelete
  12. So glad that you guys are willing to help a pupper cross the bridge with dignity and respect....way to many people just don't care....we are very happy to know you and that you care!

    The Mad Scots

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you to your group for making this wonderful gentleman doggies last hour the best they could possibly be

    ReplyDelete
  14. How lucky he was to have so much love at the end of his life!


    Bunny

    ReplyDelete
  15. Bless you all for loving Deacon and for taking such good care of him when he needed someone the most.. May he be resting now with the Angels.

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin (and Mommy Kim who is an emotional wreck after reading this)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Our tears are flowing! THANK YOU to LBR for taking this sweet boy back in - and THANK YOU to Uncle David and his family for surrounding Deacon with love when he most needed it.
    Cammie.

    ReplyDelete
  17. We are glad that Deacon was surrounded by kindness, gentleness and love in his last hours on earth.Thank you to Uncle David and his compassionate family.Rest in peace sweet Deacon.

    the critters in the cottage xo

    ReplyDelete