For both humans and animals as well, there is no predictable timeline as to how many years we grace this earth. Some of us live charmed lives, others of us struggle day to day to deal with life's "speed bumps". Others for no apparent reason face adversity, abuse, neglect and abandonment on many levels.
For every life description, there are individual reactions and coping mechanisms. How one evolves in emotion, love and the need for others is often marred by life's misfortunes.
So, one would ask if this in fact describes the condition of animals? Certainly, they have less control of their circumstances and ability to change it. They depend on the love and compassion of humans to protect and nurture them.
Sadly, some of us fail to meet our beloved animals' needs on both an emotional and physical manner, leaving them to be victims of indifference and abject disregard.
So, please take a moment to meet a wonderful dog named Courtnie who came to several weeks ago. She is a 4-5 year old female Rottweiler who exudes love for all people in a contagious manner which immediately forces you to pet her and have her respond in kind with a big kiss.
Large in stature and gentle to a fault, she was taken in by Animal Control and we in turn took her in. If there ever was a dog in need of rescue, Courtnie was the one. We immediately saw that she needed medical attention for a variety of superficial problems and she was immediately fostered by one of our volunteers.
After a short period of time she returned to the shelter virtually transformed with bright eyes, shiny coat and a renewed energy. Shortly after, however Courtnie who had not been spayed was in "heat", but more troublesome, she developed an urinary tract infection with visible blood.
Courtnie was treated accordingly by our veterinarian, but it worsened and she was taken to a specialist for an ultra sound and sadly, the presumptive diagnosis was bladder cancer.
The prognosis for her advanced condition is perhaps a year or so, but we can always hope it is more. She is being treated and for now is doing well and behaving in her normal loving manner.
Courtnie would benefit tremendously from a hospice foster placement. In hospice care, we would hope that someone can deliver intensive caring, instead of intensive care. Hospice is not a place, but instead a philosophy. A foster home for her will provide a life of comfort and peace. Whether a human or animal, the end of life stage is as meaningful and normal as any other stage. It is simply part of the journey.
Courtnie had a previous life that we can't undo, nor could we have had any control of it. In spite of it she remained a loving, trusting dog and now as unjust as it seems, she is facing her mortality. Again true to spirit she has transcended this blow and exemplifies love in its purest form.
We are asking someone in Fairfield County to open both their home and heart to Courtnie. She is a survivor and with the love of all at PAWS and a new home, she just might have something to live for -a second chance to be cherished and loved!
"It is a man's sympathy with all creatures that first makes him truly a man"
Dr. Albert Schweitzer
PAWS
Pet Animal Welfare Society
504 Main Ave
Norwalk, CT 06851
Phone: (203) 846-3751
