“True Compassion means not only feeling another’s pain but also being moved to help relieve it.” – Daniel Galeman
Found on the floor of her kennel by one of our volunteers, this precious senior soul was unable to move. She was in pain and the shelter did not have the resources to help her, so we took her under our wing.
We named her Marley and took her directly to the emergency Vet. We immediately began pain management and then exams began so we could identify the cause of her condition.
As it turned out, radiographs revealed a thoracic spinal fracture with dorsal displacement. She did not have any deep pain in the left hind and no real pain response in her back at all. We had a specialist examine the radiographs for a second opinion and they told us how poor her quality of life would be, even with surgery. The only responsible course of treatment was helping her cross over.
At Paws Give Me Purpose we put quality of life above all else. Even when we know a dog is here in hospice, and there will be an impending passing and are prepared for it, it is still one of the toughest phases we go through – and it never gets easier.
This is one of those gut wrenching decisions that we sometimes have to make, but also a loving kindness that Marley deserved. She was only with us for a few hours, we loved her beyond measure, and held her tight as she peacefully gained her Angel wings.
No dog should die alone in a shelter simply because they are no longer wanted by those who were supposed to love them forever.
And Marley left this world in a room full of love with a smile on her face.
This is what we do here at Paws Give Me Purpose.