Heidi

In Buddhism, the central thought is compassion without attachment. In rescue, that is not possible, no matter how hard one tries, one cannot have compassion without attachment. People often write to us that our Dog Tales touch their hearts and make them cry. We do not share these stories to make people cry, we share these stories to illustrate how rewarding rescue can be, and how very hard it can be. 

• 8:00 p.m Saturday, March 2 e-mail received about a Saint Bernard in a shelter with an injured leg. She was described as very sweet.
• 11:00 p.m. Sunday, March 3, discussion with shelter volunteer about arranging to take Saint Bernard to vet and what might be wrong with her.
• 8:30 a.m. Monday, March 4, confirmation of appointment with vet.
• 3:15 p.m. Monday, March 4, arrived at shelter to pick up dog for vet appointment.

I was greeted at the door by the shelter volunteer with whom I had spoken. Things were not looking good. The dog was no longer on her feet. Upon meeting the Saint Bernard, I learned that her name was Heidi...she offered me a friendly wag of her tail when I said her name. Unable to walk, the shelter staff carried Heidi to my car.

• 3:45 p.m. Heidi lifted her head when I stopped at a stop sign. I was encouraged that perhaps the swollen front leg was an injury and could be treated. Perhaps we could catch whatever was wrong with her in time to give her a better life.
• 4:45 p.m. We arrived at the vet clinic. The vet and clinic staff came out to help carry Heidi into the clinic. 

Heidi had been brought into the shelter as a *found dog*. Her story was that her owner went through a divorce 3-4 months prior and had tried to sell Heidi for $600. Failing that, he moved out of his home and left Heidi behind. People in the area were aware that Heidi was left behind and were feeding her at the church on Sunday, etc. When she was brought to the SPCA, she was carried into the stray dog room. She could not walk. On Sunday, she did stand and follow the kennel worker around. 

• 4:50 p.m. The vet administered pain medication. The vet technician held Heidi's head and whispered in her ear as we shaved her leg and tried to make her as comfortable as possible.
• 5:15 p.m. We moved Heidi to the x-ray room. 
• 5:30 p.m. X-rays showed that Heidi was in advanced stages of bone cancer. Our options had run out. Three short hours after Heidi entered my life, it was time to say good-bye.

I don't think owners have any idea how many tears a stranger sheds when their dogs breathe their last breath. Heidi died in the company of people who cared. All dogs deserve to die with dignity and in the arms of someone who cares. Heidi did not deserve to be left behind to die alone when her family moved. If you are moving and cannot take your dog, please contact your local rescue organization or shelter to make arrangements.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Andrew and his staff for their compassion and kindness by being there for Heidi when she needed someone to care.