Los Angeles, California - What do people do when a furry family member gets old and that family member becomes a burden? For many, they throw them away, of course!
We have become a "throw away society" - a phrase that's suppose to refer to chattel; a thing; a piece of personal, movable property. Unfortunately, a large part of our society throws away their elderly pets as easily as they would throw out any other thing that has become too old.
When this happens, animal rescuers are forced to spring into action in an attempt to "salvage" their "trash." Sometimes, we're successful. Sometimes, we're not; but we try, nonetheless.
Such is the case of an 11-year-old female Shih Tzu, who was dumped by her family at the Carson Animal Shelter on February 28th. This living, sentient being - who, in all likelihood, was once a part of her family - literally became that family's trash. This family's trash has a name. Her name is Maddie.
Posted by Gabi Gutierrez on facebook last Thursday, Maddie has so far been shared nearly 360 times, as well as networked by email. Despite everyone's efforts, this bewildered old-timer still sits at the shelter.
According to an officer at the shelter, Maddie is suffering from a skin condition and has a distended abdomen. It is unknown whether she is pregnant, or suffering from some other health malady. Whatever the case, Maddie is currently housed in what the officer called the "feral cat building," half of which is reserved for small, sick dogs.
As of this time, no person or rescue has made a commitment to adopt (CTA); however, a notation on Maddie's record indicates that a private party is suppose to pick her up tomorrow, March 18th. The officer does not know whether the private party is a member of a rescue organization.
In the rescue community, "out of the building" has a meaning. It means the pet is safe insofar as the animal being euthanized at the shelter. Until we hear or read those words, Maddie is not safe. In addition, she needs immediate veterinary care.
Maddie is waiting for a savior; waiting with sad, but hopeful, big, brown eyes. If interested, here is her shelter information:
Gender: Female
Breed: Shih Tzu
Age: 11 years old
ID #: A4548500
The shelter address and phone number are as follows:
Carson Animal Shelter
216 W. Victoria Street,
Gardena, CA 90248
Phone: (310) 527-5158
To follow Maddie's story on Facebook, click here.
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