"When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That’s my religion." — Abraham Lincoln
Unfortunately, I’m not a member of Abraham Lincoln’s religion. Today, I did a good thing and now I feel really really bad. As in breaking down crying bad. As in shoving Pecan Sandies into my mouth bad. And what was the good thing I did that makes me feel so bad now, even as you read this?
I Found A Stray Dog
My dog, Pony, lets me know when there’s a stray dog or a strange person on our street. She let me know this afternoon. Now, I’ve gone out and caught stray dogs before. It’s really no big deal. In a few minutes, either you hear the owner frantically screaming or you call the police. I would certainly hope that if Pony ever were to wander that someone would catch her and call the police. Otherwise, I might not see her again.
This dog was different. She had a collar on (too tight), impeccable manners, clipped claws, clean ears … and pendulous breasts. I didn’t see any milk dripping out, but I wondered if she were nursing puppies. She was an older, dignified dog who cringed when she saw me, then stuck by my side until Animal Control came. She was a little buff-colored Labrador Retriever-type with a white face and a pink nose.
It’s such an incredibly cold day, too. With the wind chill, it’s about zero degrees Celsius and 25 degrees in Understandable Temperature. She knew what a house was and begged to come in. She was perfectly behaved and wagged her tail when looking at me constantly.
And then I had to give her up to Animal Control of Delaware County. The last I saw her, she was behind bars, looking out at me pleadingly, confused.
And that’s why, despite doing good, I feel bad.
What’s Going To Happen To Her?
I do wonder what’s going to happen to her. She’s old, her collar was too tight, she didn’t have a microchip or ID tags. She seemed to look to me for help and I hope I was able to provide it. When something places its life in your hands so completely, you can’t help but feel responsible for that life.
I don’t know what’s going to happen to her. I did leave my name and phone number in case no one comes forward to claim her, but I did that without my Mom’s permission (and she’s the one who owns the house). I also didn’t ask my dog Pony’s permission (she’s the one who owns my soul).
The only thing I can do while I do good and feel bad is give to animal charities, take care of my own dog and pray. But in getting to relax in this situation, writing out the experience has definitely helped. That and the cookies.
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3 Comments
Write a Comment»Animals, especially pets, have a certain way of touching our hearts. When a special one crosses our path, I feel God puts them there for a reason. Maybe volunteering at your local animal shelter, you will have a chance to help animals find a good home. Knowing you did something good is something you should be proud of. You helped protect her from being hit by a vehicle or someone who maybe be abusive by turning her over to Animal Control. A lot people feel guilty because of turning over animal to the “animal catcher”, thinking the animal will be killed. Most Animal Control Center have adoptions if the owner does not claim after so many days and the animal shows signs of being able to be adopted. So you did something very good for this special dog. Perhaps you can go visit her at the Animal Control.
Those are excellent suggestions, Shirley. When I am stressed, it’s hard for me to see that there are always options. Thanks for the reminder. And thanks for being kind enough to make such a helpful comment. It’s helped me.
Just as an update to this post, I found out this weekend that after a fortnight at the shelter, the Lab was successfully reunited with her owner. WHEW!