While the idea of animal euthanasia is distressing for dog owners, it remains a tragic reality for many pets in shelters.
A report from Best Friends Network reveals that Texas has led the nation in the number of shelter animals euthanized for the second consecutive year. (1)
Intake rates have surged while adoption rates have plummeted. (2)
As shelters overflow, it is heartbreaking that sick dogs or those viewed as less adoptable find themselves on euthanasia lists, making space for others.
Darla was among the pups listed for euthanasia but was fortunate enough to be rescued just in time. Here’s how her story unfolded.
Terrified Darla
Darla, a sweet Golden Retriever, was housed at Laredo Animal Care Services, a shelter located in Laredo, Texas. The staff described her as a highly timid dog who struggled with shelter life.
Faced with overcrowding, the shelter made the tough choice to euthanize some animals. The pups deemed less likely to be adopted found themselves on the euthanasia list.
Sweet Darla was one such pup.
In July 2023, the shelter staff attempted to bring Darla to a euthanasia room. As she realized what was happening, she became terrified. She collapsed in fear and could not walk.
The staff had to carry her and place her in a wheelbarrow.
That day, representatives from Austin Pets Alive!, a non-profit that rescues animals from euthanasia, were visiting the shelter. They planned to take some dogs with them to save their lives.
Clare Callison, the national operations director at Austin Pets Alive!, happened to be there that day as well.
“I was aware of the time when the shelter routinely administers euthanasia to create space in kennels,” she shared.
As they walked down the hallway, a frightened Golden Retriever huddled in a blue wheelbarrow caught their attention. Upon learning she was scheduled for euthanasia, they sprang into action.
Saved at the Critical Moment
The moment they spotted her, they knew rescuing her was crucial.
“We had to pull her out; saving her was essential. We hope she can overcome her fears and become the joyful puppy she was meant to be. Every animal in the shelter deserves this chance, and we’re dedicated to making it happen,” stated Jordana Moerbe, national shelter support director at APA!
After speaking with the shelter staff, Callison discovered that Darla’s shyness was the sole reason for her placement on the euthanasia list.
As Callison gently stroked Darla’s head, she noticed that despite her timid nature, Darla craved affection and relished being petted.
The APA! team quickly took her to the veterinarian for a comprehensive medical checkup, revealing she was merely an eight-month-old puppy.
They collaborated with their partners at Mile High Lab Mission in Denver, Colorado, to welcome Darla into their program. Soon after, a foster family eagerly stepped forward to take her in.
Discovering Love
Upon meeting her foster family, Darla wagged her tail… a motion she hadn’t shown at the shelter. At last, she could embrace her newfound safety and love.
“She transformed into an entirely different dog,” Callison noted.
On August 9th, 2023, the Mile High Lab Mission proudly announced that Darla had been adopted. She now enjoys life with a loving family that cherishes her completely. We wish her a future brimming with love and happiness.
References:
- Best Friends, Animal Shelter Statistics, accessed on Aug 10, 2023, https://bestfriends.org/
- Best Friends, Shelter Crisis, accessed on Aug 10, 2023, https://bestfriends.org/
