Matthew's Sharebook 

Downey, CA - The dog's intake photo shows a perky dog - a dog that is still hopeful. Those initial days at an animal shelter must bombard the senses - new smells, loud barking, strange faces, cold kennel runs.

But there is most likely hope in those first few days. Hope that one of the people walking down the line of kennel runs will stop. Hope that one of the friendly "nice dog" voices will reach a hand through and offer a pat on the head. Hope that someone will open the door and take you away from the chaos.

But after days pass and no one opens the door, the hope fades. The tail stops wagging, the head drops and the despair begins to set in.

Is there wonder at what was done wrong? Are their questions about what comes next? Or is there simply quiet resignation that being alone is the best that there is.....

The photo of this dog, labeled with his intake number and the word "STRAY", speaks volumes. Dejection and a loss of hope are visible in his body language.

The dog, ID# A4212501, has been sitting at this California shelter since early November. Day after day he watches people walk by his run and day after day his winds up alone at night when the lights are turned off.

He must be a good dog, or he would not still be alive. The animal control shelters in California are always fighting problems with over-crowding. No dog is ever "safe" for any length of time. Dog #A4212501 could be walked to the back room for his last day at any given moment.

But he is alive right now. Today he has hope. Dog #A4212501 needs to get out of this shelter. He needs to find his way to a home or the safety of a rescue. He needs someone to put the spark of hope back in his eyes. He needs someone to fill his heart with love.

Dog #A4212501 is at the Los Angeles County Downey Shelter.

Downey Shelter

11258 S. Garfield Ave.
Downey, CA 90242
(562) 940-6898

Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed Holidays

If everyone takes a moment and circulates this article, this dog may have a chance. If everyone can do just one thing, take just one moment to share his information, then perhaps this dog, a dog that has no voice of his own - a dog without the means to help himself - can live to see Christmas.

If you work with a rescue organization that can help this dog, please contact them. If you want to save a life, please consider opening your own home to a homeless dog - give fostering a try. You can be this dog's very own Christmas miracle.

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Story by Penny Eims - National Dogs Examiner

Story ideas can be shared at Eims1@live.com.