by Lynn Bourdon
Most people would say that an animal is just an animal, but to the volunteers and staff at the local shelter they are so much more. They are helpless little creatures who depend on us to keep them safe, loved and protected.
Smokey had been living at the shelter since he was a young pup, having been found abandoned with his siblings several months ago. At first he was terrified of strangers, but waited longingly in his cage for someone to take him home. As the weeks turned into months, he started to overcome his shyness and became everyone's favourite. We were all so hopeful that soon he would have a loving home with a special family that could return him all the love, happiness and affection he brought to all of us.
Unfortunately, all our hope was lost recently when Smokey died suddenly. His cage, once filled with the sound of hopeful barking, jumps of joy and one of the friendliest dogs imagineable, now sits empty. Very soon, however, that cage will once again contain a dog that will need special attention, love and caring just as Smokey did. We mist you, Smokey.