Abandoning a pet is devastating to the innocent creature who loves you with all their heart. According to pet statistics released by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 6.5 million pets are brought into shelter homes each year in the USA. Out of these, only 3.2 million shelter animals get adopted, and 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized – every single year. The statistics are devastating.
Photo: Facebook/OC Small Paws So UT
But that doesn’t seem to stop people from abandoning their pets. Like the family that owned Cookie, a 15-year-old Cocker Spaniel and her best friend, a 1-year-old Lab. The two dogs were rescued from the streets of San Bernardino after being left to fend for themselves by their family.
Photo: Facebook/OC Small Paws So UT
The shelter staff who rescued the dogs managed to track down the dogs’ family. However, when the family arrived, everyone was in for a surprise. The family chose to only take back the young Lab and left poor Cookie behind. Watching in shock as her family took her best friend home and leave her behind, Cookie began to cry and whimper for them to come back. It was devastating!
The staff was worried about Cookie and her mental and physical health after being abandoned like that, but then a silver lining appeared. Cookie’s story began to spread and many animal lovers reached out to help. Among them was a rescue group who found a permanent foster home for Cookie where she now lives in peace and happiness!
Photo: Facebook/OC Small Paws So UT
No pet deserves to be left behind. No matter what! Remember, a pet is forever!
Watch Cookie’s story in the video below
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