When people relinquish their dog to a shelter, they are asked to give a reason why they can no longer care for the pet. The reasons run the gamut from “I can’t afford her” to “My landlord doesn’t allow dogs.”
However, when an elderly grandfather showed up at a local veterinary clinic with his 10- to 12-year-old senior pooch, he asked the veterinarian to do something unimaginable.
Source: Old Dog Home/Facebook
The dog owner asked his vet to euthanize the animal because he didn’t feel like taking care of her any longer.
The dog looked up at the veterinarian and staff with her beautiful eyes, and they could not possibly carry out the man’s request.
The vet’s office called the Old Dog Home Rescue in Georgia and asked if they could take the dog in. A volunteer named Melissa drove over to the clinic to see what was happening.
“I asked why they wanted to euthanize her,” Melissa wrote on Facebook. “The dog had belonged to someone else before… after the original owner passed away, the dog got shuffled from place to place until she wound up with the current family. They told me that she pees on the floor all the time, and that they have two other dogs already, and the grandkids just aren’t interested in her.”
Source: Jonathan Borba/Unsplash
The man’s granddaughter looked Melissa right in the eye and said, “We just don’t really like her. We like our other dogs better.”
The entire time, Melissa watched as the dog kept wagging her tail. She decided to take her in.
She was dirty and oily with some “old lady lumps and bumps” along with some eye issues. Melissa held back tears as the people walked away from the frail 30-pound dog.
Source: Old Dog Home/Facebook
Nowadays the dog is in the care of Old Dog Home Rescue, where she began her journey shaking and afraid.
She ate a big meal, curled up to nap, and Melissa promised her she’d never be dumped again. They named her Holly and she is getting her happily ever after.
H/T: Johns Creek Post
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10 of the Smartest Dogs in the World:
A friend of mine has a beautiful Dalmatian. Friendly, energetic and lovable, she was a perfect family pet… but she wasn’t the smartest pooch on the planet. See, she knew how to go through the pet door out into the garden, but she had no clue how to get back inside. It never occurred to her that the flap could swing both ways. So she would sit outside and howl until my friend would open the door.
Repeated demonstrations of the dual movement of the flap had no effect; it just did not compute. The dog breeds on this list, however, probably don’t have that problem. They’re widely considered to be among the cleverest canines in the world. Take a look and see if you agree.
1. German Shepherd
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No surprise here. German Shepherds are the world’s best police dogs, military dogs, and some have even been movie stars (remember Rin Tin Tin?). Brave, loyal, smart and strong, they’re the total package.
2. Beagle
Also on the list of the best family-friendly dogs in the world, the Beagle has an incredible nose that lets them sniff out just about anything. Born detectives, they’re not the most trainable pets, but they are smart. And hey, nobody ever accused Snoopy of being dumb.
3. Golden Retriever
A popular choice for assistance dogs for their easy temperament, natural intelligence and loyalty, Golden Retrievers are natural guides and also serve as great rescue dogs. Active and fun to be around, they’re wonderful family pets.
4. Border Collie
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Border Collies are considered by many to be the geniuses of the dog world. Expert herders, laser-focused (they’re known for their intense stare), and incredibly agile to boot, they’re workaholics and excellent athletes. Just don’t expect to keep one cooped up in an apartment.
5. Poodle
Did you know poodles were originally hunting dogs? They respond very well to training and are quick to learn tricks. So don’t let the fluffy looks and styled mane fool you! These dogs are among the smart canines around. Plus, they’re among the best dogs in the world for those who suffer allergies.
6. Belgian Malinois
A terrific military dog, the Malinois is a natural herder, tracker and worker. Smart, trainable and protective, these dogs require an owner who knows what he or she is doing. In addition to the military, Malinois are often recruited as guard dogs and police dogs as well.
7. Papillon
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Named for their butterfly-shaped ears, papillons are small, cute and pretty smart. They’re considered the smartest of the toy dog breed, with intelligence levels comparable to the über-smart border collie. They’re alert and focused pets, and loyal and lovable: an ideal friend for he family.
8. Doberman
Sadly, Dobermans are known more for their ferocity than their smarts, but these are considered among the most intelligent dogs in the world, as well as one of the most effective guard dogs around. They’re outstanding students known to be affectionate and obedient.
9. Bloodhound
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Don’t let the wrinkles and dopey expression fool you! Bloodhounds have the keenest of noses, and are often used for trailing (so much so that their evidence can be used in court against you!). These are loving but strong-willed dogs, and are often used on search and rescue missions.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
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You need a smart, determined and energetic dog to control unruly cows. And that’s just what the Australian Cattle Dog, or ACD, does. They’re intelligent enough to herd these much larger creatures, and while they need their independence and wide open spaces, they’re eager workers who know how to get the job done.
Did we miss your brainy dog on this list? If so, write in and let us know about it!