Have you ever had your heart broken? Most of us have at some point in our lives. Whether it was because of someone important leaving us or from a life circumstance beyond our control; the pain we felt is undeniable. The mind-numbing, overwhelming sadness that engulfs us usually subsides over time and we attempt to move past the painful time in our lives. We work hard at getting better and feeling whole again. We might accomplish this transition with professional help, with the assistance of friends, or simply with our own mental fortitude. We are intelligent human beings with the ability to process thoughts and feelings. This awareness helps us focus on the task at hand and we eventually develop the ability to be happy again. As humans, we understand.
But what happens when the sorrow descends on a being who cannot express feelings or emotions? Imagine, for a moment, that an unfortunate being’s heart is broken and it has no ability to process grief.
At Lizzy’s Fund we often see senior dogs who are experiencing sadness; who have had their hearts broken by life events beyond their control. Perhaps their owner passed away or simply could not take care of them any longer. Worse, another more incredibly sad situation is when an owner simply does not want to take care of an older dog anymore because they might require more help than the owner is willing to give. We call this dog a “disposable dog.”
Regardless of the unfortunate circumstance, here at Lizzy’s Fund, we see a sadness that cannot be explained to the dog. All we can do is love each one of them, and do whatever it takes to make the dog whole again. Whether the care is surgical, medical, alternative care medicine, we provide that help to make that soul feel physically better and loved. Once this is accomplished, the process of finding a loving home begins. Our goal is to see that the dog is placed in a home where they will find love again, which will heal their sadness.
Lizzy’s Fund also helps support Lizzy Care
Unfortunately, sometimes even after every effort was made to make them healthy, the older dog’s issues may be too great and it cannot be permanently adopted. Then these dogs are then placed in our hospice “Lizzy Care” program. Permanent fosters open their hearts and home and agree to take care of the dog for them for the remainder of its life. This program provides all financial support to the foster to provide comfort for these deserving seniors. We consider these wonderful permanent fosters to be Lizzy’s Humane Hero’s. Their compassion and kindness is humbling.
Whatever their circumstance as to the reason why the senior dog has been abandoned, there is no way to explain it to the dog. All we can do is help them get healthy and find love. What an amazing gift we have the ability to provide. This gift gives back in more ways than you can imagine.
Can you find it in your heart to open your home to a senior that has experienced sadness? We promise you, the reward is unbelievable.
Post Script: Lizzy’s Fund is a Naperville 501(c)(3) charity that financially supports senior dogs in rescues and shelters. We appreciate your support at www.lizzysfund.org.
