Heartbreaking Stories...

It broke my heart this week to hear about the abuse of a dogged called 'Boof', in Mareeba.

See story here: http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2010/01/14/87505_local-news.html

I just can't comprehend the callousness and cold-heartedness within a human being. How sick these individuals must be. On the odd occassion that I have stood on my dog's tail or paw (by accident), I am distressed to think I may have caused him pain. There is no way on earth I could inflict brutal and torturous acts on Darcy, and hear him howling in pain, such is my love for our pet. How can they do it? This abuse is such an act of betrayal. The ironic thing is, a dog of Boof's size and ability could have easily attacked his owner, defended himself, but of course a dog would never attack it's master, even to save it's life.

I have to be careful what I allow myself to see on the news and internet. The internet is full of animal abuse stories if you wish to see one. For me, it is something I try to avoid. I remember when little Buckley was found. He had had his ears and tail cut off. I was tortured by images of his dear little face for days, even weeks. Every night before I would go to sleep I would imagine the pain he must have felt. It really rocked my world, and I would literally cry. To my horror I discovered that cutting ears off dogs is quite a common thing in some parts of this world... some people like the look this produces and do it for their own twisted and perverse pleasure. Sometimes I think I must live under a rock, because I am 40 something, and was blissfully unaware of these acts of cruelty.

To be honest, I just can't cope with it. I don't know what is happening to me as I get older, but I am haunted by these types of stories. It breaks my heart. Our boy Darcy is so loving and loyal... he lives for us. Most dogs are the same as him. They depend on you and look to you with unconditional love. How can man betray that? All I can answer that with is they must be so tortured inside their own hearts. They must have had lots of abuse inflicted on themselves during crucial times in their own lives. They must be full of pent-up anger and hatred and therefore take it out on their defenseless pet.

I am glad that Boof was rescued in time. I hope and pray that he goes to a worthy new home, and that the rest of his life is lived out in love and respect. Sadly, Boof is one of the few 'lucky' ones who is rescued in time.

Darcy, you don't know how good you have it Boy!