When a dog comes to a shelter, most often it is because they are found as a stray on the street. In the case of a dog with an owner, sometimes dogs are turned over to the shelter because the dog is exhibiting unwanted behavior or the owner does not have the financial means to care for a dog, among other reasons.

In the case of Cutie, a 15-year-old German shepherd mix, her family simply “had no time for her anymore.”

Cutie was left at the shelter

Surrendered to the Carson Animal Care Center in Gardenia, California, Cutie had no idea why her family had abandoned her. According to shelter staff, she would sit in her kennel, scared to come out.

She waited for days for her family to return, but sadly they never did.

It’s anybody’s guess as to why Cutie’s family decided to take her to the shelter after 15 years. Maybe it was because she had grown older. Regardless of why, Cutie was devastated. After a dog is adopted, they quickly become a part of the family and miss their family when separated from them.

Fortunately, for Cutie, a kind soul decided to adopt her, taking her into their home. Now, she is living with someone who loves her in a home where she can spend the rest of her life. Before you adopt a dog, make sure that you are in it for the long haul, because your pet depends on you!

What are some common reasons that people abandon their pets?

Why exactly do people abandon their animals? Sometimes when a person or family takes in a pet, they aren’t prepared for the responsibility of fully caring for the pet. This includes training or having them trained so that they can use the potty outdoors, socialize with other animals, and follow simple commands.

Another reason is that as a dog gets older, some people either don’t feel like they can provide the level of care their pet needs or are unable to care for them due to the increased costs often associated with senior pets.

In Cutie’s case, her family probably either did not have the funds or were unable to properly care for her. In the end, the family might have done the best thing they could have for Cutie by bringing her to the shelter. At least they gave her the benefit of potentially getting adopted into a new home and didn’t just throw her out onto the street, which unfortunately sometimes happens.

How to care for a senior dog

While caring for a senior dog might seem difficult at first, knowing what you need to do to properly care for them can help alleviate some of the fear. The easiest way to educate yourself is by talking to your vet and listening to their advice on the care of your pet as they age.

A lot of what you will need to do when caring for your senior dog depends on their breed and the medical complications that can arise from their genetics. Larger dogs also tend to age faster than smaller dogs, so keep that in mind. Common dog issues that your vet can help you with include pet arthritis, obesity, and dental problems.

Another consideration when you have a senior dog is whether to have them euthanized or not. Many times, if properly cared for, a senior dog can live a long and happy life. Sadly, sometimes the best thing you can do for your pet is to have them put to sleep, especially if they are in a lot of pain.

This is why it is important to cherish every moment you have with your pet. For a dog, life is fleeting. By spending quality time with them and giving them all of your love, you can enrich both of your lives.

For more on Saving Carson Shelter Dogs, and how to adopt a pet or donate, check out the organization’s Facebook page. You can watch the video below of Cutie as she waits for her family to return for her at the shelter.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: Facebook/Saving Carson Shelter Dogs

H/T: I Love My Dog So Much, AP News, Pet MD, Seattle Dogspot