Weeks like this are the reason...

I should NEVER own a gun. Just when I actually start trying to be a better person, I get hit with this. Nutshell story: I get an email about a Boxer and her pups that someone needs to surrender. Great! I've got TONS of Boxer rescue contacts! I've been told several different stories of the dog's past and why she needs to be surrendered, but at this point it doesn't matter. What does matter, is that the dog could not be less of a Boxer if she tried. Seriously.

Yeah, I'm no rocket scientist, but I know a pit bull when I see one. I scrambled to find her a temporary foster home, arranged vet care and started contacting rescue groups to see if anyone could help. I was supposed to have her surrendered to me this weekend. And then my phone rings yesterday.

I find out that "the dog is really sick and I need to take her to the vet." What about the puppies? "Oh, we gave them all away." So matter-of-fact. So no-big-deal. Did I mention that the puppies were only FOUR WEEKS OLD?? They were still nursing you fvcking idiot!! THEY'RE ONLY FOUR WEEKS OLD!!

I gave the blasted girl directions to my vet's office, told her that I would call ahead and cover the expense, and that she would NOT be getting this dog back. Long dramatic story short, she surrendered the dog to the vet and left. And if I EVER meet this girl or her loser boyfriend face to face...well, I hope they let me blog from jail.

We're calling her Valentine. The good news is she's heartworm negative, saving her a harsh treatment and me about $500. That's where the good news ends.

She's depressed from losing her puppies, has a painful case of mastitis because she's no longer nursing, has whipworms, has unexplained elevated kidney functions and per her x-rays has, at one time or another, been shot full of bb's. I. Am. So. Angry.

I guess there is one more good thing...dogs are resiliant. And in spite of her sad past, and all the poking and prodding from the vet, Valentine still lets anyone who stops at her kennel pat her on the head. She hasn't barked, growled, or even whined - not when they drew blood, not when they manually palpated her uterus, not when they trimmed her nails and not when they take turns holding warm compresses to her belly. She never even flinches.

She's much more forgiving than I will EVER be.