Adopting a dog from a high kill shelter (who had only moments left to live)

I had a very similar situation. Found a GSD at a county shelter (high kill) who was super friendly. However, she had mange and a hernia and was already scheduled to be euthanized the next day. I spent the day trying to convince them to let me adopt her. Went back the next day to make sure they did not do the eu-deed. Finally on my 3rd trip, they decided to let me keep her. Two days later their vet fixed her up, including the hernia. Two days after she went home with me. Had her for 11 years.

HEARTBREAKING TO SEE THE OTHER DOGS SCHEDULED TO DIE.

OMG that german shepherd is beautiful! currently I have 15 dogs, 11 of them are fosters from high kill shelters, pulled from the euthanasia list at the last minute. You can tell every*single*day how grateful they are with me, their smiles are everything anyone could ask for. They know they got a second chance at life, and they let me know how thankful they are.

As someone from a country with high animal rights and protection (Germany) it’s terrifying to know that there are countries where animals get killed in shelters. Shelters are supposed to be safe spaces where dogs can stay a foreseeable time while they wait for a new home.❤

Thank you for not bashing the shelter. Kill shelters are NOT the problem. They're the ones left trying to manage an impossible situation made by other people.

The fact that you can do this while grieving shows me how truly beautiful you are inside and out. I will pray for good homes for these fur babies.❤

So heartbreaking seeing those dogs waiting for their last chance...I'd break down crying.

My wife and I went to an adoption fair. I arrived at the fair organization and asked "what is the worst case you have?". They chatted a little, offering the beautiful animals that were there at the fair. But I insisted. And had. Our darling is called Brave, with two degenerative diseases and a history of domestic violence. Many hospitalizations, medicines, care and more or less 5 months to live. 2 weeks later my other dog passed away from complications due to old age, his name was Zuma. Both very loved and cherished. Just do it. I don't do it for me, I do it for them. Stop negotiate with excuses.

the way other dogs eyes were longing for a home it tears my heart i just hope all the dog in this world get full love and a home where they will be taken care

After our two fur babies passed we adopted from the local shelter. $35 save the life of Ms Maple Bar. The sweetest and most joyful and dog loving German Shep I’ve ever seen. She’s so smart too!!

You are the type of person who deserves my utmost respect. I have two dogs who are also adopted from the streets. I sincerely hope that more people chooses to adopt rather than buy. Edit the GSD you adopted looks like my own half-gsd at home.... I'm in tears knowing she might have been killed if you didn't get there soon enough

My neighbors had a young GSD chained up in their back yard and it was HEART-BREAKING! Good job, sis!

Totally agree. California NEEDS to do way more to help these animals. Much stricter spay/neuter laws and crack down on backyard breedersThanks for showing just a fraction of what goes on in California shelters.

some of the dogs shown in the beginning are absolutely beautiful. I wish I could get more dogs from shelters but I already have a lot of animals. Poor babies deserve homes

I live near the Riverside Shelter, I often volunteer there and it completely breaks my heart when I see those pups. My parents recently decided to adopt a dog from there, and one of them looked like her kennelmates! Sending love from California ❤

I instantly cried when I saw all these dogs in their kennels, who couldn't come with you. But I'm so happy that you rescued, that precious girl. Wish you all the best. You two are going to have a lot of adventures and fun in the future.

A few years ago I saw the HBO documentary "one nation" : dogs. They showed how a kill shelter works without censoring. That film devastated me emotionally. I will never watch that again. It is soul crushing for the people that work there. The dogs know what is about to happen to them , and you can see it in their eyes. You did a wonderfull thing by adopting, thank you.

You can be an animal lover without being a vegan. Ignore the militant vegans trying to guilt shame you. You do what is most important for you, which is volunteering for shelter dogs, which is an amazing thing to do. Thank you for helping the dogs.

wasn't even 2 seconds in and i immediately started sobbing.

I’m 71 y/o and have had shelter dogs since I was 15. I’ve loved each one more than the last. They’re the best companions and are loyal to the end❤