Sparky was the 15 year-old dog who was boarded at a pet store, but his owner wanted him put down because the pet store raised its charges, so Ms Ong (of Survivor Shelter) took him in on 19th March 2023 and brought him to her shelter.
Sparky was reasonably healthy except for some neurological problem where his head would be tilted to one side at times. At the shelter, Sparky stayed with the shelter’s older dogs, in a special enclosure.
He was happy and eating very well in the one week that he was at Survivor’s.
This morning, Sparky was still eating well, but by afternoon, Survivor’s caretaker found that he had passed away. There were no signs of any struggle.
Ms Ong informed us immediately and sent photos of Sparky (already passed away). Even before taking Sparky, Ms Ong had told me that pets sometimes do not do well at shelters. This is absolutely true. My friend who runs a shelter says very often surrendered pet dogs just “drop dead” for no apparent reason. This incidence happens more with pet dogs than cats. Perhaps pet dogs rely on or need more of their owner’s love and attention. Perhaps cats are more independent by nature. We don’t really know why.
But I consoled Ms Ong that she had given Sparky a place to stay where he was loved and cared for. Sparky was not put down when he was still alive. He passed away naturally on his own, in his own time.
When the time comes, animals will know how to let go.
One week might be a short duration for us humans, but for dogs and cats, one week feels like a month (multiply it by four and that’s about right).
We thank Ms Ong for her honesty and transparency which we appreciate very much.
Sparky, please know that you were loved until the end.
May your energy be free now.
From stardust to stardust, until the next Big Bang.