Hello world. It's me, Amanda.

Yesterday morning started out great.  A few of us were set to spend our morning volunteering at the local animal shelter.  We picked up a cart full of supplies that were on their “most needed” list and headed out to the shelter to spend the next few hours brushing cats and dogs, playing with the animals, and walking the dogs.

Things started out great.  We spend the first hour and a half doing exactly what we thought we would be doing and had such happy hearts.  Then suddenly things took a turn for the worse.  Something none of us were prepared for.

Two of us were out walking a dog.  Another friend brought out another dog.  We knew our dog did not like to be around other animals and yelled at our friend to take her dog to the other side.  She did just that.  However, the dog we had quickly got out of his collar.  In a blink of an eye he was gone.  We screamed but the damage was done.  Our dog got to that dog so quickly.  We ran after trying to get the dog away from the other.  However, it’s past training and instincts caused this dog to not let go of the other dog.  Our friend went to get help why we stayed doing whatever we thought we could do to stop this dog from hurting the other.  I won’t go into too much detail but it was one of the worst things I have had to witness and be a part of.  After a staff member came out we were able to get the dog off the other.

  I crumbled down in tears and looked at my right arm which was throbbing in pain.  I had felt a bite during the struggle but my adrenaline caused me to not feel much.  I looked at my friend and her arm was covered in blood.  I looked at my other arm and saw blood coming down my hand.  The poor dog who had been attacked had gotten us while struggling to get away.  We do not blame him for this.  He was seeking help and was hurting and tried to do anything to be saved.

Once inside we realized that I had another cut on my left arm.  We realized my other friend had a cut on her leg.  Before we knew it we were being taken to the ER.  Doctor’s, sheriffs, and a few stitches later we were told that due to what had happened, both dogs would have to be put down.

At this point I lost it.  An act of kindness turned into a group of girls with very heavy hearts.  None of us blamed this poor animal who had been attacked but no matter what we said; due to the dog biting us, standard protocol said that it had to be put down.  I sat in the ER crying hoping they would change their minds. 

One day later, I look at these marks, the stitches, and the bruises and cry each time.  It’s a constant reminder of these poor animals who now have to be put down.  We went to help out a facility which we strongly believe in and support.  In the end; two dogs have to lose their lives.  I try to cover up these wounds and make myself forget.  However; the only thing that can cure this pain is time.

I know it was nobodies fault.  There is no one to blame.  Animals have instincts.  However, it does not make the situation any easier.  I keep praying that somebody will change their mind.  That the one dog at least can stay safe and alive and be adopted by an amazing family.  But I know that cannot happen.

Animal shelters do amazing things.  All three of my animals are from there and I will continue to adopt these loving animals who deserve a chance at a great life.  This was a freak accident that we just happened to be a part of.  However,  I have a feeling it will weigh on our hearts and in our minds for a long time.