I'm going home after my volunteer shift at an animal shelter

Today I had to take Lyra on her last walk. They found out she had a large tumor on her stomach, and when the shelter is completely out of space, impossible decisions have to be made. Dogs who are sick, have been there a long time, or have anything working against them are often the ones who pay the price. I am tired. I am exhausted. So many of the dogs at the shelter came in as strays… and not one single person came looking for them. How is that possible? Where are their families? I’m not judging the people who unfortunately have to surrender their dogs because something happened in their lives. I know life happens, and sometimes things get out of our control. But I can’t help but wonder… how does a 3-year-old dog end up at the shelter and no one comes looking for them? How about a 10-year-old? Or a 12-year-old? I try my best to stay positive. I try to be graceful. But the truth is… I am exhausted. I spend almost every day with these dogs. I work so hard. I make videos. I tell their stories. I give them all of my love. But no matter how much I do, no matter how much we all do, sometimes it still isn’t enough. Having to sit with a dog, knowing what is going to happen to them and not being able to change it, is one of the hardest feelings I’ve ever experienced. Before anyone asks why I didn’t take her home… I can’t take every single dog home. That is why I volunteer. That is how I help. And the heartbreaking truth is that Lyra wasn’t the only dog who didn’t make it today. This is happening every single day all across the country. Rescues are full. Shelters are full. Volunteers are already caring for as many dogs as they possibly can. When is this ever going to stop? We have to do better. We have to be more responsible with our animals. Adopting a pet is a commitment you make for many years if you’re lucky enough to watch them grow old by your side. And again, I know life happens. I’m not blaming the people who truly have no other choice. But I do hope people understand that bringing your dog to a shelter should never be the first option. Please exhaust every option before making that decision. Ask family. Ask friends. Ask your community for help. Today I spent the entire day at the shelter walking dogs, and the number of dogs I watched arriving was terrifying. One after another. Some were owner surrenders. Others were brought in as strays. I know times are hard, and many families are struggling financially. But please ask for help. Here in Cobb County, there is even a pet food pantry that provides free food to help families keep their pets at home. I’m sorry… today was just a really hard day. Rest in peace, Lyra. I hope you enjoyed all the treats, all the cookies, and the 45 minutes we spent together today. I’m sorry this was all I could do. I’m sorry we couldn’t find you a home. And I’m sorry no one came looking for you. It was never your fault. You were perfect in every single way. When you get to Heaven, look for a dog named Gustavo. He was once in the same situation you were. I was lucky enough to save him, adopt him, and give him the most wonderful eight years of life before cancer took him away from me. Find him. He’ll guide you, and I know he’ll take good care of you. ❤️