The lab seemed to be bleeding from the rear (not in heat) so I came in and called the local PD. Nope, no one had reported her missing, try Animal Control. I called them and since the one seemed injured they came and collected both dogs (was taking the known one home and hopefully reading the owner the riot act).
Anyway, the lab was posted on the AC website for the required 8 days and I felt so guilty for turning her in. No one claimed her so I went in and adopted her. She is an old girl but so sweet.
Vet visit showed she had a tumor in her rectum (the bleeding) and she is also heartworm positive. The vet cut out the tumor, stitched her up and sent her home with me. We will not treat for heartworm since she is about 10 years old and probably also has cancer.
But, she has a home with us for however long she lives. A wonderful dog and my 6 year old Shepherd accepts her.
The only thing that I am angry about (yes, angry) is that she was obviously "dumped" by her owners. Even if they could not afford treatment, they could have taken her to our no-kill shelter (who is also Animal Control for the county) and while they have a $25 fee for owner surrender, if things were that tight I am sure they would have waived that.
There are some bittersweet but happy endings for these guys. I can't help but feel that she was given to me for a reason and I will do the best that I can for her.
I’ve had labs. They are without doubt one of the most loyal dogs that exist. That someone could dump one is incomprehensible to me. It’s not in me to understand it. I could no more dump a dog than I could cut off my leg.
It lightens my heart that you’ve given succor to a dog that others have abandoned. It seems that there is a plan and both you and the dog are the better for it.