Animals receive
second chance
by Ashley Smicker
ne news editor

   Animal shelters are a great place to get an animal.
   I have always been an animal person; animals are important in my life.
   They welcome us home and put a smile on our faces if we are depressed or hurt.
   I was about 6 when I got my dog at the shelter.
   I looked at different dogs until my mom showed me this cute mixed black and white dog.
   I poked my hand in the cage, and he licked my hand and wagged his tail.
   When the attendant opened the door and put a leash on him, he ran to me and licked my face.
   I named him Sparkey.
   My dad and I would walk him. I was in charge of feeding him and making sure he had water.
   Sparkey was a great pet.
   One summer, I spent the night in my clubhouse with my dad, and Sparkey lay at the foot of my sleeping bag.
   I can remember the day I was walking home from getting my sister at school.
   When we walked up to the house, Sparkey always barked with excitement, knowing that we were home, but this day we heard no barking. We went into the house, and Dad called a family meeting.
   My mom told us Sparkey started gasping for air, so she took him to the vet.
   They gave him oxygen to help him breathe, but the doctor said Sparkey should be put down. Mom refused.
   But Sparkey died a little while later.
   Sparkey’s been gone awhile, and dad talks about getting another dog, but my mom and I refuse because of the pain.
   He was my companion for so many years, it’s hard to say goodbye and let go.
   When I look at old pictures and home videos, I remember the good times I had with him. When I have a family of my own, I want to rescue a dog and give it a good home and show my kids the responsibility and love an animal needs.
   Many shelters have too many animals. Some animals were taken out of bad situations or abandoned.
   But anyone can save a dog. Rescuing a dog is not as expensive as buying a new puppy.
   Many rescued dogs are already house trained and just need a good home and family.
   But most importantly, animals need love.
   Anyone can make a difference in an animal’s life by saving it from death.