Until one has exhausted ALL resources for the dog it can't be justified. MANY of us seasoned rescuers have had dogs from shelters who were reportedly aggressive, dangerous etc. We know the breeds we work with, we keep them in our home and work with them one on one, we have the time and resources to do so. I have only put down two dogs in 6 years. Goes to show that breed rescue does have it's place and shelters DO need us, and SHOULD use us. Until every single resource is exhausted NO dog should be put to sleep especially when there is a person like Donna willing to help. I am sure it was hard for the staff to put her down, but what about if they didn't need to. What if Donna could help her, what if she was able to be rehabilitated? I can't live with what if's. When I have a dog that is questionable I do everything I physically can before the big decision is made so that there is never a what if looming in the back of my mind.

I think it's been long enough, shelters know who we are, we have reached out and are willing to help, 98% of us would be there the moment we get the green light but yet we still aren't being called and dogs are still losing their lives. I thought we were all going to work together but what happened to that? Why is it that we aren't getting calls and dogs are dying, there is NO need for a dog to die when rescue is available and willing. NONE I have never understood it and never will.

We all have our places in animal welfare and rescue and it would be nice to see the breed rescuers being used and called for dogs that don't have any more options available to them, in reality they shouldn't even sit in the shelter. Shelters can't do what we can do, it's a luxury we have and shelters should want to use it and take advantage of it, in the end it saves lives and even money for shelters, we lose money but we do it for the love of a breed. That's the only reason I do it, I know my breeds, I can help them and I love doing it. No other reason for me.

PLEASE think about the resources available for dogs next time anyone makes such a final decision. I am not criticizing you but begging you to learn from a possible mistake and utilize some of the wonderful resources available to save lives.