When Princess was abandoned at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, she was found in a small crate left in the parking lot. Alongside her were bags filled with all of her belongings — and a heartbreaking note.
According to Georgia Dodson, director and cofounder of Miri’s Haven Senior Dog Rescue, the request was shocking. The person who left Princess behind had asked that she be euthanized, with her belongings donated to other dogs after her death.
At 16 years old, Princess required more care than the shelter could provide, so she was quickly transferred into the hands of Miri’s Haven Senior Dog Rescue. Like the shelter, the rescue team was stunned that her family had asked for her life to be ended.
“Miri’s Haven doesn’t let fragile seniors die that way, and neither does the shelter that contacted us,” Dodson explained.
When she first arrived, Princess was disoriented and clearly shaken from being left behind, likely by the only family she had ever known. But once she was taken into rescue care, her personality slowly began to shine through. Despite her age, it was obvious that she still had spirit and life left in her.
Though she suffers from advanced kidney disease and is considered a hospice case, Dodson noted that Princess is not currently in pain. What she has endured is the emotional heartbreak of abandonment, but with gentle care and patience, she has been improving each day.
Now Princess will spend the remainder of her days in the comfort of a devoted hospice foster home. She will know only kindness and love for however much time she has left. Even in her senior years, she still has an abundance of affection to share, and those who rescued her are grateful to give her the second chance she deserves.