Shelter Dog On Death Row Trembles With Fear And Too Afraid To Walk

Every dog and cat is deserving of a loving home and a second chance at life. Sadly, due to a lack of room, young and aged creatures are euthanized in overcrowded shelters.

Millions of dogs and cats are housed in shelters, waiting for someone to adopt them. At shelters, however, some people are on a time clock known as ‘death row.’ Each of those pets has a deadline by which they must be adopted, or they will be euthanized by the shelter.

Meet Mocha, a one-year-old Pit bull mix who was dumped at the Salisbury, North Carolina-based Rowan County Animal Shelter. Through no fault of her own, she was surrendered with another dog by her callous owner. Mocha was given a deadline of November 1st, after which she would be euthanized if she was not adopted.

In her box, the fearful puppy would shiver with anxiety, and potential adopters would walk right past her. She was flea-infested and terrified when she came. Albina Albiie Chanel, one of the shelter’s volunteers, wanted to demonstrate Mocha that not all humans are terrible. She was heartbroken over Mocha’s situation and wanted to give her an opportunity to find a family.

“You know, we deal with human cruelty and depravity on a daily basis. This lovely young lady crushed my heart. At that point, the owner gives up. She’s a skeleton, covered with fleas, who shakes uncontrollably and refuses to stand up and walk. Talk about a soul that’s been shattered. I despise mankind on some days. Keep your head up, Mocha. “She’s seen so much cruelty in her one year of existence,” Albina wrote.

She decided to write a letter from Mocha and post it on Facebook. It said, “Dear humans,

As I sit here on death row totally defeated, I hope my puppies will at least have a better life than I did. I sit here, I am so scared just waiting to be euthanized. You see, I am only a year old. I haven’t had a good life at all..”

“I shake so violently in my kennel that folks just walk past me,” it continued. Humans haven’t been kind to me, so I can’t help myself. I am quite thin, but I enjoy eating. Today I attempted to be bold for my photos, but I couldn’t even stand up. I tried, though, and I believe the girls with me were aware of my efforts. Later, I was even bold enough to enjoy a treat.”

The heartbreaking letter concluded with, “I was surrendered to the shelter by my owner with my friend.. please consider adopting me and giving me a chance at a good life. But please know I may take a while to warm up because I’m just so scared. You can find me in kennel #5.
Love,
Mocha”.

Thousands of people commented and shared the post, making it become viral. Fortunately, someone heard about Mocha and went to the shelter to help her. Mocha and her sister, who came in with her, are safe, according to Albina.

After she was rescued, Albina penned her own letter to Mocha. “Dear Mocha, I sat with you and wrote a letter for the entire world to see,” she wrote. That is exactly what they did. Sweet girl, enjoy your second chance. May you finally be loved and cared for for the rest of your life.

Best wishes my darling.
I love you and will remember you always.”

Thank you to whoever rescued Mocha. She is just one of many that are on death row waiting for a loving home. Please consider adopting or fostering, as it is the only way to help end death row at shelters. In addition, spay and neuter your pets. Adopt don’t shop!