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“Sargent” Only Has 1 Day Left To Find A Home, And He’s Not Alone

Written by: Molly Weinfurter
Molly Weinfurter is a writer for iHeartDogs, and she’s passionate about helping animals in need. She volunteers for Bailing Out Benji and a local dog rescue.Read more
| Published on August 24, 2021

On the morning of August 24th, 2021, shelter staff sent out final pleas for Sargent, who is a 7-year-old German Shepherd at risk of euthanasia. His human surrendered him to Fort Worth Animal Care and Control due to “health concerns.” Yet, he also has some aggression toward dogs, cats, and strangers.

For three days, Sargent sat in his kennel terrified and confused. He trembled and refused to eat. The shelter believes he only had one human his whole life, so he never learned to properly socialize with new dogs or people. He needs someone to be patient with him and allow him lots of time to decompress.

Sargent in the shelter
Image: @loveandpaws/Facebook

Sadly, Sargent is one of many dogs set to be euthanized on August 24th. The shelter is overcrowded and not receiving enough help, so they’re left with limited options. They’re pleading for someone to open their heart to him by adopting or fostering him. He needs extensive time to come out of his shell, and he hasn’t been neutered or tested with dogs and cats yet. Above all else, he just needs some love during this scary time in his life.

Was Sargent Saved?

While it hasn’t been confirmed yet, things are looking promising for Sargent. Shelter volunteers stated that he has several potential adopters coming to meet him, thanks to the many Facebook posts shared. Several people in the comments even offered to foster him if the adoptions fall through.

Sargent will need a patient, loving home to decompress in, but once he gets comfortable somewhere, he’s a very playful dog. He enjoys going for walks and playing with squeaky toys and tennis balls.

However, even though many people are stepping up to help Sargent, he isn’t the only at-risk dog in Fort Worth.

Sad German Shepherd
Image: Paula Rogers Facebook

Sargent Isn’t Alone – Lots of Dogs Are At Risk!

Fort Worth Animal Care and Control has to take in every dog that’s surrendered to them. So, with an excess amount of surrendered dogs and limited space, they’re often put in difficult situations. Thus, they’re pleading for more adopters and fosters to come forward to save dogs like Sargent.

“I feel helpless I want everyone to read this sentence before they turn away…. Since MAY 1st /2021 Fort Worth Animal Shelter has RECEIVED 4,687 dogs, yes just DOGS and read that number again 4,687 dogs were found as strays or surrendered to the shelter that is 115 days averaging 41 dogs a day were brought into the shelter!!!” Pet Rescue Report shared. “They are full and these dogs will die sadly. I have ZERO room I can not even place a puppy, but this is the reality and this is just one shelter in the metroplex! Think again when you adopt make sure you are committing for the long haul!!”

So, please don’t take your anger out on the shelter. They don’t want to euthanize any animals, and they don’t deserve hurtful messages. They are trying their best to save as many dogs as possible, and they’ve even waived adoption fees. But irresponsible humans keep making things harder. If you bring a dog home, that dog becomes your life-long family member, not a disposable item.

If you’d like to adopt or foster from the Fort Worth Animal Shelter, please visit their website.

Ways You Can Help Save Dogs

No matter how busy your life is, there are always ways to help dogs in need. Here are a few ways you can help lower the number of dogs getting euthanized:

  1. Adopt – Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue opens up space for more dogs to be saved.
  2. FosterFostering a dog has many benefits, including opening up space in shelters and providing a loving home for the time being.
  3. Spay/Neuter – If you haven’t already, getting your dog spayed or neutered is a great way to prevent dog overpopulation.
  4. Volunteer – If you can’t foster, you can volunteer in other ways. Ask local shelters and rescues to find out what they need help with.
  5. Donate – Donating money or supplies can help animal organizations care for more dogs.
  6. Sponsor a Dog – Instead of donating money in general, you can pay for a dog’s adoption fee or cover their medical costs.
  7. Spread the Word – Encouraging adoption, sharing posts about at-risk dogs, and spreading the word about shelters in other ways can help push more people to adopt and foster, even if you’re not able to do it yourself.

Every bit of help can make a difference. So, consider doing one or more of the above to make this world a better place for dogs in need!

Pit Bull in Shelter
Image: @fortworthacc/Facebook

H/T: petrescuereport.com
Featured Image: @loveandpaws/Facebook and Paula Rogers Facebook

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