This is Roscoe.
He captured my heart from the moment I laid my eyes on him. Maybe it was that big old head that stared back at me through the wires of the kennel, or maybe it was those cheeks, the kind that you just want to take in your hands and smoosh! His wrinkly brow looked at me questioningly as I approached him. He was a new dog at the shelter, and as I crouched before the kennel he stared back with a tilted head, and that furrowed brow, wagging his tail and looking at the gate as if to ask, “Are you here for me?” I smiled and stroked his fur through the wire. He reminded me of the dog in Turner and Hooch, for those that remember the movie. I was in a crunch for time, and had dropped by the shelter with just enough time to give each dog a chew toy, so I promised him I would come see him in a few days.
As always, before I left the shelter, I stopped to ask about certain dogs that have been at the shelter for a while. Who’s been adopted, and who’s in foster. My last question, as I reached for the door to go, was about the new dog Roscoe…
He was the victim of an irresponsible owner and the judgments of our political society. Seems Roscoe, who is in fact not much more than a year old, came to the shelter about 4 months ago for biting someone. His owner retrieved him, but didn’t take the necessary steps to ensure that Roscoe was properly socialized and would not get loose again. It happened again, and this time he scratched someone, and animal control decided that Roscoe shouldn’t live within the city anymore. They went to court, and the judge agreed, ordering him to death. Based on a bite, a scratch and his looks, that left him defenseless, there would be no third chance. There would be no behavior evaluation done, or thought given to seeking a reputable rescue or adopter outside of the city, or even the state of Colorado for that matter. Because of his irresponsible owner, and our governments discriminatory views, Roscoe will pay for his crime with his life.
I am continually sickened and saddened by our government’s and society’s prejudicial views, and the total lack of regard for animals and their welfare. While I understand the feelings of the bite and scratch victims, I also feel that all things should be taken into consideration in the circumstances surrounding the event. There were quick judgements made, and once again an incredible animal will pay the price for human’s disregard and lack of education. Perhaps if the judge who made the decision to “destroy” were the last one to look into Roscoe’s eyes while injecting the needle, they would take the time to understand where the real problems lie. So often when we think of neglect, images of emaciated dogs come to mind. Roscoe isn’t emaciated, but his welfare was certainly neglected. The person he shared his short life with will probably get another dog eventually, and I don’t even have to wonder if the judge will demand they take a course in animal welfare. The cycle of animal neglect will be allowed to continue because it’s so much easier to extinguish an animal’s life, rather than tackle the root of the problem, which in this case is the owner. I’m just trying to make sense of it all.
Roscoe didn’t become famous. I’m not even sure if he made the news. He doesn’t have a Facebook page with thousands of followers devoted to him, and there are very few, who even know of his existence. I want you to know the Roscoe that I know. The Roscoe that made a difference to me on this January day…
I took Roscoe for a walk at sunset. Despite his big, beefy appearance, he was quite the gentleman. He didn’t pull on the leash, and stayed right by my side, trotting gently with his nose to the ground; taking in the smells and sights on this unseasonably warm day in January. I chatted with him, and let him stop at every bush. Passers-by exclaimed what a beautiful dog he was, and I smiled. He looked up at me when I said his name, and each time that I told him what a good boy he was. We spent time in the grass, and we paused while his paws crunched in a patch of snow on the sidewalk. I told him how much I love him.
Today will be his last, and the staff and volunteers gave Roscoe ice cream, and chicken nuggets; belly rubs and butt scratches, and tons of extra special love and attention. I told him again what a good boy he was as I massaged his back. We stood side by side in his kennel, and once again he looked up at me with those beautiful eyes. As he gently licked the last bit of ice cream from the cup that I held, I told him how much he was loved before latching the gate and saying good bye.
~kk
