Sophie’s Choice

It has been the week of gift-giving for The Dog Liberator.  I want to thank all of you.  I sit here at my desk pounding away all day long, and many times I really do feel alone.  But the Fedex and UPS trucks have been rolling in with wonderful surprises, and the emails of donations have been received.  I’d like to thank all of you.

But today, I found something in the mail that caught me by surprise…. it left a lump in my throat, and I shed a tear or two, realizing how blessed all of us really are.  We rescue great dogs, we adopt out great dogs, and we have fantastic supporters.  One of which is Sophie Litzenberg.  Sophie adopted Murphy in May of 2010.  Back then, he was just a black dot!

I opened the pink envelope, adorned with pink carnations and a lady bug, and began to read:

Dear Dog Liberator,

We adopted Murphy in June, 2010 through your organization.  That was the best thing that has ever happened to me.  He’s the best puppy ever and we love him so much.  He is so friendly to people and other dogs.  He is so funny because he wants to be human.  He knows a ton of tricks and he is well behaved (when he has to be).

I raised $300 dollars for my birthday and I sold ice-cream and cookies at my local park, where everyone knows and loves Murphy.

I hope you are able to continue to save dogs because we need people like you in the world.  I will try to raise more money and give awareness to my friends, my school, and my  neighborhood so they can help your organization.

Sincerely,

Sophie Litzenberg – 11 years old

 

Inside the envelope was a $300 check.  I called Sophie’s Mom, Anne right away, and she explained that Sophie has been saving since last October.

The Litzenberg’s had originally adopted a pup from a shelter, but shortly thereafter, the pup passed away from Parvo.  I’ve heard many stories from adopters who suffered the loss of pup from Parvo and the loss of a dog from Heartworm, after they had just adopted.  It’s devastating.

Sophie, I will accept your donation, but what I’d really like is in the future, you save your hard earned money and put it away for a day that might choose to be a Liberator.  Maybe you’ll be a vet, a groomer, a trainer, or maybe you’ll be just like your Mom, and have really smart and loving kids… and you’ll get them a great dog, and teach them how to love and take good care of animals.

Sophie, when I get old and can’t take care of the dogs anymore, I really hope that I can find smart and kind children like you who are all grown up, that want to help the dogs.

I’m really proud of you Sophie, and I know everyone at TDL is too!  I hope all of our supporters will read this and send you a comment!  Way to go Sophie!  You Rock!

I’m speechless, Thank you!

Gisele