To Buddha's owner

He's being put down in the morning.

You brought him to the shelter because you couldn't afford vet care for him. That's obvious; he has an eye infection, skin infection, sores and hairloss over most of his body. You probably just didn't know how much care a Sharpei required when you got him from the breeder. Or maybe you did, and do, but just couldn't afford it anymore.

He's obviously miserable. He's scared and he's in pain.

You almost did the right thing. Had you stayed, we could have talked about his options and then euthanized him that day. We could have taken him peacefully to the rainbow bridge, and your mind would be at ease as well as his.

But you didn't stay. You lost courage at the last moment and tied him out front, his surrender form being his only advocate. You condemned him to 72 hours of limbo, waiting for an owner who would not return.

We'll take care of him. He'll be scared because you're not there, but we'll do our best to make it as easy as possible. Tonight he got a treat and some kind words, and he stopped growling for a moment.

You almost did the right thing.