My High Horse
by John Flores
My last blog was a letter to Betty’s previous family. It was basically a fictional story based on actual events. And while I certainly do not expect people to agree with me 100% of the time, I recently came across a person who really took what I wrote to heart. Here’s what she wrote in response to the letter:
“I’m sorry, but that whole “I’m not here to judge you” line is bull and we all know it. Maybe her old owner(s) were old. Old people die all the time and they sadly leave behind their senior pets. Maybe they became ill and were incapacitated and it broke their heart to leave that sweet dog behind. And I’m sure they didn’t Google “worst pet shelter.” They probably took her to the humane society who placed her in another shelter because they didn’t have room. That’s what usually happens. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great that you gave this old dog a second chance at life, but get off your high horse, please. This whole post is basically saying “You took bad care of your dog, but lucky for her I am a shining star angel hero and you are a monster.” That is what you are saying and you know it. If she is really such a sweet dog, you really think someone is proud of themselves for giving her up? Congratulations on your new pet, but you aren’t automatically a good person just because you rubbed someone else’s nose in it.”
Now here is mine:
I usually let comments like these go but I couldn’t help but feel how bothered you were by this so I want to clarify a few things.
While I do agree with you that “old people die all the time and leave behind their senior pets”, this was not the case. Betty was owner surrender. Which means her owners actually brought her to the pound willingly and left her there. When the shelter asked them what the reason was, their answer was simple. They replied, “No time”. I left that part out on purpose because it would have taken away to point of the letter which was to have people think twice before surrendering their dog. And how do I know this? I asked when I got there. And I’m sure the lady behind the counter had no reason to lie to me.
And while I’ve heard of this outside of California, I’ve never come across any Humane Societies out here that “transfer” dogs to other shelters. If that was the case millions of dogs and cats would 
not be killed every year. They would be going from shelter to shelter and again, if that was the case, I would have nothing to write about because I wouldn’t be spending my free time cleaning up other people’s messes. So while you think I’m on my high horse, I’m actually down on ground level trying to spin things a different way to help better educate people on responsible pet ownership.
You know, I used to have a drug problem. And I had a friend that always was on my case about how bad it was and how I should stop but when I finally kicked the habit she would tell me the same exact thing you just did. She straight up told me to get off my high horse. I didn’t really know what I was doing wrong to make her so upset. Unless I was asked, I didn’t go around telling people I used to be on drugs and now I quit. But you know what the funny thing is? I found out later she had been on the same thing I was the whole time! So forgive me if I see your response as an admission of guilt.
So, “Lauren”, let me tell you this. I’m sorry if the people that passed away were close to you and trusted you enough to leave their beloved, Bessie, in your care. And I’m also sorry you decided to 
honor their wishes by bringing her to the pound and using the excuse of having “no time” to make you feel better about dumping her there. I could imagine she probably bit you and that’s why you brought her there. I also am pretty sure you didn’t google “worst pet shelter” because that would require effort that did not benefit you so you took her to the nearest pound with an “out of sight, out of mind” attitude. If being on a high horse means coming from a family that does not treat pets as “disposable” for any reason then I will continue to ride on. Maybe you should google “how to get your head out of your ass” so you can finally see what’s really going on. Once you figure out how to get your head out of there, I invite you to come to the pound with me next time. I would love to hear all your excuses for the hundreds of dogs that are left there to die.
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BRAVO!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Daisy!
Bravo!!! Keep up the great work and let the haters hate.
You are an amazing person and that shines through and it makes me livid to hear of those who want to belittle your amazing contributions.
I agree! The ones that say “get off your high horse” “do you want a cookie” etc has never walked the aisles of a shelter humane society pound etc. It is FULL of senior dogs, dogs over 5 years, dogs a little over a year and pit bulls. Tons and tons of pit bulls! Anyone that rescues SHOULD be on a high horse. They should feel proud for taking in someone else’s “no time, behavior problem, barking, I can’t take them where I’m moving” John you are fabulous in a world of evil. YOU GIVE ME HOPE THERE IS STILL GOOD IN THIS WORLD!!
Beautifully said Amber!
AMEN!
I’m proud of you! !
Well that boils my blood. Shes on a high horse thinking she knows everything. Its people like her who try so hard to justify a terrible action. Nobody is perfect, and we all do things we arent proud of that sometimes go against what we beleive. But she came at you as if everything youve done is conceited.
I would feel good about myself if i was in your position. Saving lives, or at least spending their last moments with them making sure their tails wag with happiness one more time. She would probably leave her pet at the pound when the pup gets “too expensive” to care for in its old age. I have an 11 year old dalmatian that has two heart conditions, severe allergies and arthritis. Shes gone through 2 hospital stays that cost me over 15,000 dollars. I am a TWENTY THREE year old. I have college expenses, but i NEVER NOT ONCE thought of dropping my Kohkoh off at a pound because what 23 year old can afford a $15,000 get bill?
Thank you for what you do. You ARE an amazing person. Dont let that rude freaking person tell you otherwise. Ugh.
I have heard of dogs being transferred to shelters, but for the exact opposite reason the commentor mentioned. The one near me has a very high adoption success rate, so dogs are transferred OUT of high kill and small rural shelters INTO the humane society here in order to increase their chances of adoption.
I have a friend who moved here from Seattle and she said the shelters out there will “trade” dogs because certain breeds do better in different parts of the state. I wish California was like that. :/
I was thinking EXACTLY the same thing-guilty conscience! The whole purpose of what you do is to save animals, point blank period. This also involves educating people. Many people try to “stick their head in the sand” and think that those blinders make everything ok. Whether they want to see it or not the problems exists. Until they want to be a resolution to the problem they should take a seat and let those people who genuinely care continue to step up and keep up their amazing work. Thank you John and your whole crew!
Your response is absolutely perfect. Keep ridin on because what you’re doing is an amazing thing and home girl has not the slightest idea. Dear home girl- here’s some advice. YOU get off YOUR high horse thinking you know everything, guess what hunny – you don’t know shit. Get ur head out of your high horses ass and keep moving nobody likes ur kind.
Good for you!! First off I want to say how wonderful it is that you are there to help these little furry friend and to speak up and give them a voice! I think that everything you are doing is Amazing and it is so great to see you take Bettie in and to see how she is coming along!
I have 2 senior Aktia’s, both 15, and 3 Chihuahua’s, all 3 rescues! I am glad that there are people out there like you and I that will clean up other peoples messes because no animal should have to suffer because of some stupid human! Keep up the good work my animal loving friend. 🙂
” The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”
U nailed it! The truth hurts! IG wudnt let me respond! ???? I’m glad u didn’t let the comment pass. U r the champion of the forgotten n disposed of animals. In my eyes u r the shining knight riding on that ‘high’ horse rescuing those n distress! Ur making a difference n the world everyday! U surround urself w/people as dedicated as u. ROCK ON! Mayb Lauren will learn sumin from u! Doubt it but u never know!
Love what you said Angi. So…so true. John and his angels prowl the pound. I would bet that gal does not do it regularly. I am so honored to know or have met many of the Pittie Crew and Priceless Pets. Saving dogs that are dumped….putting the light back in their eyes and step is what makes me proud to be a human. We can think and make choices. Your getting clean from substances has been a win for the dogs!
Whoa horsey!!!
John, I actually read that comment last night from that person, and was appalled that anyone could be so defensive and rude about your post. I couldn’t get it out of my thoughts all day!!! EVERYTHING that you post about your past rescues, adoptions, interactions, fosters have all been exceptional. I know that I’m not the only one that cries tears of joy, happiness, and appreciation when reading your letters to your pups.
Wish people would just keep their negativity to themselves.
Thanks again for all you do, and all you are to friends, family, and animals.
BOOM!
Well said, John.
Clearly she is ‘one of them’
Many thanks for saving Betty and allowing her to live the dream, you are awesome! Giddyup, get back on that horse!
“Happy trails to you!” Keep on riding and thank you for not ignoring that!!!!
WAY TO GO JOHN!! I think we can all say we have your back!
Have a great everyone! RESCUE*LOVE*ADOPT*DON’T SHOP
day*
…Did you ever think that “[you] have no time for this dog” would come from a trainer? Great follower should follow that lead …?
We all know that trainer, we both attend that seminar…
Good luck to you and your pack, both humans and dogs!