I sit here at the computer, staring at all of the emails and lists of Great Pyrenees in need, and instead of becoming sad I become angry. Smile after smile, brokenhearted photo after brokenhearted photo, I wonder how people can be so irresponsible, heartless, selfish and cruel. You’d think by now that this would be something I was used to, knowing this is the life of 90% of the animals in the world, and that I can’t save them all…you’d think I’d know this. Still, the numbers never cease to amaze me…especially about a breed that not too terribly long ago was considered unknown.

So, after hundreds of posts, discussions, thoughts and attempts to save them, I sit here and ponder as to what can be done. Someone on my Pyr rescue list suggested this same thing, and while I know this is not an easy job, there has to be a way to make even a bit of progress.

I think people are afraid of fostering these big guys because they’re not familiar with the breed, they are intimidated, the thought of them staying for lengths of time is overwhelming, and let’s face it, it’s an extra animal in the house and an extra responsibility. I do understand this, truly. However, there is so much more to it that I wish I could emphasize accurately. So much joy.

Perhaps this applies to adoption, as well, since they are not dogs that can be let off leash, allowed to run freely without a fence, shed a lot, bark, etc. Yet if you look at the big picture, these idiosyncrasies are so incredibly minor. The companionship, love and devotion of this incredible breed is worth much more than allowing a dog to go outside without a fence or leash. Their grace and kindness surpasses any little extra work that’s needed, such as sweeping (which, let’s face it, has to be done anyway, right?). And guess what? They don’t have to be outdoor dogs…they’re fantastic indoor pets.

So, I reach out to you for suggestions on how we can save these beautiful, kind dogs. How can we stress the intense need? How can we help others understand that they is not a burden, but instead a blessing? How can we encourage and support others to join us by fostering? How can we raise funds to support our work and get volunteers to contribute their time? What can we do to educate the public and promote awareness?

Pyrs are dying in shelters because we can’t get to them. They’re dying on the streets or in people’s homes who don’t want them. What can we do?

Please, I beg of you…Help us help them.