This has to stop.

This was a message sent to one of our friends, but it’s real, raw, and needs to be shared exactly as it is. We’re all tired of slogans. But this isn’t a slogan—it’s the reality we live and breathe, and sometimes we don’t know how long we can keep going, because it hurts. It truly hurts your soul. Every single time.

Preventing these litters doesn’t cost a thing, and it can avoid a huge amount of pain. Please ask for help if you are concerned about finances. Ask SPCA. Us. Another rescue. Any rescue. Anyone you trust.

People would desex their adult dogs if they saw what we see… It’s hard to fathom if you’re not involved in rescue. And it’s just as hard to put into words. Most of the time, you don’t even want to go there—you just try to compartmentalize the pain, so you can still function. You sink if you delve into it.

Very pregnant females desperately holding on because they don’t feel safe to deliver their babies.

Tiny puppies, their eyes still closed, discarded like trash on the roadside… they inch forward, from the darkness of their own little world into the harsh reality of ours.

Honey…. who was in shut down to the point where the puppies inside did not dare to move either: that deep was the fear.

The sadness of Sunshine puppies who cried all night for their mom and wouldn’t shut down unless held close to your chest, so they could hear your heartbeat.

Puppies with no color, because there’s no coat left, locking eyes with you, silently pleading for help…

Neonates with all lymph nodes swollen and systemic infections – and all alone.

And that’s just a tiny fraction of the lucky ones. The ones who are found. Known. The ones who get to have a name. And get to have a glimmer of hope.

And then the injuries – the broken bones, the pain, the desperation to not look weak, the will to live and sometimes the resignation when they have no fight left in them. And you’re left with no choice. And no tears next to an empty bed.

Who really sees this?

Most people don’t. They just see the cute photos of happy, healthy dogs. Like many others, we choose not to share photos when a dog is found in a terrible condition. It’s about dignity. But maybe we should. Maybe if more people knew, it could make a difference. Maybe vets should do it, share the raw, unfiltered reality too.

Please speak out. Please ask for help. Please desex. THIS REALLY, really HAS TO STOP!