I have often wondered...

...about a thing that we humans call 'compassion'. And 'responsibility'. Also that thing called 'humanity'.

Did you know that one person can change the lives of many? Or that one person, too busy to pay attention to what is their job, their responsibility...can create a situation so severe that the ramifications cannot be fathomed, only discovered with time?

I am in the military, active duty Army, and I have two dogs. Due to a recent change in my duty assignment, I was no longer able to keep my dogs myself, so I entrusted them to the care of a pretty well rated boarding facility just off of the main gate of my post. They were taken in on December 7th. The younger one, about two and a half years old, weighed about fifty pounds, I think. The older one, my beloved German Wirehaired Pointer of seven years (I have had this dog since the day she was born; my dad is her breeder), weighed in at fifty-four pounds.

Due to my job requirements and just generally being busy as hell preparing for training and other such things, I haven't had a lot of time to visit them. I went by in late December and played with them, and they were doing well. I went by a few weeks ago to pay my bill but didn't have time to stop and see them. Yesterday I went to play with them again on a whim. The weather was beautiful and I felt like being outside for a little while. The younger dog ran to greet me with his usual exuberance, he's such a happy boy. He's in good condition, thick coat, his eyes gleam, his tail wagged. Then my eyes fell on my older one, and my heart stopped.

My sleek, powerful, beautiful German Wirehair...is in horrific condition. Her coat is dull and dirty, she's limping from sores on her paws (and God knows what else, I didn't fully check), and she's lost so much weight that I thought I was going to have to have her put down. In four weeks, FOUR WEEKS, this dog went from fifty-four pounds...to thirty-six pounds. Her shoulders and hips are prominent, her hide is sticking to her ribs...even her neck has lost muscle. This seven year old dog looks like she's ready to die.

To my credit, I kept my cool, brought her before the owner and demanded an explanation. What was this blamed on? Lack of diligence by a kennel tech. Needless to say, that dog, BOTH dogs, and I are taking a swift trip north so that my father can pick them up. I can't afford to leave them in that kennel if that is the kind of care they will get.

I'm not asking for vengeance or retribution. I'm not asking for damages done. All I want to know is HOW this could have happened without ANYONE saying ANYTHING? Not calling me, not notifying the owner, nothing!

All I'm asking now...is why.