The odds were stacked against Animal No 329872: Its record described a stressed stray who showed no interest in play and was aggressive towards children. The shelter filed it as "unadoptable", meaning that it would be euthanized if no rescue center stepped in. Two rescue organizations declined to take it. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/56539283_1620056872858918_r.jpeg" alt="56539283_1620056872858918_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />A third organization called Grateful Dogs Rescue agreed to evaluate the unruly creature. Importantly, during their visit Animal 329872 placed its front paws on the assessor's knees - a simple gesture that signaled "rehabilitation potential". After a rocky year filled with uncertainties we adopted Lulu in 2013. In the same year <a href="https://www.sfanimalcare.org/about-us/shelter-statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">449</a> (16%) other dogs were out of luck and euthanized at the same shelter. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/56539283_1620056938431298_r.jpeg" alt="56539283_1620056938431298_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Once at home Lulu opened her heart to us, she showered us with love and indulged us with her companionship. We discovered the outdoors together, learned how to play and she was just fine with children who treated her respectfully. This 6 lbs bundle of joy started several new friendships for us and she inspired two other dog adoptions. At times strangers would recognize Lulu in the street and wonder who I was. Clearly she did not fit the description of an "unadoptable" dog. <iframe media_type="0" media_id="Sc8-3DN16jI" class="youtube-replace" title="YouTube video player" style="margin-bottom:20px;width:560px;height:315px;" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Sc8-3DN16jI/?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="1"></iframe>In the end Lulu was lucky. But how many other dogs just like her face premature death because they are not displaying the right behavior at the right time? Why should they have to? Lulu's beautiful heart touched countless lives, but it was no longer able to sustain her own. She passed away in February 2021 after 7.5 wonderful years together. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/56539283_1620617396596982_r.jpeg" alt="56539283_1620617396596982_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />7.5 years + 7.5 miles + $7.5k Together we can give shelter dogs a chance. In Lulu's memory I will be running the Dipsea Race on November 7, 2021 and raising $7,500 for Grateful Dogs Rescue. I will be carrying Lulu's collar on the course and we will be returning her ashes to nature after the race. About Grateful Dogs Rescue <a href="https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grateful Dogs Rescue</a> is the oldest all-breed rescue group in the San Francisco Bay Area. This non-profit is run by volunteers, which allows the majority of donations to go directly towards our four-legged friends. Its mission is to "save shelter dogs from euthanasia by fostering them until loving homes are found". The last part is important: We actually had to demonstrate that we could provide a safe, stable and happy home for Lulu, or else we would not have been able to adopt her. About the Dipsea Race The <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/13/sports/dipsea-trail-running.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dipsea Race</a>  is the oldest trail race in the United States. It starts 15 miles north of San Francisco in Mill Valley and finishes in Stinson Beach. This is the only race that I would want to run for this campaign! Lulu discovered the outdoors here and we have hiked the area many times since. While the course is only 7.5 miles long, it is crazy hard - beginning with 700 stairs and a total elevation of two Eiffel Towers. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/56539283_1621127455983286_r.jpeg" alt="56539283_1621127455983286_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Life is beautiful and also very fragile. I would be indulged if you could please join me in this campaign and spread the word. If you prefer, you can also donate directly: - Rescue organization: <a href="http://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grateful Dogs Rescue</a>  - Shelter: <a href="http://www.sfanimalcare.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco Animal Care And Control</a>  Or better yet: Adopt a pet! Thank you! Dirk

William Holtzman

Jason Shugars

Kenneth Flagg

Richard Nelson

Anonymous

Rahul Iyer

Katherine Zinsser

Penelope Chu

Dorothy Caldeira 

Let's find families for shelter dogs!

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