Mason Tornado Dog

by CatChic

My hero Mason The Tornado Dog

     The video post on my Facebook page, about Mason The Tornado Dog, caught my eye and broke my heart...the loyal, brave spirit of a household pet who beat the odds and made it home, to be turned over by it's 'people' to an animal shelter literally brough me to tears.  

     When I was watching the video, I was hoping to see a cheering family welcoming their "furry person" home, after his terrible ordeal;  unfortunately, I was sadly disappointed.  It appears the family had no alternative but to turn over Mason to a local animal shelter for his own 'wellbeing'.  This very well may have been a selfless act by the family, not able to look after the huge expense of his treatment, after the horrific loss they suffered as a result of the hurricane.  The practice of having to pay a huge lump sum, up front before vet care is provided, could well have been the deterrent to this family being able to keep their dog when he returned home.   

     I am a diehard animal lover, and if Mason was my dog that fought so hard to get back to his home,  I would do whatever I could for him.  My cats are like my children - they are family, not just a family pet. I would never give up any of my kids, so the same goes for my cats.  I would climb mountains for them!  My last resort would be to give him up due to a medical emergency; but, I do understand the predicament you can get in with vet bills.  I have been in some predicaments with my cats, and have had some nasty credit card charges.  Regardless of the severity of the situation, payment was always expected up front, and luckily I was always able to find a way to pay the charges. 

     I can only wonder how dear Mason felt, after crawling back to his homestead, and finding 'his people' not there.  I can only imagine his deep disappointment, after waiting for his beloved family patiently on the steps of theirhome, having to be dropped at an animal shelter for an extended stay. 

     Fortunately, the good people at the Birmingham-Jefferson County Animal Control shelter, and at the Vulcan Park Animal Care Clinic have stepped in and taken wonderful care of Mason's needs.  He's happy and through them he will be reunited with his family again.  There really are angels among us, in our times of need! God bless Mason, and I hope  his ordeal has helped us all  better understand the amazing spirit and true worth of all animals, especially our family pets!!

UPDATE: According to MSNBC Today, Mason has been recuperating well, and his family is looking forward to bringing him home.  Mason captured the hearts of so many, and he even has a Facebook page.  Hats off to Mason and the wonderful people who donated their time and services for his care!