In 2021, my two dogs had a litter of 7 puppies. Out of that litter, we gifted one of the puppies to a close family member-who will remain unnamed. The pup was named Arlo, and he was the sweetest most rascal puppy out of the bunch. 

My wife and I helped our family member raise Arlo the first 6 months, and constantly told her to be aware of his breed (German Shepherd/Great Pyrenees) as these breeds NEED to be socialized and trained well. All of our suggestions were ignored, and when we parted ways, it was unfortunate that Arlo became a very timid dog. He didn't like strangers. He needed to be introduced and given time to warm up to anyone knew. 

One day, this family member was walking Arlo and someone antagonized him and led him to "NIP" their finger. Animal control was called, and the ruled out that Arlo was NOT at fault. He was doing what "dogs do". Protecting himself and his owner. This situation unfortunately led his owner to need to move out into a new apart, at which then she was caught with him and was told since he had an "aggressive" history, he wasn't allowed on property. This was a situation that was harder, because the owner had no place to go, and couldn't afford being evicted.

My wife and I made the decision to add him to our home, where we not only have Arlo's mom and dad, but we also had another dog. Turning our pack of 3 to now 4. We agreed to watch Arlo until his owner's lease was up and they were able to move into a home that would welcome him. Arlo's dad, Zayn, is the alpha male in the house, and would growl and sometimes snap at Arlo over things like food, or attention. Eventually these little "snaps" would turn into aggressive fights that we would always have to split up. After 3 months, we had to put an end to the fighting. For both of the dog's safety, we said it would be best for Arlo to leave the home. 

Giving him back-we advised his own NOT to just take him to a shelter. But understanding the circumstances, we told them to make sure Arlo would be safe and given a chance. 

After being notified that he was taken to the West Jordan Animal Shelter, we were told by Arlo's owner that "he is going to be assessed". After 2 days of him being there, I called West Jordan Shelter and left them a voicemail that I wanted to pick him up, I DID NOT want them to euthanize him. I wanted to take the time that his owner didn't take, to save him and find him a new home. I found someone who was interested in taking him, and just in case had applications to foster homes set up.

The shelter called me back and gave me heart breaking news. They said, "When Arlo came in his owner said he was aggressive-so we euthanized him." I asked them "So you guys just put down animals because the owner says so?". Their response was "we trust the owner knows best."

He wasn't aggressive. He wasn't given a chance. NO ANIMAL SHOULD EVER BE THIS EASILY KILLED. I am asking and FIGHTING for a chance to let Arlos name live on! All animals should be given a chance to be assessed by a doctor. Or a time frame to "be worked with", to at least TRY to give them a chance. It isn't right what they did. They killed a healthly, innocent, sweet, loving dog because ONE PERSON said, "He's aggressive". He wasn't aggressive. He lacked well training and was constantly neglected.

STOP THE KILLING BEFORE ASSESSING! GIVE ANIMALS A CHANCE! THEY CAN'T SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES, SO WE NEED TO SPEAK FOR THEM!

JUSTICE FOR ARLO! JUSTICE FOR ALL!