top of page

In Tears, She Pointed to Her Paw Tattoo ...


dog, olympian
Olympian Sharon van Rouwendaal loved her dog so much ...

Today's story reminds us that animals don't just need saving — they can also inspire us to do our personal best!


Marathon swimmer Sharon van Rouwendaal arrived at the Paris Olympics determined to win gold not just for herself, but in honor of her beloved dog, Rio, who had passed away suddenly a few months before the Games.


Rio, named after her 2016 Olympic victory in Rio de Janeiro, was her best friend. “You are and always will be the most important thing in my life,” she wrote on Instagram shortly after he passed.


dogs, dog
Though their lives are short, dogs have an amazing ability to touch our hearts.

With a heavy heart and a renewed sense of purpose, Sharon competed in the women’s 10 km open water marathon and won the gold medal for the Netherlands.


After her victory, she tearfully pointed to the paw-shaped tattoo on her wrist, a tribute to Rio, declaring that she did it all for him.


Rio's story reminds us how inspiring our companion animals can be. Sadly, hundreds of millions of stray dogs and cats never have the chance to experience love and care. Instead, they face a life of suffering on the streets, never knowing the gentle touch of a human hand.


stray dog, dog, pilot pup
Willow, a Pilot Pup rescued by 600MillionDogs!

That’s why our mission is to end the #1 cause of suffering and death for dogs and cats — overpopulation — by developing a permanent-lasting birth control cookie that will only need to be eaten one time, and it will in effect spay or neuter — without surgery.


For as little as $5 a month, you can help us stop the suffering before it starts!



Thank you very much for all you do for animals!


Sources:

14 Comments


Bolt
4 days ago

The details on Affordable blowing services were helpful for homeowners seeking budget-friendly yet effective lawn cleanup solutions.

Like

Jonathan
Apr 07

I loved your advice on choosing a plumber that offers trenchless sewer repair to avoid tearing up our professional landscaping. It seems like a much cleaner option. I am vetting Plumbers near Brownsburg, Indiana.

Like

minisznia
Apr 06

Many professionals consider a site manager course to enhance their ability to lead teams and manage projects effectively. It often includes modules on communication, risk management, and site supervision. The College of Contract Management is one institution that offers structured learning pathways. This type of course can support long-term career development in construction.

Like

Rose June
Feb 20

When discussing cost overruns, commercial management plays a preventative role rather than a corrective one. Early tracking systems can highlight warning signs quickly. The College of Contract Management introduces monitoring techniques designed for fast-moving projects. Forum members often share lessons learned from delayed interventions.

Like

jannalopez
Feb 04

sharing Unblocked Games more widely will create a safe entertainment space,

Like

Sign up for free email alerts!

​​

Cancel anytime. We never sell or share your information because we value your privacy.

Follow us

  • Twitter Social Icon
  • Instagram
  • Facebook Social Icon

600 Million Stray Dogs Need You is 

nonprofit tax-exempt 501(c)3 corporation.

 IRS Tax Identification Number 33-0601340 

Donations are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law

 

600 Million Stray Dogs Need You
P.O. Box 1065, Pompano Beach

Florida, 33061 USA 

Phone (954) 464-9331

Terms and Conditions      Privacy Policy 

 Copyright © 2026 600 Million Stray Dogs Need You, All rights reserved.

bottom of page