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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:

2 Comments


Anya
Anya
Jul 21

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This story is truly touching — Sharon and Rio’s bond shows how deeply animals can impact our lives and even fuel us to achieve greatness. It's also heartbreaking to think about the millions of stray animals who never get that chance. Just like this organization is working on a lasting solution to overpopulation, it reminds me of how having reliable support — whether for pets or students — can make all the difference. For instance, when I needed guidance with SQL assignments, I found the well-structured SQL assignment help at Myassignmenthelp.com incredibly helpful. Support, whether emotional or academic, can really change lives.

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