Approximately 334,000 dogs are euthanized in U.S. shelters each year. Before 2010, that number was more than a million — a staggering number. The figures feel less grim when compared to the roughly 2 million dogs adopted in 2024, but it’s little comfort when you realize how many still never make it.
Organizations like Save-A-Mutt help tip the scales. Their mission is to swoop in — sometimes literally hours before euthanasia — rescue shelter dogs, house them, find foster homes, and ultimately match them with loving families. It’s hard to imagine a more worthy cause.
In 2014, through Save-A-Mutt, we adopted one of those nameless shelter dogs and called him “Dalton,” after Patrick Swayze’s character in the cult classic Roadhouse. He was shy at first, but after a few weeks (and one pair of shredded slippers), he became a relaxed, confident, full-fledged member of the family. We quickly realized we’d hit the doggie lottery. Dalton was gentle, loyal, expressive, and — despite his ominous bark — a big softie. His walker Erik would sometimes ping me to ask to take him out for free because Dalton’s calm presence kept other dogs in line. Everyone who met him felt it: he radiated goodness and love.
Ten years with him passed in a blink. A few months ago, while on vacation in Europe, I got an early-morning call — the kind you dread. Dalton had fallen ill and passed away during the night. I was crushed, left to grieve while pedaling through southern France. I kept replaying our last goodbye, not knowing it would be the last time I’d see him. One of my One Wealth team members later reminded me of something I’d once told them when their grandmother passed — that the most precious loves in our lives are fleeting by nature, and that knowing this should make us more grateful for the time we do have. That reflection helped me see the grace in loss: we were lucky to have shared our lives with such a pure and joyful soul.
I still miss him every day and there will always be a void in my heart – I’ll never be the same. But I’m comforted knowing that by rescuing him, we gave the world another ten years of light that otherwise might never have existed. Each of those 334,000 dogs lost last year could have been another Dalton — another best friend, another source of love and laughter.
If you’re ever looking to add joy to your life, don’t shop — adopt. The world could use a few more Daltons.
