It was nearly a year ago that I lost my beloved Bailey--the Sheltie I'd gotten as a 6-week old puppy and who'd been my rock as I weathered many of life's storms and my celebration partner for the good times over the last 14 years. It nearly killed me to lose her.
Bailey was the first Sheltie I owned but the second I'd lost--for nine of Bailey's years, I also had Jess, a second Sheltie that I'd adopted at 7 months old. Dogs are pack animals and I believe they are happier with one of their own nearby. I adored them both--as a dog lover, having a couple of my own rounded out my life.
I lost Jess when he was nine: kidney failure. Knowing you're going to lose an animal because they're aging at least lets you prepare. Losing Jess came out of the blue and I cried for a week solid. My son remembers this time as when "you cried so much your face was purple." About six months later, we adopted a then-four year old Teddy the Beagle who was and still is 100 percent my husband's dog. They are inseparable. And for the next five years, I had Bailey and John had Teddy. Along with two cats we adopted, it was a great menagerie. (Poor Chase did wonder when he would have an animal. But animals choose their owners as much as we choose them.) And then I had to let Bailey go in February 2010. For the first time in too many years, I had lost the adjective "dog owner" and it was odd to me. As much as I love dogs, I didn't actually have one anymore. Sure, Teddy resided with us and would settle for my company if John wasn't home. But he isn't my dog.
I didn't want to rush adopting another dog for myself, however. I travel weekly and felt that if I got another dog, with me being gone so often, it would choose John as its owner/master. Not only would that put more responsibility on him, I'd be back at square one anyway. I felt like, when the time was right to adopt another fluff ball and when the right dog came along, I'd just know.
A couple weeks ago, I was on my iPhone and on a whim I downloaded the PetFinder app. Couldn't hurt to just look around, I thought. DJ was the second Sheltie I saw and there was something that drew me to him. I emailed an inquiry. He was nine years old and all I could think was that most folks aren't keen on adopting a dog that advanced in years. Like me, most are thinking how they'll fall in love with the animal and then only have limited time with them. But it was for that reason that I couldn't stop returning and looking at DJ. What life was he leading now if he was with a family who couldn't afford to care properly for him or just didn't want him anymore? After nine years. Dogs have much love to give--I couldn't shake how sad it would be for him to live out his remaining years alone and unwanted.
My first email lead me to Margie, the marvelous rescue gal, and before I knew it, she and I were swapping stories and information--me about my life, family, home; she about DJ, his past, current situation.
A week later, Margie pulled into my driveway with DJ in the front seat. I took one look and loved him instantly. A couple hours of time spent together to ensure he would blend with our family and that our animals would accept him, and he was officially mine.
DJ is a great addition to our home. He's a lady's dog--definitely preferring women to men--but he does like John as well...as his second choice. LOL He has certainly chosen to be my dog. In fact, he is my shadow--if I go from my office to the kitchen for coffee, he comes along. Upstairs to grab something quick, he's bounding the stairs with me. TV time or reading at night, he's laying beside me, content to simply be near. And working now, he's lying at my feet. I'm thrilled for me and thrilled for him because, whatever his history, I know the rest of his life will be a luxurious one filled with treats, fireside naps, a Beagle companion, and lots of love and attention.
Bailey was the first Sheltie I owned but the second I'd lost--for nine of Bailey's years, I also had Jess, a second Sheltie that I'd adopted at 7 months old. Dogs are pack animals and I believe they are happier with one of their own nearby. I adored them both--as a dog lover, having a couple of my own rounded out my life.
I lost Jess when he was nine: kidney failure. Knowing you're going to lose an animal because they're aging at least lets you prepare. Losing Jess came out of the blue and I cried for a week solid. My son remembers this time as when "you cried so much your face was purple." About six months later, we adopted a then-four year old Teddy the Beagle who was and still is 100 percent my husband's dog. They are inseparable. And for the next five years, I had Bailey and John had Teddy. Along with two cats we adopted, it was a great menagerie. (Poor Chase did wonder when he would have an animal. But animals choose their owners as much as we choose them.) And then I had to let Bailey go in February 2010. For the first time in too many years, I had lost the adjective "dog owner" and it was odd to me. As much as I love dogs, I didn't actually have one anymore. Sure, Teddy resided with us and would settle for my company if John wasn't home. But he isn't my dog.
I didn't want to rush adopting another dog for myself, however. I travel weekly and felt that if I got another dog, with me being gone so often, it would choose John as its owner/master. Not only would that put more responsibility on him, I'd be back at square one anyway. I felt like, when the time was right to adopt another fluff ball and when the right dog came along, I'd just know.
A couple weeks ago, I was on my iPhone and on a whim I downloaded the PetFinder app. Couldn't hurt to just look around, I thought. DJ was the second Sheltie I saw and there was something that drew me to him. I emailed an inquiry. He was nine years old and all I could think was that most folks aren't keen on adopting a dog that advanced in years. Like me, most are thinking how they'll fall in love with the animal and then only have limited time with them. But it was for that reason that I couldn't stop returning and looking at DJ. What life was he leading now if he was with a family who couldn't afford to care properly for him or just didn't want him anymore? After nine years. Dogs have much love to give--I couldn't shake how sad it would be for him to live out his remaining years alone and unwanted.
My first email lead me to Margie, the marvelous rescue gal, and before I knew it, she and I were swapping stories and information--me about my life, family, home; she about DJ, his past, current situation.
A week later, Margie pulled into my driveway with DJ in the front seat. I took one look and loved him instantly. A couple hours of time spent together to ensure he would blend with our family and that our animals would accept him, and he was officially mine.
DJ is a great addition to our home. He's a lady's dog--definitely preferring women to men--but he does like John as well...as his second choice. LOL He has certainly chosen to be my dog. In fact, he is my shadow--if I go from my office to the kitchen for coffee, he comes along. Upstairs to grab something quick, he's bounding the stairs with me. TV time or reading at night, he's laying beside me, content to simply be near. And working now, he's lying at my feet. I'm thrilled for me and thrilled for him because, whatever his history, I know the rest of his life will be a luxurious one filled with treats, fireside naps, a Beagle companion, and lots of love and attention.
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Check him out--outside by a fire pit, DJ had enough of lying by my feet and decided he needed to be in my lap. Up into the camp chair he jumped. It was precarious in that less-than-sturdy chair but he made it work.
so cute
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute dog and great addition to your family! Steven/TMP LA
ReplyDelete