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Vancouver
Canada
31 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2005 : 8:39 PM
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Inspired from another post:
After fostering and then adopting my first senior dog nearly 3 years ago, I plan to continue foster/adopt seniors. These poor creatures are so often undervalued and thus passed over in favour of younger, potentially more problematic dogs.
My sweet Sabre came to me as a calm, well mannered (most of the time), healthy, energetic, affectionate, gentle German Shepherd.
After spending all 9 of his years with the same family, they sent him to the SPCA with a dual ear infection (that they did not disclose) and the flimsy excuse that their son had moved out and didn't want to take the dog.
Sabre was overlooked for about 2 months at the shelter before I came along. I started fostering him overnights (with no intention of having a dog full time) and after 3 potential adoptions fell through whilst I was fostering him, I couldn't bear the idea of this wonderful dog spending any more time without a family to love him all the time.
Sabre is almost 12 now. That is just about the length of a big dog's life. His hips don't work very well anymore, so eventhough he loves to run after a ball, we don't play fetch with him because his legs give out and he just doesn't know when to stop. He's a keener.
While our time together will be very short for a human/dog relationship, it has been wonderful.
I know that older dogs will not fit with everyone's lifestyle, but I urge those of you who are considering adopting a dog, to not automatically bypass the older ones without a second thought. You may be very pleasantly surprised.
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 Trail running, bike hucking, fast packing, beer drinking collector of pine cones on a day pass
AKA
Dances with Trees
Forest Gnome Cabin
Canada
13090 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2005 : 8:50 PM
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Great story  Our family spent a year and a half walking dogs down at the North Van District Shelter. It was a fun way for my kids to learn about the responsibilities of having a dog, rather than just going out and getting one. More important, the dogs there need to feel wanted, so it gives them such a sense of purpose. Then one day, we met a dog we ended up adopting. ....
Often, the shelter will have breeds of dog that are controversial, or a dog will have behavioural issues that need work ( as ours did). Don't forget these guys when you are looking for a dog. |
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Vancouver
Canada
31 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2005 : 9:09 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by mick range
Often, the shelter will have breeds of dog that are controversial, or a dog will have behavioural issues that need work ( as ours did). Don't forget these guys when you are looking for a dog.
I agree. If one has the time, patience and commitment, these kinds of dogs also can end up being a delight.
A caveat: Often these animals make multiple returns to the shelter because they turn out to be more than the adopters have bargained for. When considering these dogs, please be absolutely sure, because I think it causes more damage for them when they don't have the security of a single home and family with which to bond.
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151 Posts |
Posted - 08/16/2005 : 4:38 PM
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Excellent point.
I got Maggie when she was already an adult dog. I didn't really want her (wanted a puppy instead). But, my wife talked me into it.
To begin with, she was a big, fat, dumb idiot that didn't listen, ran off and didn't have an idea what a leash was for. rrrrrr.
By the time she passed on, she was still a big, dumb idiot, but a lovable one. I know alot of you may object, but a leash was never ( rarely) on her for the last couple of years. She understood perfectly that where I go - she goes. No running up to other dogs, or people, and when I SPEAK - she listened.
So - you are right. They don't all have to be puppies, or really young dogs.
Most wines get better with a bit of age. (like me)
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Whistler
720 Posts |
Posted - 08/16/2005 : 5:28 PM
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Roses to you for providing homes to older dogs. I find the emotional stress for me as dogs age so difficult. I had trouble accepting my dog Cole at 2 beacuse I was already distressed about the shorter time I would have with her. You are a very special person!
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If life hands you lemons...add vodka and chill! |
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One person's discard is another's treasure
