Everybody loves a new puppy. Walking down the street, one can see many beautiful proud dogs walking alongside their proud dog-owners. On any day at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California dog walkers seem to outnumber the joggers and runners these days. But, if there’s a puppy in someone’s arms everyone stops and approaches the happy new dog owner. Puppies are irresistible to any dog-lover, and often to those who just like animals, in general.
Older Dogs
But, what about the heavy dog walking slowly at the side of the road with the man over there? What’s the story on that dog? He must have been somebody’s puppy once too. The man has a cane. The dog is walking carefully so the man will not fall. Maybe there was a time when the man could walk faster and the dog pranced proudly at his side. The dog still looks proud. The dog has a job to do, keeping his friend company, helping him get around, and protecting him from fast-moving passers-by. All dogs have a history. If they could only tell us their stories.
At the Pasadena Humane Society many older dogs come in every day. They were once somebody’s puppy. Why and how did they get to a shelter? People come in looking for a new dog for themselves or their family. Everyone looks at the puppies. They are so cute. But then they remember to be practical and go over the reasons that they want a dog, and the qualities that they are hoping to find in their new companion.
Choosing a Dog
Puppies require a lot of attention and nurturing. They are often afraid to be alone – especially at night. And they all seem to go through a chewing stage. A little older dog will have passed that stage, hopefully, and will not need to be trained to leave the chair legs on the chairs. Also, potty training can take a watchful eye. It’s difficult to do while working, traveling, or on vacation. So, if one gets practical, they will resist their parental instincts and pass by the puppies sticking their little shiny noses through the kennel bars and wiggling their tiny back ends.
A nice older dog will be calm, you reason. They may even know some tricks. They will be more predictable, once you get to know them. There is much to think about when bringing home a dog of any age for the first time. But how old? One does not want a dog that is so old that they will get sick and die, do they? One wants a dog with which they can spend some happy years. Some people come to the shelter with some very long lists that they have thought out very carefully for their own personal situations. And this is a very important thing to do…
Helping Others
Unless you want to help your own soul! There can be much joy and satisfaction in helping others in need. It can be very rewarding to help a dog who has spent his or her life, loyally loving and protecting their owner or family members. This has to be a conscious decision. Not everything will be knowable, but one needs to be willing to take the risks. One needs to be willing to go day by day, and take what comes. It will involve work and loyalty on your part. Many things on a personal list must have to take a back seat, and may have to be forgotten altogether.
Not everyone can do it, even if they really want to. But, if you have time, and want to really make a difference to someone, even if it is for only a short while, there can be a rewarding relationship waiting for you. You can be a friend for someone’s life. And yes, giving to others can feel very good…maybe better than shopping. And if you still like to shop, you can shop for things for your dog (or older cat).
Shelter Dogs
At Pasadena Humane Society and many other shelters, dogs are being given a new chance. They are evaluated for their temperament. They are cleaned and healed from neglectful treatment. And, now they are being trained to sit, heel, and do some tricks! The old saying that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” is finally being put to rest.
Next time you are thinking about getting a dog. Think about a deserving older dog who is, for some reason out of anyone’s control, left in his or her older years, without a family or friend. The same is true for cats and rabbits, by the way.
See the Portland Oregon Petcam
 |
