Love at First Lick: a Short Story of Loss and Joy
I will preface by pointing out that we have two dogs already and we do not need a third dog. In fact, I only set foot in the Humane Society on Friday so I could pay my current canines' license fees.
Alas, the dog area of the shelter has a way of beckoning to me, and I had plenty of time before work, so I went into the adoptable dog area against my better judgment.
I slowly walked by about ten kennels, crooning gently to each pup, before I stopped and dropped to my knees in front of "Duke." It was as if we had a quick connection. I reached out my hand and he kissed my fingers immediately and for so long that I had time to pull my phone out of my purse and snap a picture of it.
I thought I found love (again). What really got me is that he looks just like my Piper except about 40% larger. I read his bio and sent a bunch of photos of him to my wife. Surprisingly (or not), she seemed to love him too. I picked up my things and reluctantly went to work, telling my coworkers about this dog who was trying to steal my heart.
I worked late that night and woke up early in the morning, thinking we might drop by the shelter "just to VISIT." My wife and I both had the day off.
Incredibly, he was adopted sometime Friday. I was hit with a quick pang of sadness that was instantly replaced by joy. Every shelter dog adoption is something to be excited about. I couldn't be happier that sweet Duke didn't have to spend one more night waiting for his furever home (even if it wasn't at my house).
If you are interested in adding a furry member to your family, please make sure to check out a local shelter before heading to a breeder or puppy mill. There are so many wonderful animals available for adoption, and you won't love them any less if they come from a shelter. When in doubt, "don't breed or buy while shelter dogs die."
Good looking dog, rescue dogs are the best and many of them have the biggest hearts!
That has been my experience, too!
My eyes are filled with tears. This issue is of the nearest and dearest to my heart. I have done posts on this issue. When I was young I bought puppies and thought I could never get as close with a grown dog. Until one day, we found Penny. She was a red nose Pitbull and was in the road and bleeding. We thought she had been hit by a car. We stopped and I opened my passenger side door. She looked at us and stepped up on the running boards as if to say “please help me”
She was skin and bones and her bleeding was from tumors on her belly. We took her home. After much veterinary care she was in great health. I named her Penny (find a penny, pick it up, for the rest of the day you’ll have good luck). The vet said her cancer would only give her a few months. She lived two and a half more years in love and care and changed my view on a dogs ability to bond. She loved us so much and we her.
Poor baby! How lucky Penny was to have found you (truly, you were probably the lucky one). Stories like that break my heart. There aren't enough homes for all of the lost dogs out there... but surely there would be if dogs were no longer bred "pure" for money.
Our lives have been enriched by 3 dogs so far. I understand what you mean about the instant connection or falling in love at first sight with a dog. It happened to me with our first dog. I loved your post!
Yes, I know enough dog lovers to believe that it is a real phenomenon. Thank you for the comment!
This is so true, its brilliant he has been re homed, we got our dog who sadly is no longer with us from a local shelter called "waggy tails rescue" he was very hard to socialise and had been neglected as a puppy, I dont think in a physical abuse way but just simply ignored and forgotten - so he was always a very timid dog - but we loved him and he us.
shelter dogs can bring every bit as much joy as any other.