Harrison: A Volunteer's Voice

by Judy Loomis

He's hasn't been a puppy in a few years, and people weren't exactly standing in line to adopt him. As far as we know, he's never been a front page story or appeared on the TV news, and there is nothing all that flashy about Harrison. Yet we think we were the lucky ones because we adopted the greatest dog in the world!

Harrison was found wandering in the strees in Dunkirk when NCCR came to his rescue. The sad-looking Beagle spent a few months at the shelter until I brought my husband Steve to meet the dogs. He passed by all the dogs I thought surely might interest him. After the death of our dog Butch, Steve hadn't wanted another dog to become attached to and then lose. I never thought he'd consider an older dog and was a little surprised when he said, "how about that Beagle?" That Beagle was Harrison, one of my favorite "residents!"

So many families want to adopt a cute puppy, but puppies are a lot of work. Harrison is a mature dog who was crate-trained, almost housebroken, laid back and appreciative of all the love and attention we give him. He's past the chewing stage, except for an occasional cat toy, doesn't bark very much (except when he's ready to come back in the house), he never licks you and is easy to walk.

There are still a few signs that his early life was difficult. Harrison is afraid of many things, but has gotten noticeably more relaxed as time goes on. Remarkably, he loves to meet new people and doesn't always duck now when you move unexpectedly. We can't play fetch or Frisbee with him because the action of tossing something sends him cowering in fear, and a raised voice, even when it is not raised at him, frightens him. But when he climbs into "Daddy's" lap or sits with his head resting on "Mommy," we feel loved, and for as long as he is with us, we will love him in return.

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