AUGGIE

I am writing this on behalf of my new companion Auggie. Auggie is a year and half old black lab whom my wife Molly and I found at the Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue. When we first heard of this lab in need of a home, we jumped on the PAWS website to see a picture.

The adoption process at NCCR was very straightforward. All that was needed was a completed application, followed by an appointment to meet with our potential new best friend. Right from the start, it was obvious that a wonderful group of people work at NCCR.

When the volunteer brought Auggie out to us, my heart melted and I knew he would be coming home with us. That night was two weeks before, and decided that Auggie’s Christmas present would be a new family and a place to call home on December 26th. In anticipation of making him a member of our family, we made a point to go to the shelter and walk Auggie. We looked forward to seeing Auggie as much as possible, and soon he looked forward to seeing us. The volunteers at NCCR suggested that we take Auggie into the back apartment to play in a realistic home setting. Auggie visited our house on two separate occasions, just to see how he would respond to his new home. Our experience made it quite clear that he was the dog for us.

Auggie also has what many people call Big Black Dog Syndrome, BBDS. BBDS is not a medical condition, but rather a condition of existence. Many people will pass a dog with size and a black coat, simply because they look intimidating. Also, Auggie appeared to be hyperactive in his kennel at NCCR. I attribute this to the heartworm treatment and the fact that he is a young lab. Many people feel that a big black dog poses a potential threat to their home and lifestyle. However, this could not be further from the truth. Auggie just wants love and attention. He is happy sitting next to us in the living room, watching us cook in the kitchen, or sneaking in bed with us in the morning. We are still impressed with his behavior.

From our perspective, it is one of the greatest feelings in the world to come home to someone who is so excited to see you, and wants to be by your side at all times. If you have been considering adding a new member to your family, we strongly recommend contacting the NCCR to help you make the right decision. Open the door to your home and your heart, and take home a big black dog.