Archive for the ‘Wise and Wonderful’ Category
January 17th, 2010 | 
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Wise and Wonderful…The Autumn Glory Dogs
When dogs are described as senior, elderly or old, their chances of adoption diminish. In shelters all across the country, these are the dogs that are often the first to be euthanized due to space constraints. In truth, these mature dogs often make the best companions as what you see is what you get…they have already grown into their shape and personality. In return for the second chance they are given, they will reward you unconditional love and loyalty.
“Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog”.
-Sydney Jeanne Seward
In Praise of Older Gentlemen….
From the moment I spotted his picture on the internet it was love. Certainly, he was no spring chicken, but I thought the grey hairs made him look rather handsome. My friends and family all thought I was crazy. They thought I should look for a younger companion. But I knew he was the one. I should probably mention at this point that the object of my affection is an 11 year old Blue Heeler named Angus, who became a part of my family just a few short months ago (via Petfinder and the wonderful people at NCCR!)
Angus was a bit quiet and withdrawn at first, and it has been a thrill to watch him come out of his shell bit by bit. He may be 11 but he is strong and energetic and always up for the next adventure, be it honing his herding skills on the other dogs at the park or going for a long walk in the woods. I owe a great debt of thanks to his first family, as I really am the beneficiary of somebody else’s hard work - he arrived on my doorstep house trained and well-mannered, and he comes running when called (particularly when he thinks there may be a cookie waiting at the end of the journey!)
I am still discovering what other tricks he has up his sleeve. While fixing his dinner one evening I turned around to find him sitting quietly and perfectly balanced on his haunches with his paws daintily in the air!
He is a study in contrasts - he can be a distinguished gentleman or a total ham; a quiet, gentle presence or a loud-mouth guard dog; a dead-serious working dog or a playful goof-ball; an independent tough guy or a cuddly momma’s boy. In short, he is everything I could have wanted.
Whether I have years, or months, or weeks with him, I will count myself very lucky. I wouldn’t trade him for the world.
See Angus and his family at:
http://www.marcialeederblog.com/2009/09/30/big-bold-and-bright/