LoisCroft wrote:
My wonderful dog died a few weeks ago and my daughter and son-in-law have offered to get me a dog for Christmas. However, the process is incredibly long. I understand that they are seasonally busy and that applications take some time to process but every time I see a dog I like, I send a query, then a week or two later they tell me that the dog was already adopted. Also, our local shelter insists on a new application for every dog that one might be interested in. Anyone know of a way to get something done a bit quicker? Am I doing something wrong here? Even a shelter that has had my approved application on file for over a year is very slow to respond.
I would much prefer a rescue or shelter dog but at this point my son-in-law said it would be much faster to go through a breeder.
My wonderful dog died a few weeks ago and my daugh... (
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I’m sorry for the loss of your dog. But there is something I can help you with on that regard. Please read the entire post.
Most breed specific adoptions are expensive. At least up in these parts. So think about that.
Wait a short while after the holidays. Perhaps a month or two. Most kennels are reluctant to set up adoptions around holiday time. They don’t want the puppy returned because “the child can’t take care of it” mentality. I know this is not the case but animal adoption agencies think that way.
My 20 year old son loved animals and volunteered his free time at Sean Casey’s Animal Rescue Center (SCAR) in Brooklyn. He wanted to bring a puppy home every weekend he volunteered.
About six years ago, my son passed away.
After being in therapy for several months (still are) we adopted a puppy from North Shore Animal League. Our therapist suggested we adopt a dog to help us through our PTSD.
North Shore-on Long Island had several puppies. One particular puppy was emaciated, and albino. We felt bad that this puppy needed a good home. We adopted him and named him Bentley.
A couple of months later, his nose turned black instead of pink. A couple of spots started to appear on his belly. We took him back to NSAL. The vet said his is a Labrador mixed with a Dalmatian. Now we have a white dog except on his belly, there are black spots.
We trained him to respond to people with PTSD. When we are upset he will lay on top of us while we lay down on a couch or bed.
Just getting a puppy may not really help replace the one you have lost. I suggest you adopt a puppy with the intent to train it as a therapy dog. The dog’s purpose will be for you to take it to hospitals and nursing homes because patients can’t have a dog there but definitely will benefit.
We adopted a puppy (Australian Cattle Dog/ Border Collie) about 12 years ago. We adopted her from Mustard Sandwich in North Carolina. She was trained as a therapy dog and we took her to hospices and nursing homes. Lucy stays with my older son in Virginia while he is doing his PhD dissertation.
Dogs are trained by the owner through Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dogs International. Virtually every state has some similar agencies.
Now for something unexpected. When my son, Brian passed away, my wife and I created a Foundation in his honor. The Foundation is
www.BGMFoundation.org. We have created a dog run. It is named Brian’s Bark Park. The residents of a gated community in Pennsylvania appreciate a place where they can bring their dogs.
When I lost my son I endeavored to create a memorial to him to be hung on the wall. Several years ago, a fellow hogger lost their pet. I suggested they do the same. You don’t really need much woodworking skills. A short time ago, I posted a thread titled, A Photograph That Can Tell Time.” Try looking in the Search function for this thread. If you have difficulty you can private message me.
I am sorry about your loss. Many people don’t bat an eye when you tell them your pet passed away. But that animal is a part of your family. It learns every thing about you. Your habits, your place where you live and it feels right at home. Try to let your dog sneak away, it won’t because it knows where you are. I believe I bought me house and live for the comfort and convenience of my dogs.