So, my partner and I adopted a dog. We recently moved and have a great neighborhood to walk in so we did what most people do when they move into together and we decided to get an animal. I wanted a puppy but we soon realized that we didn’t have the time or resources for a brand new puppy (hello brand new carpet that I want to stay pee stain free) so we looked into adopting a dog who was 1-3 years old. While we couldn’t get a puppy, I worried about connecting with a grown dog right away (you want them to love only you) so we notified our local veterinary practice that also has a rescue/adoption program.
I did everything right. I researched breeds thoroughly and found after a suggestion that a Lhasa Apso would be perfect for “city living”. For those who are unfamiliar, this breed of dog is on the smaller side, very loyal, quiet, calm, and couch lovers. They still require the usual long walks (what dog doesn’t) but are mostly dogs who want a cuddle. I knew we wanted a girl, a Lhasa Apso, and ages 1-3. I was so proud of myself for all my research and preparation (slight OCD happening). I contacted the Adoption service and offered references, a description of our new home and prepared to wait until they had a pet who matched our criteria. My partner was away for his PHD program but we had all the time in the world and we knew the process could take some time.
Wrong. Less than 24 hours later I was in a park meeting Maggie, a 7 year old Lhasa Apso/Terrier mix with a dramatic past. I was asked to take her home that day and here I had nothing for a dog at all and a partner who was still across the country. My mother helped me buy everything a dog would need (or what we guessed Maggie liked) and then I was suddenly home alone with a 7 year old dog that was in desperate need of some tlc.
I thought I’d done everything right but yet here I was on a couch with a foreign creature that had lived a life I hadn’t been around for while we stared at the other suspiciously. I was overwhelmed with her immediate attachment to me yet her inability to fully trust me. She was slow to sit on my lap or come to me when she needed something but if I left her for work or the store she cried when I came home because she missed me. It was an immense responsibility and I had no way to measure how well I was doing.
Maybe I should explain about Maggie. When Maggie was a puppy, no one really knows what happened to her. All we know is that she was neglected and eventually needed a new home. Her face was on a flier at our vet’s office at the exact moment a woman, whose children were grown, was putting down her dog with cancer. This woman saw Maggie’s face and said, “I’d like to adopt this dog now.” Maggie’s life was pretty good after that adoption. The duo spent all their time together and Maggie became accustomed to drive thru windows where the staff knew and rewarded her adorable presence. Maggie was the center of attention and had a very happy, blessed life where she wasn’t left alone a lot. Then her owner was diagnosed with cancer and as her disease progressed, the famous duo moved into a new home where her owner’s daughter cared for them. Eventually, Maggie’s owner passed away and once again Maggie was without an owner. Her current home had a baby on the way and 2 big labs creating a chaos that no one wanted, especially Maggie.
So here I was with a dog that lives life thinking, “Who will leave me next?” Her separation anxiety and confusion over the last several events in her life have created an anxious, timid dog. I had no clue what I was doing or how to help her so I just went on instinct. I showered her with love and attention and always came back home to her after leaving. I even (okay you can laugh at this) said constantly out loud to her as if she understood, “I’ll never leave you. I’ll always come back.” Then after 3 days the most incredible thing happened. I was sitting on the couch petting Maggie and playing with her when I stopped briefly and Maggie very gently and timidly put out her paw on my leg to show affection (and yes the desire for me to never stop rubbing her belly).
You would have though I won the lottery. At that exact moment I felt my heart open in a way I didn’t know it could as Maggie said in her own dog language, “You’re my person now.” When my partner came home we had more adjustments to make but every day Maggie came out of her shell more and more. From day one she was the mildest mannered and well behaved dog, but her confidence grew. Her former owners told me that she didn’t like to play much but now I find her toys everywhere because she’s so happy.
Maggie still has some separation anxiety and shyness but now our family wouldn’t be complete without her. I still remember feeling the weight of her past on my shoulders, but now instead of feeling sorry for her I see her strength. Adopting an older dog has taught me to never give up on life or feel like you can’t move forward. Maggie could have easily never trusted us as her family but instead she doesn’t live in the past. She chooses to move forward and learns to love life again. Her calm spirit often reminds me to slow down and breathe a little. I was so worried about not bringing home a puppy, but now my heart has learned a new way of love. It’s a love that acknowledges the past Maggie had and lets her know that now she can relax and know we’ll both always be here. I too have a past full of mistakes and heartache but now I see it only strengthens our love for life, other people, and even animals. Whenever I have a bad day, I see Maggie and realize it only feels that way today. We’ll always have a tomorrow and we can all come back from any hurt. There are better days ahead.
I’m happy to report that Maggie now chases squirrels in the park, barks at strangers (only a few times) and leaves her toys all over the house. We’ve gone from not having a dog bowl to not remembering how we lived without her. I’m not saying everyone should go out an adopt an older dog but if you’re thinking about giving any animal a home, shelters and adoption programs can help you find the perfect dog or cat for you. You can also donate to your local animal shelters or programs that use and train shelter dogs for service. And the next time someone rolls their eyes and says you love your dog way too much, point out how shelter dogs are used to help wounded soldiers or how when Hurricane Katrina hit, many victims wouldn’t leave without their animals so nonprofits helped rescue their animals too! Say what you will but don't tell a pet owner their pet isn't special.
Or just listen to this Hymn
All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
All Things Bright and Beautiful
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