We wanted to share this article written by one of our adopters about her adoption experience with us. We always say - sometimes the dog you need picks you, We ask that you come in with an open mind...and open heart...and it just might change your life. My Very Own Dog - Becky Goode We’ve had family dogs in the past, dogs we shared, but last month I decided that this gal now living alone needed a pooch of my very own. My niece emailed a photo of a perky, whiskery faced dog featured on the website of the Humane Society for Hamilton County. What a cute guy! I had visions of agility courses and dock diving. I would take my dog shopping at the pet stores and show off. I made plans to race to the shelter as soon as my work day ended. “I’m here to meet Jackson” I stated excitedly. But alas, Jackson had been adopted over the lunch hour. “But we have many others,” the staff told me. Indeed they had big ones, little ones, loud and bouncy ones; but there at the end of the row was a sad, quiet dog lying on a mat. The sign described him as a 5 year old yellow lab mix named Jack. I kneeled down and said his name a couple of times and he raised his head and looked at me. Of course I had to meet him. He was already pulling at my heart strings. “He has a drunk walk” they told me; a result of a neurological condition. Jack had difficulty walking on the tile floor – his hind end doesn’t work well. Grand visions of agility courses, dock diving and strolling through PetSmart vanished. He not only looked drunk but traveled like he had been hit by a car. Totally vet checked and no evidence of trauma I was assured, and Jack seemed to manage, so I spent a little time with him. I will admit that I didn’t choose Jack. Jack chose me. He leaned against my leg and smiled up at me. He sat on my foot. With tears in my eyes I stated that Jack would go home with me. My enthusiastic niece guided me through the store aisles for holistic food and treats, toys, a collar, leash and personalized tag. $$$ This dog thing was getting expensive. You know how they tell you to hide the contents of your car to prevent theft? I realized the most expensive item in my truck was the healthy dog food! Should I hide it when I leave the vehicle? My debit card was swiped, my pet supplies purchased, and I returned to the shelter to adopt my very own dog. Following my pet supply shopping spree I returned to the Humane Society of Hamilton County to finalize the adoption of Jack. I attempted to contain my emotions. “Was I really ready to commit? He isn’t what I came in for. Poor guy needs a home.” There was a flurry of activity, papers to sign, staff to meet, instructions to remember. Thankfully my niece assisted me. (It occurred to me that I had somewhat become my mother.) Jack and I posed for a Facebook photo then I lifted the crippled 56# dog into the back seat of the truck. It was done; we were driving into a new life for Jack. My life was changed too. He is attached to me; worrying when I leave him, but I took on the responsibility... This dog has found delightful things at his country home. Hoof trimmings! You don’t get that delicacy at a shelter. The pond is a riveting spot where Jack can flush bull frogs, geese, and sniff at crawdads. The pond has also been the source of danger. The first time Jack walked off a big rock into the water he was surprised. After the initial flailing and splashing he kept his head above water and headed for the edge but found it difficult to get onto the bank. A hind end is very important in this situation. I braved the poison ivy and sticker bushes to help him. During another visit he became trapped in rip rap. His rear was stuck in the water between the rocks. He had a look of “oh sh**, this is serious” as I made my way onto the rocks, grabbed his torso and gave a heave. I wouldn’t have been surprised if a leg had detached. He was so happy to be free that he wiggled all over although he is unable to wag his tail. We learned what a “wild goose chase” really is. A pair of geese has four goslings on the pond. Jack swam back and forth, round and round as the parent geese led him away from their babies. I was sure Jack would run out of energy before he could make it back to shore. Fear and guilt gripped me. My friend went to the house for his gun, thinking he would scare the geese away. But even my friend admitted that he doubted Jack would last long enough for us to return. Afraid of what we might find I told myself that if Jack drowned I would never get another dog. When we got back to the pond we found Jack on solid ground. He climbed onto the golf cart and seemed fine. I suspect that when Jack realized we were leaving he gave up the goose chase to stay with me. I would have used the ploy earlier if I had known. Jack enjoys his daily walk to the pond to cool off. The geese scoot from one side to the other as he walks the perimeter rather than attempting to outswim them. Jack is not my dock diver but I love him anyway. The exercise has proved good therapy for his hind end. Neighbors have commented that his gait has improved. He doesn’t drag his back legs as often. He demonstrated his strength recently when he accompanied me on a trail ride through adjacent fields. Jack is becoming protective, barking at strangers and I have even heard him growl. He is excited to see me when I come home and we enjoy spending time together. It’s nice to know Jack is happy. He has his very own human and I have my very own dog. This adoption was good for both of us.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 13:59:06 +0000
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