We did it again. We took Pablita in this summer as a 15 year old owner surrender. Her Mom was taking a job overseas and couldn't take her so she contacted Col. Potter.
Can't imagine what poor Pablita must have thought when she got here. I think she was confused for a while but she's come into her own and she's way better behaved than the other three. ;-)
When she turned 16 in October we started talking about the possibility of someone wanting to adopt her and figured if by some long shot someone did, it would not be fair for her to move again. So we put in to adopt her last week and the contract goes in the mail tomorrow.
She gets along fine with everyone (even Rissa, which is no small task ;-)) and Mandy really likes to pal around with her so she was really telling us she wasn't going anywhere.
We're happy she's staying and that we can offer her a nice cushy couch and a bed to snuggle in but sad that we won't be fostering for a while. Only did a couple a year because of travel but with four here now and me traveling a lot this year, we can't really handle any more.
So that's the story of Pablita, the senior snuffleupagus.
Denise in Albuquerque with Rowdy, Rissa, Mandy and Pablita
If you are a frequent visitor to this blog, you may have already read the moving tribute to Rooster Cogburn. If you have not read it, I invite and encourage you to continue on to the post just below this one.
Rooster was adopted as a "senior". His story tells of all the joy families experience when they adopt a senior dog. Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network (CPCRN) frequently has "senior" cairns available. I'm fostering one right now - the very young 8-yr old Padraig who was orphaned when his owner passed away.
The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs at http://www.sanctuaryforseniordogs.org/ is a wonderful organization that encourages the adoption of senior pets. The following is an article from their website. I thought this would be a good place to share it, following the tribute to our own Rooster Cogburn. -KG
Why Should I Adopt a Senior Dog?
Many people automatically think of a puppy when they think of adopting a dog. Puppies are warm and cuddly, and everyone wants to hold and pet them. But puppies demand patience and energy to help them become wonderful family members and companions. Older dogs, however, can be as cute and lovable as puppies, and they often come with many wonderful qualities that puppies take years to grow into.
Maybe you are reluctant to adopt a senior dog because you fear that your time with your new best friend will be short, bringing that painful time of loss closer. But the privilege of loving a senior dog makes every single day special, as you and your companion share love, friendship, and a special relationship that grows stronger with the knowledge that you have given this fine old dog a second chance at life. The love that grows from this knowledge is stronger than the pain of eventual separation.
So spread the word! Adopting a senior dog is a wonderful experience for you and your new dog. You will gain a faithful companion. You will save a life. And don't forget, senior dogs and senior people bring out the best in each other. Old dogs make great friends!
Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog
- Senior dogs love to sleep and cuddle the day away. They enjoy a brisk daily walk, but the best part of the day is the nap. They love for you to join them.
- Senior dogs have a tremendous amount of love to give. When you rescue a senior dog, you have a best friend for life.
- Senior dogs reward your care with an unwavering devotion. Nothing matches the love of a senior dog for his rescuer.
- Senior dogs have learned many of life's lessons. They know, for example, that shoes are for walking and bones are for chewing.
- Senior dogs know that great outdoors is for eliminating and the house is for relaxing. Your carpet will last longer with a senior dog.
- Senior dogs can learn new tricks and be valuable family and community members. They make excellent therapy dogs.
- Senior dogs often fit into your household with ease. They find the softest, warmest spot in the house and claim it for their own, but they will share with you, too.
- Senior dogs make excellent companions for everyone, especially senior people.
- Senior dogs are often the first to be killed in area shelters. Passed over for cute and cuddly puppies, they often do not have a chance and must go to make space for more puppies.
Adopting a senior dog saves a life!
We did it again. We took Pablita in this summer as a 15 year old owner surrender. Her Mom was taking a job overseas and couldn't take her so she contacted Col. Potter.
