Why Adopt a Senior Dog?

In January 2003 I had the distinct pleasure of e-meeting a wonderful woman due to very unfortunate circumstances. Her dear sweet 12 year old canine companion, Goldie, passed away - after having been adopted just two years previously. With Heather's permission, I share with you some of her two emails ... and hopefully share with you some inspiration for considering a senior/special needs dog of your own.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know of my beloved's passing. I guess it's what you "get" when you rescue a senior. But, we had nearly TWO years with her. I know that she was formerly neglected and had the best two of her 12 years with us, totally spoiled rotten.

I asked Mike tonight, "Is is worth it?" I was talking about taking in abandoned seniors who may not have long. Is it worth the pain we endure at their passing? It is worth it to know that we made a difference in their short lives, and that the last few years were the best? We both agreed: YES! The short, but precious time we have with them is worth the sadness we later feel. I believe that this is the unselfish answer, and we decided that we would (and will) do it again .... once we've healed.

Thanks for "listening". Take care.

Heidi and Mike W.

... and if that isn't enough, Heidi went on to share more with me ...

Thanks again for your support. And I haven't changed my mind about rescuing seniors .... I've always had a soft spot in my heart for them .... They spend years as loyal companions only to be abandoned. Goldie herself was brought to a municipal dog pound at age 10.5 because her family was "moving". She was a terrified, distressed, huddling, fearful creature when we first brought her home. That sure changed quickly! (I guess they know when they've got it good!)

In my opinion, why WOULDN'T people adopt a senior dog? The selfish "I-won't-have-enough-time-with him/her" syndrome is usually the reason. I guess I understand that. Yet, it's all too easy for people to just close their eyes to things they don't want to see. I had seen Goldie's sad pound photo on the net, and I decided to DO something .... even though our dog at home (who was then our "only"), was supposedly a dog-hater! The two "girls" got along famously, and therefore I don't believe in stereotypes about dogs' personalities.

I've gone on long enough. I'm sorry to ramble. Again, I appreciate your contacting me, and again, feel free to use anything that I've written in your website, etc. I know it will be used only for good. Take care.

-Heidi W.

If you would like to express your condolences to Heidi ... or to thank her for sharing her story and bringing a senior dog into YOUR life, she can be reached via email at heidimsw@yahoo.com.


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