The Joy of Adopting a Pet

Years ago, as a graduate student, I spent hours at the University library researching for projects on which I was working. Trudging back and forth gathering information from the thousands of books lining the shelves was a frequent chore to which I hardly looked forward. Today, the Internet replaces or augments tedious library trips, reduces time, effort and travel. We have at our fingertips, information from a wide variety of sources from which to choose from the comfort of home. Additionally, the Internet provides a remarkable medium where we may connect quickly with like-minded people, make friends and share stories about our lives and our pets. While we may never meet these folks in real life, close friendships often develop. Many years ago, I had the pleasure of encountering a woman with whom I have developed an online relationship. We regularly exchange email, sharing stories about our pets sharing our deep love for them. It is now commonplace, should one of our pets develop a serious illness, to ask for prayers and "glow" for them, keeping our internet pals current with their progress, and often-offering deep condolences if one of our beloved pets dies. One of my Internet "buddies", Amy, with whom I have been acquainted over the years, frequently emails me about her adopted fur family. Her love runs deeply for the pets she has adopted, opening her heart and home to many. Had it not been for her interventions, many of these neglected or abandoned dogs and cats would never have had the opportunity to feel the joy and love of a human companion. Molly, now close to 13 years old, is a Shepherd mix. When she was just a small puppy, someone thoughtlessly tossed her into a snow bank. Thankfully, there must have been an angel watching over Molly, as a city snowplow driver discovered her, quickly bringing her to his buddy's garage to feed her and keep her warm. The miracle continued when Amy's' husband coincidentally happened to drop by the garage to pass the time talking with his friends. They were instantly drawn to one another. Amy's husband decided he had to take Molly home to have the "missus" take a look. The minute he arrived home, Amy heard a strange dog barking from inside their van. There was Molly, bravely protecting the "stranger" to whom she had already become attached. After their laughter subsided watching this young puppy in action, the couple headed out to the vet to have Molly checked out. Molly and Patches It turned out that Molly was about 6 months old, was at least 15 pounds underweight, and was in need of some tender loving care. Her fate was sealed at that very moment. Molly was a “keeper.” Losing her beloved dog Lobo was heartbreaking. But after time passed, Amy began longing for another dog. Upon hearing that a young Rottweiler puppy, languishing in a shelter, needed a home with tender loving care, Amy had to investigate. Lugging Molly along to help her make decisions, off to the shelter, they went. Within 30 minutes, Molly and the puppy were playing together as if they had known each other from a previous lifetime. There was no hesitation about this adoption. Ginger and Lugar Napping Molly and Luger, the Rottie, play, eat and sleep together. Molly and Patches, one of her favorite felines frequently hang out. Amy’s assorted clowder of kitties gets along famously with the canines in their happy family menagerie. My hat is off to Amy, who has been adopting animals for over 40 years now. She tells me that they "give her the greatest pleasure, and that as part of the family, their pets give them joy beyond measure." I love meeting people like Amy through the Internet. Their stories warm my heart and reassure me that many folks out here go out of their way to ensure the safety and protection of needy animals. They honor them with their love. So, if you are thinking of getting a pet, please consider adopting one from your local shelter or breed rescue. The rewards that come from this act of love will enhance your life a million fold. Tell us how the Internet has affected your life by leaving a comment.