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.
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Comments (7)
jo deibel October 18, 2008 8:23 AM
Thanks for writing such a great story!!
Jo
Amy October 18, 2008 8:45 AM
Thanks Jo for spreading the word about adoptions. I really believe these adoptees bring so much joy and fun into our lives. It's like they have a sense of renewed life. Their devotion is unending and the joy they bring is endless. Each one has a special place in our hearts. I really encourage any one thinking about getting a pet check out their local shelter, local breed rescues. There is nothing quite like having a adopted pet in your home. Pets are there to help you after a long hard day. They bring instant relief from a stressful day. You will have a smile on your face as soon as you walk in the door and are greeted by a warm fuzzy pet.
Thanks again Jo for getting the word out. All these animals need a forever home.
Donna October 18, 2008 9:10 AM
Pets are family. I find most choose or "find" me. I currently have 5 feline family members, each unique in their own way. Pirate I found as a 2 lb. kitten walking down the street. He's the most loving of all the cats and most easy going. He's 14 now but looks and acts about 1/2 his age.
Wheezel I adopted from a no kill shelter during a very low period in my life. She sure snapped me out of that! She's 9 now, it's hard to believe. She has some urinary/bladder issues but we're handling them.
Missy Toe is a dilute calico (yes, she was sort of an ugly kitten) that was to be tossed out a car window if a home wasn't found. My grandson brought her to me.
Chester was born outside, not much for being held due to his first 4 or 5 months as a feral kitten, but as all the rest, has a personality of his own. I accept that.
Mouse is my latest addition (named after a friend's cat she lost...not to mention he's all grey, small, sleek, with huge eyes and ears LOL)... I have to admit he's my favorite now. He's my 5AM alarm clock. Likes to be held on his terms, and always willing to play.
They all give me a reason for living, someone always is ready to sit in my lap, Mouse will pull toys out of the cabinet if I'm not watching, and they can always get me out of a funk.
When I go to the shelter, I see so many calico's and Torties...no one seems to want them...but they're really loving animals! I'll have cats until I pass on...arrangements have been made.
If anyone needs a little spark in your life visit a shelter and the right cat (or dog) WILL find you...just like Mouse came out of no where and sat on my shoulder the day I brought him into my life. God put these creatures on earth to comfort us.
Do yourself a favor, if you don't have a pet GET ONE!
Vicki October 18, 2008 9:28 AM
Hearing so many horror stories of things that happen to people over the internet, it is s heartwarming to hear that there are beautiful stories such a this one that happen as well. What a wonderful story about these furry friends.I enjoy hearing about such touching stories.
Linda H October 18, 2008 10:45 AM
My comment is in regard to adoption of rejected or abandoned animals. I have 4 cats, all of which were left to fend for themselves at one time or another, and the number of my birds is up to 10. When people ask about any of my babies I always say, "They all have a story".
They have blessed my life much more than I have blessed theirs. Each little personality is special.
Renegade Cowgirl October 18, 2008 12:15 PM
ComputerS are very stressful to me but what one can find on them are worth it! Afterall that is how I found Jo and her loving stories and help for animals.
Please everybody don't support the puppy mills but your local shelters. We have 18 'kids' at the moment. 4 horses, 3 dogs, 5 cats, 4 birds and Hoppy. 9 of them were from the shelter or came to my doorstep. Their love and wanting to please their human friends is incredible. What you give to them they give back in triple form! I feel I am a very rich person with the love of my 'kids'.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHELTERS!
Cheryl October 18, 2008 4:30 PM
Oh, I got a bit choked up reading that! HUGE KUDOS to Amy for being such a wonderful fur baby Mommy! My Reggie (dog) passed in early August, I still have some very difficult days, but I am doing better. I really want & need a new dog. I could live happily with 10 cats & dogs, but I am a bit more of a dog person, although I do love my 2 cats dearly.
Great article Jo!! :>)
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