February 24, 2012

Please consider adopting an older dog?

The Reason (to you from all your rescue dogs)

I would’ve died that day if not for you.
I would’ve given up on life if not for your kind eyes.
I would’ve used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands.
I would have left this life believing that all humans don’t care
Believing there is no such thing as fur that isn’t matted
skin that isn’t flea bitten
good food and enough of it
beds to sleep on
someone to love me
to show me I deserve love just because I exist.
Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands
Your big heart saved me…

You saved me from the terror of the pound,
Soothing away the memories of my old life.
You have taught me what it means to be loved.
I have seen you do the same for other dogs like me.
I have heard you ask yourself in times of despair
Why you do it
When there is no more money, no more room, no more homes
You open your heart a little bigger, stretch the money a little tighter
Make just a little more room…to save one more like me.
I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes
In the best way I know how
Reminding you why you go on trying.

I am the reason
The dogs before me are the reason
As are the ones who come after.
Our lives would’ve been wasted, our love never given
We would die if not for you 

(Author unknown)

 

 
THE AMAZING STORY OF MAX
 

If  there was ever a dog which typified the joy of owning an older animal, it must Max.

 Max’s story is sadly typical of what happens to so many animals in France;   his owner died and at 15 years of age he was brought in to the vets to be put to sleep.  Who on earth would want a 15 year old dog?    But this is not a typical story, and Max is a very special dog. 

The vet who was supposed to put him down telephoned Hope instead to ask if we could find someone to adopt him.  Max’s luck held and he found a loving foster home with Eddie and Pete Griffe, two members of the Association.

That was several months ago and Max is still going strong.  He has now been adopted by Eddie and Pete and daily gives such joy that their lives will never be the same again.  Yes, he is aged 15 and he wobbles a bit and has his off days, but he is happy and knows he is loved and gives it back in Spades. 

Remember the joy an older dog can give.   They may not have the time of younger dogs and you may fear their loss more than anything else.    But remember what you are giving back to them, when they sit on your lap at night, nodding gently, you know you have done the right thing and your reward is in the here and now.

 
“THE STORY OF MADDIE”

 

I have been meaning to share my joy in rescuing my Maddie, here I am three beautilful months later to share my story !! 

We (2 adults, 3 children, a cat, a rabbit, 5 hens and a cockrel) Rescued Maddie, our wonderful Boxer from Phoenix Association back in April, admittidly I was very nervous taking on an ‘older dog’ as I know all too well how very painful it is to lose a beloved friend, knowing we we’re perhaps Maddies last chance of secure happiness, we bit the bullet and decided to give this old lady lovely life here in the Charente. 

Maddie is amazing, she is so so so so lovely! I’ve got tears streaming as I write this, I’m sure Maddie knows she was on borrowed time, she was at Pheonix for 6 long months, imagine how many people walked past her, and ignored her plea on the Pheonix website ????? all because she was old, I must admit I had seen her plea many times before I spoke to Siobain at Hope Association, and it was Siobain that made me see that rescuing an older dog was the right thing to do, her words of wisdom will stay with me forever ……………… 

Every time I make eye contact with my Maddie, every stroke, every cuddle, every kiss, every walk, every meal time she is utterly grateful, I can tell !!!! 

I have since taken on a 3 year old Cocker Spaniel as a companion for Maddie, her name is Maggie …. (she was named Maggie when we got her LOL) Maddie and Maggie are very good friends, Maggie has more energy and keeps Maddie from lounging in the sunshine too much !!!!! 

Maddie and Maggie are the nicest dog’s, I am soooo happy with my girls and I know they are happy too. 

If you have the time an space please consider giving an older dog a chance ….. There are just too many in rescue !!! 

Thank you so much for reading xx 

“THE STORY OF LADDIE” rescued by The Phoenix Association from the SPA  Bergerac. 

It is a sad fact that few people are willing to adopt an older dog. There are some and I thank them, but on the whole people do not like to risk the experience of grief that comes sooner than later with an old friend.  

We all know what it is like to lose a beloved dog or cat and I can’t promise that you will ever get used to this.  However, try turning the thought around in your head.   Don’t think of your feelings when you lose a dog or cat, think instead that you were able to give it a few extra special years, which in the case of an older rescue it might never have had. 

Older dogs are like older people, great characters who have so much to offer. They have got over the adolescent antics of youth, are usually clean in the house, and enjoy lazing in front of the fire as much as you and I do.   

Yes, like us there is always the chance that bones ache, arthritis sets in, lumps and bumps appear and bottoms sag, but just looking at the happiness in those rheumy old eyes,  the trust which no words can express, old dogs make you feel good about yourself and if nothing else, that’s a very good reason to adopt one.