The Time To Say Yes

It's his picture that grabs you.  Maybe it's the bashful grin, the anxious eyes, or  the lonely stance.  Then you see his estimated age -- anything over seven would qualify -- and perhaps a notation of some special needs.  He's an older dog, he has some hard miles on him, some definite wear and tear.  

What would it take, adopting this dog?  What would he need from you?  Would you have the time, the patience?  Could you afford his veterinary care?

Important questions, all.  But perhaps the most important question to ask yourself is this:  Do I have room in my life -- and  in my heart -- to give this still hopeful guy the love and comfort he deserves, for whatever time he has left?

So different, with young dogs and pups.  Even though you don't know how long they'll live, or what might happen to them, all their possibilities stretch out before you.  An assumption of a good, long life together is natural -- years of playtime and long walks and camaraderie.

But if you imagine that bringing an older dog into your life just means taking on a nursing case, let me tell you, that is NOT it -- not at all!  In fact, I can't emphasize this enough.  

When an old dog lands in a shelter, the first thing you know about him is that he is a survivor.  His life may have been hard, or loving -- dogs become homeless for innumerable reasons.  In our society, a dog's life is definitively precarious.  So the very fact that he is older means he has either had some assistance or he has a remarkably resilient spirit.

In a reputable shelter, any dog that has been deemed adoptable has already passed his temperament testing.  Determining health status may be less certain, but many things will be known: shots, dental status, motor abilities, and any observable conditions.  Yes, there could be more going on, but that is true for all of us.

Some older dogs are still active, even playful; many are just slowing down.  Some require special healthcare, some do not.  A newly adopted dog may fit right in with your family, or it might take some time and adjusting.

So, say you meet him.  You connect.  Maybe there are a few things to work on, but you think, okay, this guy and I, we could be a pack.  Just one little idea keeps nagging:  How long will he be with me?  Can I open my heart to short time love?

I so hope you say yes.  Not just because he so deserves another chance.  And not just because so many older dogs are living out their lives in shelters, hoping and waiting for just a chance to love you, unconditionally.  

I hope you say yes, because -- please believe me --  you can get so much more from spending whatever time you have with him than you could ever imagine.

Because love is timeless.