"I guess you don't really own a dog, you rent them, and you have to be thankful that you had a long lease."Dedicated to Wags, who ventured to the Rainbow Bridge in 2010
Most people who know me, know me as an animal lover. I have always cared for and nurtured animals, but dogs were not on the top of my list. I had dogs as a child, but I don't remember truly bonding with them or sharing a bed. However, when Shadow an 8 year old weimaraner was brought into my life that changed and I now openly and willingly share my bed, food and love with dogs. Shadow was in my life not nearly long enough (short term lease), but she has forever changed my attitude and outlook on animal rescue. I have always adopted from the SSPCA or taken in the neighborhood stray, but Shadow taught me as long as their is space in my home it is my job to take in the not-so-perfect dog and shower them with love. When Shadow left this world to venture to the rainbow bridge, because cancer took over her body, I thought I would never want a another dog, because Shadow could not be replaced. However, as the pain began to grow all I could think about was the empty pet bed, the lack of routine missing from my life, the lack of a wagging tail nub greeting me when I got home. I knew it was my duty to find another rescue to bring into my empty home. My home will never have a vacancy sign for long as Shadow made it my duty to take in the senior, not so perfect, not so healthy, not so social dog that other people turn a blind eye too! It is true Shadow will never be replaced, however, she has shaped my view on animal rescue and taught me I can make difficult decisions. I can take in short term leases, knowing I will give them my all until it is time to turn in my lease. Believe me - it hurts, the pain is heart wrenching, but when I think about the bigger picture - I can trade in this pain for the love brought into my life.
Who knew one dog could move me, make me a better person and change my outlook on life?
Another special weimaraner dog, named Wags, who also ventured to the Rainbow Bridge due to cancer in 2010 has forever changed the mindset of many visitors to the Northern CA Weimaraner Rescue Booth. Wags was a great Weim ambassador and showcased the great qualities of a Weim. I believe Wags' good looks and manners opened the eyes of many booth visitors and helped rescue dogs find new homes. Yes, many weims counter surf, dig, eat things they aren't suppose to, have lots of energy and require alot of work. BUT Wags and Shadow prove that hardwork, patience, time and love make the best dogs. These special dogs taught others that rescue dogs are perfect in their own way and make the best pets!! If everyone is blessed with a Wags or Shadow lease at some point in their life, they too will forever be changed for the better.
"If you have a dog, you will most likely outlive it; to get a dog is to open yourself to profound joy and, prospectively, to equally profound sadness."
(From Sarah) Have you ever noticed that all a rescue dog wants is predictability? In the next meal, a warm place to sleep, a roof and in your love. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a rescued dog come out of their shell. From waiting for "the other shoe to drop" to expectantly waiting for you to come home. Unfortunately some need more than others and we decided to start taking in the “special” dogs. We have found even deeper rewards by helping them. Just to name a few- Claus with epilepsy, Ty with separation anxiety, and who can forget Logan with his now bionic hips. Ducky is the latest to come into our lives. She is a young lady with Hoppers and is always waiting for something to happen, good or bad. She has no idea what a dog toy is but has found that playing with the two boys is not such a bad thing. She worked her way into our hearts and into our home, permanently. We will always have room in our home and in out hearts for rescue dogs.
ReplyDeleteSarah: You and Todd have BIG hearts and are to be commended for all the love you share with the no-so-perfect dogs. I know they are perfect and you know they are perfect, but to others they can't see what we see!! We are blessed to be able to share our love and predictabilty with these special animals.
ReplyDeleteFrom Jeff: Sarah, I knew the moment I saw Duchess on the NCWR sight something in my heart told me she was a special little girl. I thank God she found you. As I recently lost my Weimaraner, my beloved Tucker, who came into our lives as a baby, My only consolation is that he had only one home and a family that absolutely loved and adored him. I don't know what led me to the NCWR web site, but soon after I started viewing it something moved in my heart. And when I saw all of these little ones who had lost their families I knew what I had to do. Although I could not take them all in I can make a difference in at least one little life. As someone recently told me "no matter how long you have them it is never enough" yes it hurts so much when they leave our lives, but when they are here what a joy they bring into it. They give us so much and ask for so little in return, it almost isn't fair. Am currently on the adotion list and am waiting for a home inspection so I can give one of these little ones the home and the love they deserve. God Bless and Keep you, even though we have never met I know you are an Angel.
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