“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” This quote made me think about my own experiences with dogs adopted from a shelter.
Since I was a little girl we always had animals in our house. Well, flat. Well, small flat. Haha ;) We were a family of 5 people and a dog living in 50 m2. But it was enough. And I cannot imagine growing up without a pet!
Nowadays parents are often too concern about the hygienic, the fur everywhere, that the animal can destroy a furniture or brake something. But when you have little, you tend to care less about the objects. You live. And you enjoy the simple things. Well, at least I was lucky enough to be brought up like this.
The photo of Ares "destroyed" by my younger brother, when, at the age of 8, he made this "charming" frame;)
My childhood dog, my dear friend, Ares, was found by us in the dog shelter.
There were many puppies in the box, but he was the only one that was not trying to attract our attention by jumping, barking etc. He just sat in the corner and stared at us. I was really little back then, I had 4, maximum 5, years. But I still remember this event, I still have chills and my eyes get a little wet when I think about that sad place, where dogs and cats are waiting to find a real home.
I wanted the other dog. The one that was super cute and that immediately came to us to say hello. But my older brother and my dad, they decided to take Ares, they explained that “my” dog will find a home more easily because he attracts the attention easily. Unlike the dog in the corner.
So there he was. With us. Little mongrel, which means that he was of mixed breed. We were laughing that he was a combination of a wolf with a dachshund :) Ares. Named like that by my 8 years older brother. Ares, the Greek god of the war! He was nothing like that. He was kind, loving and charming. Both to the members of his family and to strangers! He also had a rebellious soul. He would run away for a few days, and always find a way to come back to us. Later on, when I was old enough to understand it, I was explained that he was running away when he was sensing a female having oestrus… Haha, my little macho! ;)
Ares was with us for many, many years, as mongrels are considered to be healthier than purebred dogs. He always behaved well :) and in a respectful manner, so I could easily take him with me in order to jog in a forest, as he was never aggressive to other people, he was never running after other joggers or bikers. When he died I was devastated.
There is definitely something unique about animals took from the shelter and not “bought”.
They will love you like crazy and appreciate every gesture of kindness. They will try to protect you and your loved ones. There is a unique bond between the owner and his rescued pet.
I guess there is a little percentage of exceptions, there must be. Animals, like people, differ. But I truly believe that there is no such thing as a bad animal. If an animal is behaving poorly, it’s because it was raised in a very poor manner, by irresponsible, often cruel people! Those unfortunate animals are damaged by their owners who were treating them badly. Since puppy times they were regularly beaten or forced to be aggressive.
Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that taking a dog (or a cat) from a shelter is the only appropriate decision one can make!
Everyone has a right to choose. All I am saying that if you are not in love with a particular breed and you are simply looking for a new family member and someone to love… consider taking an animal from the shelter.
But! Before doing that, I urge you to read about or speak with people who are already living with animals. This must be your deliberate, conscious decision, not something instantaneous. A thought that an animal that was waiting for a home for months or even years, then taken to a dream home to be soon rejected again and returned to the shelter is just cruel and heart-breaking.
What do you think my dear friends? Do you have any personal experiences you would like to share?
Sending joy!
Kasia