[/caption]Yes, we have a new addition to the family. She's not really a baby, and she doesn't really look like any of the relatives, but she is definitely family. Growing up, we always had a dog, and now my family and I have had dogs for almost 25 years. This past summer our dear old dog died. Very sad, very wrenching, so I don't want to talk about it--it's just too hard.
Anyway, we decided we were ready for a new dog. She's not a replacement, she's just the new dog in our lives--we've never not had at least one, and you miss having a dog! All the dogs and cats we've ever had have found us--they were strays or pets that other people didn't want anymore. We kept waiting for a dog to find us, but that didn't seem to be happening, so I went to the Solano County Animal Shelter in Fairfield to choose a new pet. If you've ever been to an animal shelter, you'll understand how hard that was to do. But we knew we wanted to get a shelter dog, so needs must. I went on a Wednesday, and she came home on Thursday.
It has been amazing how quickly she's made herself at home. They say that shelter dogs are grateful, that they "know." I am here to say it is absolutely true. She's loving and calm and sweet and funny. We got her a cozy bed she loves to curl up in, and today we discovered she loves to run really fast. She's been a bit shy, but now she's letting her hair down, and she's a lot of fun. She's like our family Christmas gift. (Now, for heaven's sake, what with Christmas coming up soon, don't surprise anyone with the gift of a dog if there is any possibility, however remote, that that person won't be 110% delighted!!)
Going to the shelter, and seeing all those abandoned dogs (and there are cats, too, suffering the same plight as the dogs, but I didn't even go into the cat section)--well, it makes me so mad! Here is a handy quiz (with answers!) to help decide whether or not to get a dog:
Should I Get a Dog?
Are you worried that the dog will scratch your hardwood floors? (Yes, the dog will scratch your hardwood floors. Don't get a dog.)
Are you worried that the dog will mess up your yard, or make yellow spots on your lawn? (Yes, the dog will mess up your yard and make yellow spots on the lawn. Don't get a dog.)
Does it bother you when the dog comes in the house and is rambunctious because he is excited to see you? (He will be excited, he may knock things over with his tail, but it's because he loves you, and you've left him alone too much. Dogs are pack animals. They need to be with you--you are their top dog. If you can't spend a lot of time with him, don't get a dog.)
Do you hate it when you or your guests get dog hair on their clothes? (You will get dog hair on your clothes. Your guests will get dog hair on their clothes. Don't get a dog.)
Do you think it's okay to "try out" a dog, because you can give him to somebody else if it doesn't work out? (It's not okay. Unless it is a true issue of safety, make it work. If you're not sure for any reason, don't get a dog.)
Do you plan to leave the dog outside for a week or so when you go away, since the dog loves it outside, and that way it's easier for you? (That poor animal will bark day and night out of boredom and loneliness, and your neighbors will complain and they will hate you and your dog. Don't get a dog.)
[caption id="attachment_1202" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Home at last"]
[/caption]However. If all these possible problems truthfully wouldn't bother you, if you feel you have passed the test, that you've thought about all the particulars and the eventualities, and that you are willing to care for and love this dog for the rest of his days on earth, well then, okay. You can get a dog. I hope you'll go the shelter to get one that someone else got rid of. Because don't forget: shelter dogs are grateful--they know.
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