2015 was a rough year as I lost my Dad and unexpectedly, my dog, Boo.
Boo succumbed to a heart attack brought on by stress from fireworks and a long week of thunderstorms. I was in shock at first and blamed myself for many months. One day, I woke up after a terrible dream and had an epiphany…I asked him to forgive me. I felt that I had unknowingly encouraged his anxious behavior by comforting him when he was scared and stressed out…ultimately reinforcing his anxiety.
We all make mistakes, but that day, a weight was lifted. I missed my pup terribly and never thought I could go through losing another animal. It took a couple of years to look at his photo. The guilt was overwhelming.
Two years later, my 50th birthday came around and I thought how awesome it would be to have a companion to discover the woods with. I wanted a camping buddy. I hadn’t owned a puppy, let alone a coonhound, so I did a lot of research on both subjects. Then I checked out all the prospective young dogs at a number of rescue organizations throughout Eastern NC.
I saw a picture of Finn online at the Beaufort County Animal Rescue and I had to meet him. He was supposedly 6 months old and he had similar markings of Boo. I know that all dogs are different, but I drove to Washington, NC. and saw this skinny boy in the cage. I had to meet him. He was adorable and full of life! Just what I needed as I entered the next century of life!
After signing the paperwork, he was neutered, and I had a bouncing 4 ½ – 5-month boy with very sharp teeth! I had know idea his intestines were was being eaten by hookworms, he was supposedly dewormed. I received a lot of dirty looks when I walked him because he was skin and bones. The good thing, Dr. Bobbi Kotrba, at Craven Animal Hospital diagnosed him with hookworm. After treatment, he gained 30 pounds and I lost 30 pounds…just from walking him and playing with him, and training him.
Okay, with the background behind us, here’s Reasons to Adopt:
- Animals enhance your quality of life
- Encourage you to get out of the house and walk, play, exercise
- Give and receive unconditional love
- And ultimately, save an animal’s life
Before you go down this path, please make sure you truly have time for training and exercise…especially for a puppy.
I highly recommend doing your research on the different breeds to best suit you and/or your family.
Training is a continuous process. It’s been two years since adopting Finn and I’m still training him.
Take your new dog to puppy kindergarten or other training classes with Dona Baker of Masterful Dog Training.
There may be days were you don’t have time to exercise your pup. Take them to A Dog’s Dream – Boutique, Resort, and Day Spa on Racetrack Rd. or Lynaire Kennels – Boarding, Spa, and Playtime on Old Cherry Point Rd.
We hope you considering adopting a pet from one of our local shelters. Although I adopted Finn, he truly rescued me!
Please let me know if you have any questions by sending an email or calling 252-259-6853.
Have a great day,
Wendy Card