A Letter From Your Old Dog

[Divernan]

If you are thinking of adopting a dog, please consider one of the older dogs.

http://www.hhdane.com/newsletters/2002fallHHGDSBR.pdf

"When you brought me home, you said I would be your baby forever. You gave me all the toys and love I could have ever asked for. After you had two-legged children, I had to take a back seat, but that was OK because they gave me the love and attention that you no longer had time to give me.

Now you have brought me here. You told them that you can no longer keep me. You said that I am falling down and cannot walk, or was it that I have suddenly become aggressive? You have given so many excuses that I can't remember what you said today. Who do you think you are fooling? No one believes your lies. I have grown old, and I have changed just as you will one day. Why are you being cruel to me? Is this my reward for giving you all my love and devotion? Have you thought about what you are teaching your two-legged children?

It is strange that a dog that yesterday could not walk, today can run and play with the other homeless dogs. It is ironic that a dog that yesterday was so aggressive today gives love to everyone who comes to visit. We both know that you lied to excuse your callousness in dumping me when I got too old. I hope that one day you will realize the pain and anguish I suffered when I was suddenly abandoned by the only family I had ever known.

I gave you the best years of my life only to be thrown away without a second glance like yesterday's garbage. You soothe your conscience by telling yourself that you did what was best for me, but you know that is a lie. It was what was easiest for you! Very few people want to adopt an old dog. Lucky for me that the Rescue has said that I can live the rest of my life in their home just as if it were my own.

I just thank god that the Rescue knew that you were lying, and the truth was that I was cramping your style. When you grow old and feel the pain and sorrow of being neglected or abandoned by your children because you cramp their style, remember that your children are just following your example. You have taught them well!
(Permission is granted to reproduce this story giving Harlequin Haven Great Dane and Saint Bernard Rescie credit as the source.)

http://www.ohiodanerescue.com/danes/ghianti.htm
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I happened across the above and thought it was worth sharing. I know older pets need extra care and often very expensive medications. I just picked up an insulin Rx refill for my rescue cat this afternoon, for $117. That's going to require some number crunching on my budget, for sure. But with his meds, my cat has a very good quality of life.

I know that in today's economy, many jobless people have had to give up their pets - and it's been heart breaking for them. Whether pets end up in shelters or pounds because of callous owners, like the ones described above, or impoverished owners, the fact remains that there are many, many loving animals in need of adoption. So if you or anyone you know is talking about/thinking about adding a pet to their household - maybe as a Christmas gift to their kids, please-please-please talk them into visiting a shelter or pet rescue facility to find a dog or cat.

And if there are people on your Christmas list who really don't need another electronic gadget, or perhaps kids who have a lot of toys already, give a gift to an animal shelter in their name - a great way to teach kids the real meaning of Christmas.

[guitar man]

1. K&R

People that dump a dog just because they get a little old, or they "don't have time" anymore, or whatever excuse they come up with...they didn't deserve the dog to begon with.

I'm 48 and I've had dogs since I was 9. I've always stuck with them to the bitter end. They aren't just pets, they are members of the family. Truth be told, I like dogs a lot better than most people I've known.

[hifiguy]

5. Both of the cats I have had

were older kitties I adopted from a local cat shelter. They have been wonderful friends, great cats and I have loved them more than virtually any person I have ever known. When Max's time came fourteen months ago (he was about 16 and had kidney failure) he was in my arms when the vet gave him the shot. I was inconsolable for days. Two months later I missed having a cat and adopted Butch, who's a bit more independent, but still a loverboy at heart - all 18-20 pounds of him. He's a Turkish Van, and is about 11 or so. I love him dearly.

When I was unemployed for three years there were days when Max ate and I didn't. I owed it to him.

[roguevalley]

15. I'm down to two dogs from five. they are sixteen and seventeen,

blind, deaf and arthritic. One has alzheimers and one has a heart murmur. They eat, sleep and are cared for first. I've been hungry before but they haven't because I made a promise to them I would take care of them and I mean to do it forever.

[stevedeshazer]

23. Yeah, my dog was seventeen when it finally got to the point he was suffering.

It's tough.

Been two years, and I still can't work up the gumption to get a new dog.

But eventually, I will.

I'd adopt the right older dog.

The Oregon Humane Society is an awesome place, my son volunteered there for a couple of summers as a high school student. I check their website now and then. I'm sure there'll be a match soon enough.

[mercuryblues]

39. Oct 30th

That is the day, 18 years ago, I found a stray dog. For 18 years she has given my family her loyalty and love. She is deaf and almost blind now. Her hips give out from time to time. Still, when I go out with a beef rib, she comes running. When we come home she runs to great us. All her doggie friends have passed on, it makes me sad for her. She would be in her glory when I dog sat for friends and family, she would love it when she went to stay at their homes.

I dread the day when we open the door and she will no longer be there to great us.

[Aerows]

19. My best friend is an older cat

I adopted her when she was starving to death. She's the most awesome cat a person could have. I love her *dearly*. She single handedly ended the mouse problem I had in the store-room.

[Butch350]

34. Ditto squared!

The owners that piss me off are the ones who don't even take the time
to take their older pets to a rescue but instead drop them off on the side of the road.

Got to stop now - tears are forming.

[iscooterliberally]

2. Older dogs and cats rock!

Puppies are the hardest to deal with and are not for beginners. The best place to get a dog is at the pound. That's where I got my Samson. He's probably about 8 or 9 now. We really don't know for sure, but he's house broken and well behaved. South Florida is flooded with abandoned animals. Lots of folks are dumping them in rural areas because they know the pound in Miami is a death sentence for them. It's awful. Thanks for posting this!

[montanacowboy]

3. OLD DOG HAVEN in Lake Stevens, WA

I am a long supporter of this group who by private donations only rescue old unwanted, usually ailing dogs who are thrown away by their owners. It breaks your heart to see them, they are so happy for anything and so loyal to whoever extends friendship.

I have a friend who has several of them and she also fosters them. I would be happy to give address for donations or for fostering in the Seattle area. These poor souls need and end of life happy experience and not one of extreme trauma or euthansia in a cold and unfriendly place, devoid of loving hands.

Please remember these dear old friends.

[jberryhill]

4. Having a dog is a commitment to that dog for life

That's the commitment the dog makes, too.

[sinkingfeeling]

6. Old dogs are the best! I would never give one of my dogs, adopted, rescued, or

gotten as a puppy, away to anyone!

[polly7]

7. Two years ago, I was approached by a friend, who didn't know

what to do with the dog he and friends had gotten as a puppy while in university. They'd taught him some amazing tricks ... and a few kinda bad ones ... ie. the only way he'll quit barking when someone comes to the door is to tell him to f' off. Which is troubling now, as his hearing is going and I need to pretty much yell it. Anyway ... the last friend in this group took over his care when the others moved out, and his wife was afraid that a large dog might hurt the baby they eventually had. He came to me with tears in his eyes and said the only other option was to take him to a shelter, where he knew he would probably be put down. This dog really is amazing, when I lost my Dad he ran to my side even when the crying was silent. He just knew what he needed to do. I can honestly say, he probably saved my life.

His name is Wolfie.

[Obamanaut]

33. While reading this I got a speck, or gnat, or some other object in my eye. nt

[Hun Joro]

8. I need to go home and cuddle my girl...

Who has begun to go a little grey around the muzzle.

[Demonaut]

9. only thing I bought at walmart in years was insulin for my dog

so much cheaper than anyone else, vetsulin got too expensive

[xchrom]

10. An old dog is a Revelation. Nt

[DeschutesRiver]

11. I've adopted 2 older dogs

My sweet girl was est. to be 6-8 years old and found as a stray; that was 4 years ago, so she is 10-12 now. She has had some health issues from the start, and we just learned now that she has terminal cancer.

As I have for the last 4 wonderful years, I cherish every minute with her - I honestly cannot in my heart or mind understand how someone could "get rid" of a dog that has done nothing more than age and become ill. Right now, we are doing doggie hospice - making her last days/weeks/months as comfortable and fun as possible by trying a bit of this, and a bit of that to manage things. I have sadly walked this path before with elder dogs, so at least I know all the "possible" things that can be tried to make each day a quality day, but I also know that one day we will wake up and there won't be any more tricks in our bag. I am making each day count while she is still in good spirits and doing well (no one that meets her can believe that her diagnosis is so dire). The idea that I would at this point get rid of her is such a foreign concept that I can't wrap my mind around it. I feel blessed every damned morning when I wake up and she is still here, and every night when I know that we were given one more day with her in our lives, still happy and able to love her family as much as we love her. Stupid sucky cancer will win in the end, but she will never know a day without our love and the safety of her home.

Our other old dog passed away last fall at 15.5 years old (and the last months were difficult, before we knew with certainty what was wrong). This spring, we found an 8 year old boy - sweetest.dog.ever:) So far, he has no major health issues, but if/when he does, he too, like my girl above, will remain in our home until the end, which is now his forever home. To be fair on this adoption, his previous owners were in their 70s when the wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer and died within 30 days. Otherwise, this boy would have never been rehomed. Sometimes life just breaks bad.

I well know how hard it can be to care for elderly dogs, but in all my years, I've never given one away. When your dog gets very old is when they need you the most.

The rescues who provide care and a home for the very eldest of dogs are doing something that is kind beyond words.

[Divernan]

12. Thank you all for sharing your stories/pics of your wonderful pets.

Being there for our pets at their end-of-life time is the price we must pay for all the years of joy and love they have given us.

I refer to them as "pets", but to me, my dogs and cats have always been like perpetual two year old toddlers - in turn sweet, loving, capricious, stubborn - and never to be let out of my sight or house or fenced yard (unless on a leash) for their own safety!

[TBF]

13. The year before last we adopted a senior dog,

and unfortunately he only lived for another 8 months (kidney disease). It was very hard on my kids (who are young )to lose him, as we had lost our long-time lab a couple of years before. But I was very glad that we were able to give him a loving home and medical care when he needed it, and that of course is a lesson for the kids.

[Taverner]

14. I always get rescues. You can get purebred rescues if you want.

[RebelOne]

16. That post brings tears to my eyes,

because I had to send, Legend, my 13-year-old Rottweiler to doggie heaven because she could no longer walk. She had bone and liver cancer. I had to do it because she was in pain and her meds were no longer working. I had another Rottweiler before Legend, which I adopted from a friend who was going to put her down because she was too old. She was only 9 and lived with me until she was 12. She died of an immune blood disorder. Fortunately, it was a painless, swift passing for her.

[Divernan]

17. You've been a good and caring owner. I'm sorry for your losses.

[RebelOne]

32. Thank you.

I have to take another dog to the vet tomorrow. She is a Mini-Pin. She has been listless and is limping for the past couple of days. I don't know how old she is because she was a rescue dog. I am hoping it is nothing serious.

[Aerows]

18. I adopted an old cat

She's the best pet I've ever had. Don't forget about our feline friends.

[Irishonly]

20. The last two dogs we adopted were rescued and older.

We lost my best boy in February but our other is still going strong. Both of them had been neglected and abused. both of them have been the most wonderful dogs anyone could have ever wanted.

[WCGreen]

21. We took in my MIL's cat no questions...

The other cats didn't particular care for the old queen, but they fell into a tolerable nature.

When she was too sick to make it and further, the vet gave her a shot of cortisone so I could bring her home to say good bye to Laurie...

She was magically transformed into an almost young cat for a day or so.

The other cats knew something was up and came up to nuzzle her. As she grew weaker and weaker, we knew it was time. You could tell that Annie knew as well. The other cats stopped being indifferent and kind of said goodbye...

I know it's probably me personifying the little buggers but it's nice to think about it that way...

[a la izquierda]

22. My old boy, in the snow, before he passed.

We only had him for 5 years, but it was a wonderful time.

[adigal]

24. I have done dog rescue for 4 years, and it has made me hate humans

People make us the most absurd reasons to give up their dogs. I hate them and their excuses. We kill 800 animals an hour in this country. It has to stop.

[Jakes Progress]

25. I agree. I do cats.

Those who dump animals are inhuman. It is hard to imagine what kind of person can be so damned. It is one reason that I like to contemplate reincarnation. Every cockroach I stomp was a person who dumped a dog or cat or turned them in after "playing" with them for a while.

I will vote for whatever candidate promises to deal with this problem and shows evidence of being a person who carries through on what he or she promises.

[Myrina]

26. I'm a doggy foster mom and have 3 of my own ...

... thank you for posting this. :hug:

[MsFlorida]

27. Ella, Emma, Lola, Peeing Pete, & Phoebe -- my fur kids

Even though I've been struggling with unemployment -- the fur kids eat, even if we dont.

All BIG dogs, all rescues excepting Phoebe my pug.

and this is how you know who loves you the most -- lock your significant other and your dog in the trunk of the car for an hour, when you open it --- see who is happiest to see you!! : )

[Divernan]

29. Very funny comment, and so true.

A friend's three reasons why a dog is better (for a woman) than a man.
1. They're always glad to see you.
2. They never tell you lies.
3. They don't care if you make more money than they do.

I'm sure guys could come up with a similar list why a dog is better for a man than a woman.

The point is that animals give us a totally unconditional love and loyalty we're unlikely to find elsewhere.

[hamsterjill]

28. My pets are part of our family!

That's the way it is. That's the way it's always been. That's the way it always will be.

[Mad_Dem_X]

30. DH and I adopted an older dog in '02

and have never regretted it. I can't understand how someone can just give a pet away, especially after having it for years.

[Progressive dog]

31. Thank you for this

Our GSD is from a rescue. I will never buy another pet.

[Divernan]

35. You are very welcome.

I'm glad it's stayed up on the home page so long to get exposure to lots of DUers.

[End Of The Road]

36. Hard decisions.

We rescued a 10-yr-old rat terrier/chihuahua mix and added five love-filled years to his life. We adjusted our lifestyle to care for him as he became blind, then deaf, then incontinent, then senile (our vet's diagnosis). He was on meds for a bad back, but his heart and organs were still strong.

Over a period of months of watching this decline, it became increasingly apparent that he no longer knew what, or who, or where he was. We still feel guilty about having him euthanized, but asked ourselves "would we want to exist like that?"

I hope he has forgiven us.

[Divernan]

37. It was a tough decision, but the right one and the humane one.

I've had to make that hard choice for a number of elderly, ill pets. When all was said and done, I felt guilty that I had delayed the decision for weeks because I wasn't strong enough to accept losing them.

I sent the Letter to everyone on my Email distribution list this morning, and I'm beginning to get good feedback and stories about their rescued pets.

[End Of The Road]

40. Thank you so much. nt

[a la izquierda]

41. My pup (upthread there's a pic)

had doggie dementia. We finally had to put him down. I was heartbroken, but it was the right thing to do. He was lost in a dark world (he was blind too), and rarely recognized us or acknowledged our presence.

[Aerows]

38. I lost Gaston at 17 years last year

He got so sick, he couldn't move and cried. I had to take him to put him to sleep. It was LITERALLY losing a family member. I have another cat that is 14. I was adopted by a 2 year old stray a few years ago. She actually picked me. I was feeding some of the cats because she was absolutely starving and winter was coming, and one day, she leaped into my lap when I put down the food.

She's been one of the best pets I've ever had, and I love her dearly. I've completely adopted her, got her shots, she comes inside, is spoiled rotten along with my other cat.

It's a great idea to adopt an older pet. I couldn't imagine not having Roma as my good friend anymore - she's awesome.