Patience is a virtue, especially on Mondays

It's useful to contemplate what we've learned before charging into battle.

Just taking a moment and sitting (or lying) back and reflecting on how grateful we are for the good things in our lives make even the largest challenges seem inconsequential.

An Inconvenient Dog

He was nine years old, wouldn't look directly at anyone, and what I found out later, was that he had hip dysplasia and arthritis in his back. His shelter name was Coal, but to me he was Boo Boo.

Dogs like Boo Boo are abandonned by their owners every day by their owners every day, because it's not convenient to keep them around. The lucky ones have owners who work to find them a new home. Those not so lucky are brought to the shelter where they are put in competition with younger dogs. Many less adoptable dogs are euthanized when they aren't selected. Less lucky was Boo Boo who was left to wander the streets until he was picked up. No one came to look for him, which is a shame, because he was slow enough that he probably didn't travel far from his home.

Regardless of their age or condition, recognize that it's a life-long commitment before you bring a dog home. The lifetime is nothing less than the time that dog is alive. There comes a time when it's in your pet's best interest to have them put to sleep when they're uncomfortable and can no longer be helped; however if your reasons fall into one of the following categories, I'd ask on behalf of your loyal pets that you take a long hard look at whether you really intend to risk your dog being put down at the hands of strangers:

Art of the Mingle: Socializing Your Shelter Dog

One of the top concerns that I hear from folks about adopting a shelter dog is the potential baggage that they bring with them.

"What if he/she doesn't get along with anyone?" is a common refrain.  Sure, you're not going to get a blank slate of a dog. I can guarantee that your new shelter dog is going to have some particular ideas about how things should be. The good news is that you can make the decision that will help integrate them into your community and daily socialization is the name of the game.

Daily? Really?

Yes, really. I wouldn't have expected this myself, but getting out there daily is the way to go to take your dog's anxiety over meeting others of his kind away.

For starters, don't avoid places where others dogs are. You don't need to jump in and have play dates immediately, however just being in the proximity of other dogs, in particular calm dogs, helps your canine pal learn the benefits of not being freaked out every time he sees something with four legs. Encourage good, calm behavior, and let him know that he doesn't need to get nervous.

Next, don't meet any dogs that don't want to meet your dog. "Is your dog friendly?" isn't something you should say unless you're OK with a "NO." Just like you wouldn't want someone forcing their nervous dog on yours, be considerate and do the same.

January Adoption Update

This month's adoption update brings us some great news for a very special dog.

Lady Guinevere (aka Lady) was found in a shelter apparently having been used to breed most of her life and then dumped when she got too old. Our friend Larry Abgarian made it his mission to get Lady out of there, and camera in hand took the video and several pictures that would make it to SeniorPooch.com and Petfinder.com and went further by pulling her from the shelter.

Months went by and Lady had several calls (including one very gracious person from North Carolina, who would have made a great owner, but the distance and Lady's health prevented Larry from pursuing that lead.)  Putting on some much needed weight and battling through kennel cough, Lady G began to make friends with Larry's extended animal family, including two dogs and two cats.

Eventually, Larry decided the best thing for all parties was to make his home Lady's permanent place of residence.  Bravo, to Larry for being Lady Guinevere's knight in shining armor.