The Human Perspective on Pets

Tomorrow, I travel to Memphis, TN but not alone. 

Last summer, Snoopy Beagle came to Silverwalk. Her dad was going into assisted living to be joined by her mom after her hospital discharge. They both loved Snoopy so much that, after I checked with a friend at their vet, she was shocked I had Snoopy. "Did her dad die?" It was the only reason she could imagine for him to give up Snoopy. No, but Parkinson's is a cruel disease...robbing him of stable mobility and clear speech as well as his dog. 

Mom passed this summer. Sons, when in town to visit, brought Dad out to see Snoopy and food for the other hounds at Silverwalk. Dad loved on and walked Snoopy - she is a great walker. 

Just a couple days ago, seems longer, a rescue friend inquired whether I had a senior Beagle for adoption. An adopter of hers lost one of her Beagles to bone cancer; her other Beagle, a senior, was pining and mourning the loss of her sister. 

Yes, I had Snoopy. 

After not very many texts, Snoopy's new home was secured. Thus, our Saturday drive. Friends will check in on the dogs while we're gone. 

Snoopy visited her dad this evening at his assisted living center. He was delighted to see her (his son had prepped him that Snoopy had a new home). He asked the name of her adopter, where she will live, and wanted to be sure I told her new mom that Snoopy is afraid of thunderstorms. We had a final walk through the halls and on the grounds out front, then back to supper, taking our leave. I blinked back tears, knowing he would never see his dog again. 

One more thing....

In September's issue of "Dog Fancy," an article addresses an additional perspective on pets. Many times, most times, a dog who ends up in a shelter or pound doesn't end up there alone....I need to remember the HUMAN element of how that dog came to us. 

• Snoopy's dad's new residence did not allow dogs, and, for his health, he needed the residence; he and his sons made the time for him to visit with Snoopy, always bringing food for everyone. 
• I have two Coonhound girls whose dad sent me an email through which I could feel the tears, he missed his girls so much, but disability and a new diagnosis made it impossible for him to keep them. He's doing what he can - sending me $10/mon. out of his small income to help his girls. I didn't ask for this; I don't want him to short himself. How do YOU say "LOVE?"  
• Hoss and Sadie's folks lost their jobs and home. Both Coonhounds came to Silverwalk with family hoping to take them home someday. Both, through the Boothealers Puppies for Parole program in Charleston, are adopted. Bittersweet for their family who've kept in touch. 

When I/we offer rescue or sanctuary, when we take in animals for whatever reason, we need to remember the human element who is suffering. I/we need to make ourselves available not only to the animal, but to their persons as well. Sometimes, this isn't possible nor desirable, but many more times, it is. I need to remember this. 

 Today, I honored that human element by giving Snoopy's dad the chance to say "Good-bye." I'm humbled and grateful for the opportunity.