The Power of a Puppy
4August 11, 2013 by Dragonfly Diva
While out running errands yesterday, my husband and I decided to stop by our county animal shelter. Over the past year, plus they have been fund-raising for a new property and building and late last spring they opened up their new site. While we are not considering another pet at this time, we wanted to see their new digs.
I’ve been to the shelter before, years ago when we were first married and considering a pet. When Crosby – our older dog – was found, it was my husband and then 6-year-old son that went to the shelter and came home with him. Smiley, our other dog, was adopted from a local pet supply store, through another animal shelter. So its been almost 15 years since I’d been inside of one.
We went into the small dog room first, and saw the puppies and smaller, older dogs that had been strays, dropped off by elderly owners no longer able to care for them, etc. And then on to the bigger dogs we went. At some point in that second room, as I watched dog after dog get up and move closer to their enclosure doors, tails wagging, and some barking, I suddenly burst into tears. Gathering me into a hug, my husband held me and I got myself calmed down, and we left.
Much later, after our errands were finished and we were headed home, he asked what had triggered my tears. This brought fresh tears, as I explained that the looks on the dogs faces were so expectant, so hopeful that these new people standing in front of them were going to take them home and love them. It was just so sad. Needless to say I wanted to take them all home, even though our small home is bursting at the seams as it is with three people and two dogs.
Have you ever had something catch your heart that way? So fast and so hard that you could not contain it?
The Dragonfly Dances in Life 
I have the same reaction when I go inside an animal shelter. I feel as though all of the dogs are saying, “Pick me!” It’s been years since I’ve ventured inside a shelter, my heart just can’t handle it.
That is it exactly Jill! I’d been trying to talk my son and husband into volunteering for the past year. Now I’m not so sure I could do it. I’m still thinking about it though. If I can channel those feelings like I did when I worked in child care I might be ok. Love on them while I’m with them, knowing no matter what they face in the future they had my love and nurturing while it lasted. Needless to say I went home and loved all over my two big mutts!
OH! So heart wrenching! It must have been so difficult to walk away. Hopefully they will all find wonderful homes!
It was! Even the biggest Pit/Boxer mix that my husband loved. She was gorgeous and was not all in our faces, but just stood there looking longingly at my husband. The next dog…someday…is going to be my pick since my son and husband picked our current two rescues. I want something little this time. Love my boys but I want a true lap dog. Still. If I had all the time in the world to train, a bigger house and bigger yard and money for food, etc., we would have left with one of them I know.