This is another great organization here in the PNW. One of the things my husband and I were looking for was a dog who had some personality and some years on him/her. I think, all too often we just want a puppy and disregard some already great dogs out there. And yes, we did just adopt a puppy ourselves, but there is a good story behind it, and a little deviousness, which I will get to.
Our intention was to adopt a young buck to train for bird-hunting or as a running partner. We also wanted an old guy, who would love to couch cuddle and could manage the puppy with us, teaching him or her about life and the ways of a good family friend. We got so involved with Tyson that we forgot about the puppy adoption altogether until one day when we were waiting to intercept Tyson who had been at an adoption event south of where we live,
We were to meet in a specific parking lot and then take him on our usual Monday outing, but had a few minutes to spare, so we thought we would run an errand for some kitty treats. There I met Nikki with AARF, another agency for canines. We chatted about Tyson and she agreed to do all she could to help us out and find him a home. And I held a little grey poodle who became very attached to me, and I to him. Too bad my husband didn't like him as much as me, or we would have brought him home immediately.
One of the main problems here is that I realize what I am doing is transferring the desire to have children unto pets. In that, what I mean is because having children is not in our anytime future, my nurturing needs are currently being met by caring for our pets, and having a young puppy is, as I have realized, as difficult as caring for a toddler, but I will spare you my jokes about my ovaries tying themselves in a knot...It's a psychological trade that is awesome. For all you guys or gals who aren't ready but your gal or guy is, or maybe timing is just a little early or off--go get a puppy;)
So, after we left Nikki and the AARF adoption day at the pet store, we went ahead and had a day with Tyson. It was lovely as usual and we went for a good drive over the pass into Leavenworth--a favorite spot. And the realization of Tyson's difficulties with cats again had us saddened. So, we said we would go home that night and look at what AARF had for canines. Adopting a dog from Pasado's would have felt like betrayal to Tyson, so we opted for another agency altogether. And then we found little Garson. I believe it is Creole for Garcon or Mister.
3 Months Old, Catahoula Leopard Cur/Lab. Holy Cuteness. He and his two siblings were rescued from a high kill shelter in Louisiana and flown here. If AARF was going to help us place Tyson, we would help place one of their fosters, too, and right into our home.
And then I got curious.
How would Tyson react to a puppy? If most wild critters know that babies are harmless and even monkeys will adopt tiger cubs, would it be possible that Tyson "adopts" Garson?? I know it's a stretch, but we are going to give it a go after Garson gets a little more nerve at the dog parks, and with big dogs. I have contacted a local dog trainer to be the one who introduces them and maybe, just maybe, if all goes well and my devious little plan works, Tyson will no longer be aggressive to dogs, which will make him 33% more adoptable. Obviously 66% is better than 33%, right?
And if my lucky cards have it, maybe it will prove to him that he is not the alpha and Tyson will mind me, and not mind the kitties. I know it's a stretch. I realize I am not a behaviorist, but I have to consider every avenue before I throw in the towel. When they found Tyson, he was emaciated so, so badly. I would never share the picture as it was way too horrifying, but I sobbed when I saw it, and knew I had to stay committed to this guy. There was a reason he made it out of his wilderness--alive.
And if it doesn't work, or when Tyson gets adopted to a good and wonderful family, I will cry for a week--and be so, so, so completely happy for him. Until that day, I have to try everything I can for this boy. Don't I owe him that? I have come to realize that all this love and drive to spend my days off with Tyson aren't really about me, they are about him and his needs. Moms do that.
At any rate, when all is said and done, and if Tyson is lucky and warm by someone else's fire, I will be looking to places like OLD DOG HAVEN for an older fella (one who doesn't mind kitties), who can come into our home and live on our warm couch, unafraid of being unwanted or alone. That's the purpose here. Isn't that part of the greater purpose in life?
So, cheers to OLD DOG HAVEN, because they understand.
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