Older Adoption

Older Adoption

by Marco M. Pardi

All comments are welcome and will receive a response. All previous posts are open for comment.

No, I’m not talking about adopting a senior citizen, or even another human of any age. In six weeks or so it will be one year since I asked our veterinarian to come to our home and perform the last procedure for my canine companion, Plato.

I was inclined to wait a few weeks and then go out to adopt another dog in need of a home. In my mind that was in no way derogatory toward Plato; it was, to me, doing what he would have wanted me to do. But domestic bliss sometimes skates on thin ice and I have waited this long, though I did attempt to examine other dogs.

But during these ten months I’ve had health issues which magnify the question of what would happen to a new adoption were I to become incapacitated or even expire. Of course, this was never not an issue, especially during the many years I lived as a sole human and had dogs, horses, and a cat. I traveled extensively but always had someone “live in”, sometimes for weeks at a stretch. And they had complete instructions covering whom to contact and what to do should they be notified I could not return. Now that I’m as retired as one can be, given my career history, I must consider this issue from a different perspective. Do I want my canine companion to outlive me, or do I want to go through another difficult transition as I outlive them? When it comes to non-humans, I’m not the Angel of Death.

As I watch my 78^th year creep toward me over the horizon, why would I adopt another dog? Physician relatives are unanimous in insisting it would be hugely beneficial. It would get me out and walking several times a day, get my mind off the looming disaster descending on our country, and provide a concrete outlet for the feelings I have toward dogs in need. All good reasons, and I’m sure someone can think of more. I have supported numerous organizations dedicated to bettering the lives of practically all life on the planet. But of the reasons I cited above I tend strongly to gravitate toward the last. I don’t like the feeling that I’m using another living being as a tool. As a military dog handler decades ago I worked daily to develop a cooperative relationship with my dog, working with him, not on him. I got in trouble for it, but my methods proved correct in the end.

So, I’m actively looking for a breed I already have experience with and have learned their particular ways of communication. They do have them, you know. Medium sized dogs fit the bill. I’ve never really connected with little dogs, especially with their common yapping and screaming. and very large dogs could prove too difficult to handle especially if coming across another neighborhood dog.

Now comes the question of age. Another puppy is out of the picture. That old commercial, “Don’t leave us with the baby!!!” comes to mind. Unfortunately, they are too needy and too destructive for me at this time in life. I do have a soft spot for “senior” dogs, as they are the least likely to be adopted out of dog pounds and even no-kill shelters. But often there is no history on those dogs, either medical, social, or destructive. So, I’m gravitating toward younger dogs in certified foster care. This usually affords a chance to see a dog in a home setting, perhaps checking for damage around the house, healing wounds or missing fingers on the foster parents, etc.. I would also have the opportunity to find out if the dog is food-aggressive, paw-aggressive (some will rip your hand off if you touch their paws) or dog-aggressive, such as in wanting to fight another dog encountered on a walk. Of course, some breeds are simply out of the running because homeowner’s insurance can be lost the day the company finds out you have one. Years ago I was turned down by a company when they asked if I had a dog and I said, “Yes. A Chow”. End of conversation. Dealing with a fostering rescue group can be far more expensive than a county shelter but getting these questions answered is worth it.

Until three years ago small children would not have entered into the calculus. But then nieces and nephews started getting married like they just heard about it and babies started appearing. While it’s unlikely they would come all the way to Atlanta, it is likely we would have to at some point travel to their neighborhoods. I really dislike leaving my dog in a kennel, though we have relied on a pretty good one during out-of-country travels. When possible, I bring my K-9 companion with me. Hotels and motels along the way are getting more dog friendly. So, the issue of a toddler pulling a tail must be kept in mind.

And speaking of pulling a tail, there’s the issue of allergens and grooming. I’ve had Siberian Huskies and was often told by vets they are “hypo-allergenic”. True, but they can shed whole blankets. Fortunately, I have a large enclosed deck which allows me to groom to my heart’s content. I used to feel slightly guilty about the large tufts of fur drifting through the neighborhood until I found out that several species of birds like to grab it for nest material. Now I just keep quiet if I see a jogger with strange tufts stuck to his or her running suit. The birds will follow them home.

Well, here we are. I hope you’ve had some interesting thoughts while getting this far. When I can figure out how to enclose a picture in this blog you will be among the first to pass judgment on my selection. But please have patience. When I interview a dog I go first to the spirit, not just the nose. If the spirit does not agree we part ways then and there.