I have dogs in my life. I like animals in general. But I like to call myself a dog person. After my last dog died from CHF, I decided not to have another dog for a while. After alsmost 3 months, I started to look again.
I checked out Toronto Humane Society (THS). Dogs are surrendered by their owners, found from puppy mills, or else. I never had a good relationship with THS. I can see why a lot of people stay away from them. One Sat, I walked into the shelter, saw a print out on the wall, and I thought it's a cute 6 months old, Spaniel mix. I approached the front desk and asked where the dog was. A "volunteer" immediately body checked me, from head-to-toe. OK that's fine. Some people are judgmental.
I walked in the room, the puppy was craving for physical contacts. "No touching" I was reminded loud and clear. Immediately, I know the volunteer did not approve what she saw. Well. I thanked her and she asked me questions like where I live and how big my place is. I told her the truth and then she said the puppy does not fit me. "OK" I said. Then she tried to keep the conversation going and asked me what kind of dogs I am looking. I almost turned to her and said "a bitch like you". Nevertheless, it's very sad that the organization had a bad name. Now, I see this volunteer is not really helping the animals but judging people. It makes me wonder who hire her. I walked out and never looked back again. Feel sad for those are under THS supervision.
Instead, I drove to Toronto Animals Shelter. It's run by the City of Toronto. Staff there are generally nicer and friendlier in the shelter. OMG, I can also walk their dogs to see if the dog likes me. I saw a few, I walked a couple of dogs. And I met my Goldie.
Goldie was brought down by the IFAW from the conservation area up in Northern Quebec. Poor babe she was abandoned and was skinny like skeleton. They think she is two but I think it's around one year old because of her teeth. Age is not factor, it's about the dog itself. Does she want to be with me?
After being caged for a day, all dogs in the shelters will pull leashes that's for sure. But not every dog would give you a response back like Goldie. I talked to her when we were outside. She looked at me and leaned over. At that moment, I know she understands people.
I took her back inside. She is the only dog I can see so far which refuses to walk back into the kennel. She completely shut down. She sat there with her front paws pushing back. No matter how hard you pull, she did not want to go back into the cage. I was debating if I should give her a chance or another dogs I have met yet. Karim was with me. I asked him to go back inside the kennel to listen if she was whining. I don't know if Karim was telling the truth. He just said she sat quietly in the cage. I spent another 20 mins debating with Karim, the shelter staff and myself. Shelter staff and Karim encouraged me to take her home. In my head, I was asking myself if I am ready for another 10+ years commitment.
I decided to walk back into the kennel. I saw her. Goldie gave me a cold shoulder, she faced the wall and I heard her crying. My heart skipped a beat. I felt sorry for her. She deserves a good home. In the mean time, I can't guarantee she will go to a good home if I don't give her a chance. One thought after the other, Karim said he is willing to split the adoption fee and if Goldie does not behave, we return her to the shelter. At least, we know we tried and she would have a chance to prove herself.
There you go, Goldie, my new dog. A yellow lab and huskey mix came into my life.
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