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| (L) Delilah, (R) Samson |
I had two Golden Retrievers in the past, Samson & Delilah and I loved them dearly. They came from two separate families and I did not get them from a rescue nor a shelter. I really wanted a golden and it may be sad to many to read but the truth is, I just didn't do my research. I looked in the paper and found them - 'new liter, parents on site.' Neither one came from a breeder and they didn't come from a puppy mill. Samson ended up with parvo and the race was on to save him. There was no other option as far as I was concerned. Talk about one strong willed golden, he made it!
They were two great companions and due to a house fire I was put in a situation to seek help from a rescue since I was no longer able to keep them. Believe me, I tried. This was the first time that I ever gave rescues a thought. It was a hard reality but with the help of a respected non profit rescue organization, GRR - Golden Retriever Rescue, they arrived, interviewed and off they went. I have kept in touch with GRR and they have been quite generous in keeping me informed throughout the past year or so without them. Samson & Delilah were adopted quickly, I knew they would be - they were and still are two truly great companions. They may belong to another family but they are still mine at heart. |
| Delilah with her one & only liter of puppies |
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| Samson |
Time went on and the emptiness set in and I couldn't stand it any longer, I wanted another dog. I truly missed the companionship that they so freely gave without expectations. How could I get another puppy since I just relinquished my parental rights of two great dogs? Believe or not believe, I knew I was in this situation for a reason but I just didn't know why yet.
I couldn't take it any longer, I got up one morning, showered and hit the local shelter to find my companion. Oh my Gosh! There are so many, how does one choose, how does one not leave with all of these dogs? I walked along these chain link cages and watched as others did the same thing. I stopped and just observed for a while trying to take it all in. I saw this puppy as he laid with his brother while people passed by. He just sat there looking around. I walked by him first and noticed that he put his paw up on the chain link and just looked at me. I knelt down to speak to him and he was lovely, affectionate and considerably calm. I asked to take him out to the yard and watch his reactions. I believe I spent an hour with him laying in the grass and just watching him play. I was sitting when he made his way back to me, climbed in my lap and placed his face on my shoulder. I was done, he was mine!
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| Kirby |
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| Kirby learning to Puppy Up! |
From time to time I think back to the experience of Samson & Delilah. I think about the fire, the rescue and then the search for another companion. I remember how little I knew and how I have grown as a pet parent. I now see rescues and shelters in a whole new light. I respect the time and dedication that many volunteers devote their own time and money to. I have always loved animals, no breed was an exception. I have devoted myself to gaining more knowledge, raising awareness and volunteering where I can.
Tish
Tish is a wonderful asset to the FFBF Blog! And, a perfect example of a responsible pet owner--she made a difficult decision for the health and welfare of her goldens while knowing she would miss them daily. She used a rescue instead of leaving them at a shelter. And, when she was ready to adopt again, Kirby was adopted from a shelter-- saving his life. Thanks for sharing your story Tish--now we know a little bit more about the lady behind the posts.
ReplyDeleteSheila, blog admin