by Lorraine Monfils
About a month ago we took in a senior dog at age 13 or 14 — there is no sure way to tell because this little dog has been handed off from person to person throughout its lifetime. Chrissy is a petite little dachshund who is blind and deaf. Even though she is blind and deaf she still has a lot of life left in her. In her senior years she deserves to be spoiled and loved. She deserves the comforts of a loving home. But like so many times before Chrissy finds herself homeless.
The information we were given was that Chrissy was owned by a couple who used her for breeding purposes. However, when they decided to move to Florida, they decided they no longer wanted her. So she was handed off to another couple, who didn’t really want her but took her anyway. These people had a garage sale and lo and behold they sold Chrissy in the garage sale to yet another person.
This person took Chrissy and got her spayed and also had two lumps removed from her breasts. Yes, dogs that have not been spayed and have been used for breeding are at a great risk of developing breast cancer.
With all of this behind her I am sure that Chrissy thought that she had found her “furever” home. However this was not the case. After a few years Chrissy’s owner found that she was moving and could not take her with her, so once again Chrissy was homeless. That is when we took the phone call and decided to try and help Chrissy.
Chrissy was surrendered to The Ark and all the necessary paperwork was filled out. I stood there looking at Chrissy with my heart breaking for her. I thought, now what do we do? There are not many people that will take in a senior pet and care for and love them. At this point in her life, Chrissy deserved a family of her own, a place where she would never have to worry again. A place where she would be safe and warm.
I was feeling a bit defeated, but thought we have to at least try. Not more than an hour later one of our biggest supporters and cheerleaders walked through my front door and heard me talking about this sweet little dog. Without hesitation she said, “I will take her.” I was floored! She hadn’t even seen Chrissy, but was willing to open her heart and home to this little senior dog.
That afternoon, Chrissy walked out the front door to her “furever” home. It took a while to get there but she did it! Chrissy has waited a lifetime to experience something like this and I am very happy and proud that we were able to help her complete her journey.
These days Chrissy is sporting a very fashionable new wardrobe and she has her very own bed and her new mom cooks her food for her. Chrissy could not have found a better home! To Chrissy’s new mom: we love you and thank you for opening your heart up to the love of a senior pet.
Pets are a lifetime commitment. When you get a pet it is for life, not until you decide it is inconvenient for you to care for the pet anymore. You can’t just hand off pets because they don’t fit into your life any more or because they are too much work. They are living breathing souls with hearts. And yes, their hearts and spirits can be broken just like ours. Sometimes it is not about what is best and easiest for us; it is about making a commitment and following through with that commitment. It is about doing the right thing. Chrissy, we hope your senior years only get better from here on out. We are absolutely certain that will be the case.
Please join us for Miracle on Mechanic Street Dec 6 10-2 outside Hollywood pet salon. There will also be a bake sale on Sat. Dec.13 10-2 outside Hollywood pet salon. Thank you for your continued support and as always thank you for reading our column.
