I adopted a senior dog last week

[Maraya1969]

When I called the shelter asking if they had a Chihuahua they told me there was a Chihuahua mix but he was 14 years old BUT his adoption fee was only $10. Usually the adoption fees are between $45 - $65. I thought "They have him on sale?" :cry:

Apparently his mom died and his dad had to go into an assisted living facility. They said his dad was crying when he brought DUKE into the shelter.

So I am in love again and I am so grateful to have the privilege to care for this little guy. He is so sweet. I just wanted to share.

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[AlwaysQuestion]

1. You're the best!!

I just love people like you!!

[yewberry]

2. What a sweet little face.

I'm so glad to hear that he's found a home with someone who'll love him. (And so sad to hear that his "dad" is broken-hearted at having to say good-bye!)

Is there any way you could take him to visit the gentleman who had to give him up? It'd probably mean the world to him (the dad), but it would certainly be hard.

Best of luck to you. I'm deeply grateful and glad that you've taken the little guy into your home. Give him a scritch from me.

[Maraya1969]

6. Ya know, I'm going to call the shelter on Monday. I told them that he could

call me but I really need to do it. I bet he'll be real happy to know Duke got a good home. Maybe I can even bring him to visit!

[marzipanni]

8. That would be so good!

Duke will see where "dad" is, if you can visit it will give the man something to look forward to, and the other residents would enjoy it, too.
We got our dog, Sally, from the SPCA after an older father and son had rescued her and another dog, and had them for less than two years. The older man died, then his son had to go to a hospice. I wanted to tell him we love Sally, but the woman in charge of the adoption said he had moved out of the area, and didn't offer any way to contact him. I hope she was able to let him know.

[Wcross]

9. You are GREAT Maraya!

At least the man will know his dog wasn't "put down" and is being loved. I bet you the little guy would be glad to see the old guy is still alive and hadn't been "put down" at the old folks home too!

[Kajsa]

36. You deserve a PETA award for this!

Seriously, you rock!

:yourock:

[Flaxbee]

3. oh, bless you for taking an older dog!

Duke looks like a SWEETIE! Any way you can let the older gentleman know Duke has a good home? My mom is in an assisted living place that lets residents have small pets, and she adopted a 6 year old cat... as much as I love love LOVE kittens and puppies, if I ever had to go to a shelter to adopt (all my cats have simply shown up at the back door ...), I'd get an older animal.

You did a wonderful thing. Thank you!

[Hell Hath No Fury]

4. You must, you must, you MUST...

find a way to let that gentleman know that his beloved pet is okay -- he has to be be completely crushed right now, with losing both his wife and his baby. I would be in hell having to give up my babies and not knowing their fate.

You have already been so generous -- one more act of kindness is needed. Please!

BTW, he's a total cutie!

[madeline_con]

5. I agree with the other posters.

You have to try to let the man know his little friend is o.k.

[Maraya1969]

7. Hope everyone sees my last post. I will make it a priority to call the man.

And Duke is so well behaved he might even make a good "visiting dog" or whatever you call it.

[philosophie_en_rose]

31. Oh that's a great idea!

:thumbsup:

[lizziegrace]

10. This made my day

:)

Thank you for being the best retirement home a little old guy can have.

:hug:

Bless you and bless Duke.

[Callalily]

11. How wonderful

that you opened up your heart and your home to Duke. His Dad will certainly take great comfort knowing that Duke has a wonderful new home and is loved. You are an inspiration.

[zanne]

12. I love people like you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you from one animal lover to another.

[Phentex]

13. That's wonderful!

He looks like a sweetie. :)

[SalmonChantedEvening]

14. Ask me again why I love DU

It's because of people like you Maraya doing wonderful, loving things like this.

ALL THE TIME.

:loveya:

[NewWaveChick1981]

15. You're such a good person!

:hug: :hug: All but one of the dogs I've adopted in the past 20 years have been adult dogs, two of them above age six. :D All dogs need love and attention, but older dogs are housebroken and in most cases already trained. :) They need extra love and care because they've been through some major upheavals, and you're so sweet and wonderful to do this for Duke! :pals:

[warrior1]

16. Good job

[NewWaveChick1981]

17. Thanks! I love it when other people also see the value in adopting older dogs.

:bounce: :hug:

[Blue Diadem]

18. Oh what a sweet little guy

You made my morning Maraya. I'm betting his Dad would be overjoyed if you are able to take him to visit.

[BarenakedLady]

19. How sweet

And how wonderful of you to give the old guy a nice home again. :hug:

[Beausoir]

20. Beautiful! I am so happy for you both. What a wonderful story.

Thanks for the smile this morning.

I'm sure that old man will be ecstatic to know his boy is loved.

[AlienAvatar]

21. Thanks for doing that

I can't say much more than what's already been said, but what a nice "christmas story". I wish the world could be filled with people such as yourself. You deserve a hug. I love "softies".

Compassion may be the most wonderful quality a person can have. It's certainly tops in my book.

[S n o w b a l l]

22. Wonderful!

This made my heart melt this morning. Thank you for such a happy ending for this little boy & for sharing your story. He's adorable and you're a such a good person.

[BuelahWitch]

23. You are a wonderful person!

Happy New Year to you! May it be one of your best. :hi:

[xchrom]

24. bless you maraya!

A DOG'S PRAYER
Treat me kindly , my beloved master,
for no heart in all the world is more
grateful for kindness than the loving
heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick,
for although I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and
understanding will more quickly teach
me the things you would have be do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is
world’s sweetest music, as you must know
by the fierce wagging of my tail when your
footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me
inside, for I am now a domesticated animal,
no longer used to bitter elements.
And I ask no greater glory than the
privilege of sitting at your feet beside
the hearth. Though had you no home,
I would rather follow you through ice and
snow than rest upon the softest pillow in
the warmest home in the land, for you are
my god and I am your devoted worshipper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water,
for although I should not reproach you
were it dry, I cannot tell you when I
suffer thirst. Feed me clean food so
that I may stay well to romp and play
and do your bidding, to walk by your
side, and stand ready willing and able
to protect you with my life should your
life be in danger.

And beloved master, should the Great Master
see fit to deprive me of my health or sight,
do not turn me away from you. Rather,
hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands
grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...
and I will leave you knowing with the last
breath I draw, my fate was every safest
in your hands.

--- Beth Norman Harris ---

[bluethruandthru]

25. Thank you for sharing

and for being such a good person!

:hi:

[judaspriestess]

26. Awww

what a hansome fella

[Nikia]

27. Good for you

I am glad that you gave an older dog a chance.
We adopted an older dog from the Humane Society 5 years ago. He was younger than your dog, being only 8. He had been there a while, though, in a relatively small shelter for the size of the area it served. If we had not adopted him, he probably would have been put down. He has been a pretty good dog, but does seem to have separation anxiety and phobias like brooms and mops which make us wonder about his previous owner. He is still doing pretty well, except that he doesn't seem to being seeing as well as he used to.

[applegrove]

28. What a great thing you did. Any way to contact the old owner and let

him know there is a home for his little pup?

[Kajsa]

35. That's a great idea!

Maraya, you did a great deed by adopting him.
He is soooo darn cute. And he looks very intelligent.

You both are so fortunate to have each other.

I'm sure his former human daddy would like to know
that his little guy found a great home.

:hug:

[fortyfeetunder]

29. Your deeds deserve a K&R

And I hope you can arrange visits with Duke and his dad!
He looks like a sweet little dog!

:applause:

:kick:

[philosophie_en_rose]

30. That's so sweet.

Somewhere, his dad is hoping that Duke found someone like you.

Even if he was on sale, Duke looks like a sweet dog. I think you got a great deal. :)

[bigwillq]

32. That dog is so cute.

:hi: :hug:

That's so cool that you adopted him.

[flvegan]

33. Hey, good for you!

Looks like you both got a great deal. Cute pup!

[Arugula Latte]

34. Aw. Good for you.

What a cute guy.

My next shelter adoption will be an older kitty.

[TankLV]

37. Aww - that is so GREAT!

We foster the senior dogs - but not for awhile since we're now permanently fostering a 13/14 YO girl - can't believe she's really that old - she's so active!

I would love to see what each of our dogs were when they were younger or pups, but the love and companionship we get from them now more than makes up for thet...

You'll get loads of great quality lovin' from that one, you can be sure!