Rescue – noun, verb or both?

If one is a dog person, and lives long enough, we have the fortune to share our life with, and the love of, several dogs. The down side, given the respective life expectancies, is having to say more bitter sweet and painful goodbyes than anyone should have to bear. Yet we agree enthusiastically to that deal with every new puppy that comes into our lives. Most are inclined to forget, or simply don’t understand, the pain that our fur friends endure in the reverse situation. Their are numerous examples of mourning among our fellow species.

I’ve said my share of sad goodbyes over the years, and have reached an age that imposes somewhat different choices and obligations when deciding on bringing a new pup into our life. Do the math. What are the prospects of you or the pup having to mourn another loss?

With all that in mind, and the deeply embedded need to share time with yet another dog, comes the choice.  Take on another puppy or adopt a rescue dog? So often those who adopt rescues ask the question, who rescued whom. A question I think borne of the profoundly ancient relationships between man and canine.

It’s that time again for me to choose. I’ve done the math. For none of the advertised pleas or reasons for adopting a rescue dog, I’ve made that choice. I choose to balance the odds for which of us will bear another good bye.

In fairness, I’m not sure I’m willing to expend the energy to raise another puppy 😊 I’m looking forward to a more age-equal partner – one who will adjust their pace to mine. We can commiserate with each other about the limitations aging imposes, share the joyful and the peaceful times with a fellow traveler. So begins the search……….