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Independence, MO —
I’ve had dogs as pets for most of my life, and I can’t imagine living without them.
Puppies are so precious and entertaining, but they are a lot of work. Adult dogs know you – really know you where they can read your emotions and sometimes your thoughts. They are fun to hang out with and are always there when you need them.
Senior dogs have all the great characteristics that adult dogs have, but they are just comfortable. Senior dogs can be lively and funny, sometimes apathetic, but always extremely loyal to their guardians.
Once a dog becomes a senior there is always that hope that they will keep their health as long as possible. Life becomes complicated by supplements and arthritis meds, veterinary visits and sleepless nights. When the time comes to say goodbye, one has mixed feelings. Although the dog is no longer suffering, the emptiness it leaves behind can be very difficult for us humans.
Last week my Aunt Nell had to say goodbye to her dear poodle, Babette. Babette was 14 years old and lived a good long life. Since Aunt Nell is 87 and in a wheelchair, she won’t get another dog. She will keep herself busy with friends and activities at John Knox Village, where she lives. However, many people who lose their pet will choose not to get another one because they don’t want to go through that pain again. Sorry to say, but I think that is selfish.
If you are an animal lover and can give an animal a good home, there is no good reason not to get another pet. The pain is hard to go through, but sometimes a new pet can help ease the pain of loss. No pet can ever be replaced, but a new pet in the home will fill the void left after the loss of another one. The best part of this scenario is that you are giving a homeless animal a home.
There are so many homeless animals in this world, and people keep breeding them in spite of the overpopulation. People who refuse to adopt an animal after losing their pet are simply denying a homeless animal a chance for a good home. So many animals lose their lives each year because they simply have nowhere to go.
It’s OK to grieve over the loss of your pet; it is natural to love them like family and miss them. However, giving a homeless animal a chance for a good home will be good for you as well. Nothing will take away your fond memories of your pets that are no longer with you, but the love and gratitude of a shelter animal will help you to heal and go forward.
I’ve had dogs as pets for most of my life, and I can’t imagine living without them.
Puppies are so precious and entertaining, but they are a lot of work. Adult dogs know you – really know you where they can read your emotions and sometimes your thoughts. They are fun to hang out with and are always there when you need them.
Senior dogs have all the great characteristics that adult dogs have, but they are just comfortable. Senior dogs can be lively and funny, sometimes apathetic, but always extremely loyal to their guardians.
Once a dog becomes a senior there is always that hope that they will keep their health as long as possible. Life becomes complicated by supplements and arthritis meds, veterinary visits and sleepless nights. When the time comes to say goodbye, one has mixed feelings. Although the dog is no longer suffering, the emptiness it leaves behind can be very difficult for us humans.
Last week my Aunt Nell had to say goodbye to her dear poodle, Babette. Babette was 14 years old and lived a good long life. Since Aunt Nell is 87 and in a wheelchair, she won’t get another dog. She will keep herself busy with friends and activities at John Knox Village, where she lives. However, many people who lose their pet will choose not to get another one because they don’t want to go through that pain again. Sorry to say, but I think that is selfish.
If you are an animal lover and can give an animal a good home, there is no good reason not to get another pet. The pain is hard to go through, but sometimes a new pet can help ease the pain of loss. No pet can ever be replaced, but a new pet in the home will fill the void left after the loss of another one. The best part of this scenario is that you are giving a homeless animal a home.
There are so many homeless animals in this world, and people keep breeding them in spite of the overpopulation. People who refuse to adopt an animal after losing their pet are simply denying a homeless animal a chance for a good home. So many animals lose their lives each year because they simply have nowhere to go.
It’s OK to grieve over the loss of your pet; it is natural to love them like family and miss them. However, giving a homeless animal a chance for a good home will be good for you as well. Nothing will take away your fond memories of your pets that are no longer with you, but the love and gratitude of a shelter animal will help you to heal and go forward.
The following animals are available for adoption at the Independence Animal Shelter. Visit the shelter at 875 Vista Ave. or call 325-7207 for more information. If you have an animal control problem, call 325-7205.
- 16885885 male Labrador mix, 1 year.
- 16470726 female Labrador, spayed.
- 16686182 male Labrador mix, neutered, 5 years.
- 16934880 male retriever mix, neutered, 2 years.
- 16939143 male retriever mix, neutered, 3 years.
- 16968161 male shepherd mix, 5 years.
- 16970326 female miniature dachshund mix, longhair.
- 16976397 female mastiff/boxer mix, 6 months.
- 17000724 male Jack Russell mix, 2 years.
- 17003688 male miniature pinscher mix, neutered.
- 16531437 female cat, shorthair, gray/yellow, spayed, 3 years.
- 16673088 male cat, shorthair, buff, neutered, 3 months.
- 16563357 male cat, shorthair, white/yellow, neutered, 2 months.
- 16563395 male cat, shorthair, white/yellow, neutered, 2 months.
- 16764886 male cat, shorthair, white/tan, neutered, 4 months.
- 16564412 female cat, shorthair, orange, spayed, 3 years.
- 16575216 female cat, medium hair, orange/white, 2 years.
- 16585702 female cat, shorthair, gray/white.
- 16590704 female cat, shorthair, white/brown.
- 16598160 female cat, medium hair, black/white, spayed, 2 years.
There are a lot more dogs, puppies, cats and kittens available for adoption.
