Sweet Dog StoriesReader Susan sent this sweet dog story and I wanted to share it with you. If you have dog stories to share, please do! You can use the form at the bottom of the page.
You're going to love this doggie tale! Schnauzer Pair Seeking LoveIn May of 2005, a friend told me about an elderly woman (Carol) who, due to failing health, was trying to find a home for her 8- and 9-year-old black miniature schnauzers (male and female, respectively). Since they'd been together since the male was 8 weeks old, she didn't want to separate them. She'd been unable to find anyone who wanted one older dog, much less two of them. When I met them, I instantly fell in love with them & adopted them on the spot. Carol asked me over and over to promise never to separate them; I promised. After I got them home, I realized how different their personalities were - like night and day. Opposites AttractThe female, Sophie, was like an angel - sweet, quiet, loving, gentle - with large soulful eyes. The male, Tony, could not have been more different - he was a little devil, rotten, ornery, a snapper & a snarler who liked to bite at people's hands when they tried to pet him & at their heels as they walked by.
To my great sadness, I also soon realized they'd been badly abused. I once put up my foot to block Tony from going past me, & he immediately stood stock still and started shaking with fear. He'd do the same if I picked up a wooden spoon to cook with, a broom to sweep with, anything really that might be used to hit him. Both dogs flinched & cowered if I moved my hand too quickly near them. Due to his contrary nature, all my friends and family members kept insisting I take Tony to the pound. Patience and Persistence Pay OffHowever, despite his personality, because of what he'd been through (Carol later told me she'd suspected her ex-husband had been abusing both dogs), & because of the promise I'd made her never to separate them, I didn't consider for a second taking him to the pound. I knew he wouldn't be considered adoptable and would be euthanized.
I petted him, held him on my lap when I watched TV, cooed to him and just showered him (and Sophie) with love. He acted like he didn't like it, but he did. Two weeks after I'd gotten them, Carol asked me to bring them by for a visit. During our entire visit, Sophie went over once or twice to say hello to Carol; however, Tony wouldn't leave my side even for a second. Carol shook her head and said, "Well, I guess he's YOUR dog." Though Sophie had no behavioral problems, she walked very slowly with her head lowered; she had little energy and was not very active. The Importance of Check UpsNever having owned an older dog, I thought that might be due to her being 9 years old. However, I took them to the vet during their first week with me and found that Sophie had, not only two abscessed teeth, but two cancerous tumors as well. Of course, even though my only income is from Social Security Disability, I immediately had the vet perform the necessary procedures. Sophie's energy & activity levels improved dramatically. Both dogs were healthier (and happier, I like to think), than they'd been in a long, long time. Generosity Pays OffAlthough I've been paying $100 (sometimes several hundred dollars) each month since I adopted Sophie & Tony 4 years ago and still owe their vet $1,400, I have never regretted giving Sophie and yes, even Tony, a new and happier home in their later years.Their love and devotion to me, and the knowledge that they lived a safer and healthier life with me, have more than compensated for the money spent (and continue to spend). I hope more people would give older dogs a chance at health and happiness in their last years. Thanks for Sharing!Susan, this story is so touching. Thanks for sharing! Sophie and Tony are so lucky to have you! Jen & Baggins Do you have dog stories to share? If so, just use this form below. You can send a picture too! Thanks!
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