What Adopting An Older Dog Has Taught Me
Back in 2017, Tucker was adopted and quickly began changing my life little by little.
I found him shortly after a tragic loss- my last dog was run over by a car directly in front of my house.
I blamed myself for that one for awhile- after all had I never forgotten bus money he never would have gotten out.
That dog was prone to chasing cars.
It was over a year later that a fortune teller told me he was happy in the afterlife and still chasing cars. That he came through with a lot of love for me.
Believe what you will about fortune tellers (I’m not a solid believer… but I still love getting my cards read every Halloween-for fun). Yet that completed a healing that adopting Tucker started for me.
I adopted Tucker from the shelter. He was 7 at the time… older than I might have liked but his eyes alone were enough to melt me.
He quickly became and is my best friend. Corny as that might sound.
I have high functioning depression. Tucker is sensitive to stuff like that.
He’s a companion dog not an emotional support animal.
Yet coming home to his wagging tail and the way he still follows me around every minute I’m home is refreshing. On my worst days he curls in my lap and lets me hold him til I feel like being active.
Blessed is the one who earns the love of an old dog -Sidney Jeanne Seward
Tucker is the best behaved dog I’ve met yet- no barking problems, gets along with everyone, always at my side.
Over the last two years, he’s reminded me of five key lessons.
Being available is the best gift you can give
So often, words aren’t needed. Big gestures don’t show love. A willingness to show up and offer your presence- that’s priceless.
Be grateful for the little things
A long walk during sunrise. Enough food in the bowl. Long cuddle sessions. They don’t seem like much but later on, they seem like everything.
The best way to drive in the summer-no AC and full open windows
I love summer drives… he reminds me of why.
Some things are worth dropping everything for
Tucker was sick on Thursday. My mom called me panicking. I left my temp job midstream to get him to the vet. He’s fine now. Yet I realized that I’d do anything to make sure he’s okay.
By being a friend, you can heal someone else’s heart
Like I said, I got him when I was still pretty torn up and vulnerable. Having a loving dog helped me to heal, forgive myself and let go.
I know my time is short with this guy so I make the most of every opportunity I have to be home with him. I also kind of spoil him with table scraps-but hey, that’s part of the fun.
