I usually start my morning with coffee, HCR and Hubbell. I decided to click on your "ET" instead today. Glad I did. A person often reveals themselves through their pets (I think animal companions sounds better). Thanks for sharing this part of your life. It colors how we understand you. For some it's cats. (Hi Karen RN). TCinLA reveals another surprising side of himself when he posts a "Feline Friday". Whodathunk?
I've been lucky to have enjoyed both cats and dogs - the choice also driven by the partner of that time period. I wrote about our Sophie - I know you have read it. Here it is for anyone who didn't and is interested. https://billalstrom.substack.com/p/chosen
Sophie will turn 11 next month. She's slowing down. Lot's more grey (like me!). Still healthy. But if she doesn't eat her breakfast right away it sends me into a worry tizzy. Did we give her too many treats the night before? Is there something wrong? I'll hand feed her a bit. And then she will eventually woof the bowl. Oy.
After we retired from inn keeping, I found myself volunteering at the rescue organization that had saved and provided Sophie. I was a sort of "scout". My job was to drive all around the region and visit prospective adopters. I had a check list of questions - mostly about the safety of the home, inside and out. But the home visits always led to training discussions, past experiences, who was to be the primary care giver, etc. I was the final sign off before the dog was released to the applicant. I think I might have said no only twice. I met so many wonderful people who were so excited about their new pup. Old folks, kids and every age in between.
That ended with the Pandemic. And then my life got filled with a couple of grandchildren who are like wild puppies, too. But great memories and I was able to help in the rescuing process. So many dogs need to be saved....
I usually start my morning with coffee, HCR and Hubbell. I decided to click on your "ET" instead today. Glad I did. A person often reveals themselves through their pets (I think animal companions sounds better). Thanks for sharing this part of your life. It colors how we understand you. For some it's cats. (Hi Karen RN). TCinLA reveals another surprising side of himself when he posts a "Feline Friday". Whodathunk?
I've been lucky to have enjoyed both cats and dogs - the choice also driven by the partner of that time period. I wrote about our Sophie - I know you have read it. Here it is for anyone who didn't and is interested. https://billalstrom.substack.com/p/chosen
Sophie will turn 11 next month. She's slowing down. Lot's more grey (like me!). Still healthy. But if she doesn't eat her breakfast right away it sends me into a worry tizzy. Did we give her too many treats the night before? Is there something wrong? I'll hand feed her a bit. And then she will eventually woof the bowl. Oy.
After we retired from inn keeping, I found myself volunteering at the rescue organization that had saved and provided Sophie. I was a sort of "scout". My job was to drive all around the region and visit prospective adopters. I had a check list of questions - mostly about the safety of the home, inside and out. But the home visits always led to training discussions, past experiences, who was to be the primary care giver, etc. I was the final sign off before the dog was released to the applicant. I think I might have said no only twice. I met so many wonderful people who were so excited about their new pup. Old folks, kids and every age in between.
That ended with the Pandemic. And then my life got filled with a couple of grandchildren who are like wild puppies, too. But great memories and I was able to help in the rescuing process. So many dogs need to be saved....
Thanks again for sharing this side of you.
What lovely memories... caring for another being, especially a vulnerable person or animal, creates a special bond.
Your words speak to my heart Penfist. Thank you for giving these precious friends a full and loving life. 💖