Duke City Fix

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Introducing Tim O'Leary



OK, so he is just a dog and a rescue dog on top of that, which is kinda the point here. One of my wonderful companions of many years finally passed on last month. Paca, (yep, she was a rescue dog too and carried the acronym for People's Anti-Cruelty Association as her name), had been a great friend for about 15 years. When she passed on last month my other dog, Daisy, became increasingly lonely and subdued. I think I did too. It was obvious that I either had to spend lots more time with Daisy and/or perhaps get her a new friend to play in the backyard. I did both. I'm not as young as I used to be and keeping a young dog well exercised isn't as easy as it once was, but Tim O'Leary has no trouble running Daisy from one side of the yard to the other about 2000 times a day!

Besides, I've always been a big fan of dogs. No one else loves in quite that same unconditional way, even when you've forgotten a birthday or some important task, a dog's love is still worn on his muzzle and his tail still wags for all to see. I might be getting the cold shoulder from my wife because I forgot the stop at the grocery store on the way home but I am still "King of the Household" as far as my dogs are concerned when I come walking in the door.. even if I'm late and there is forgotten company coming for dinner. Ooops!

Now, let me make it clear that I'm not against purebred dogs. (All right.. I do have a thing against "purse dogs". Dogs were not meant to live in purses. I don't care what Paris says!) I've even had some really great purebred dogs through the years. I love Great Danes and Labradors, for instance, but it seems that a rescue mutt from the pound or from one of the other rescue shelters fits my personality best. Maybe it's because I'm lots older now and have a few bruises collected from life. I'm not one of those pretty guys that the girls swoon over. I've always had freckles and red hair (OK, so it's mostly grey now). And besides, there IS such a thing as hybrid vigor, right? Me and the other mutts of the world seem to get along just fine and we don't have to worry about whether our hair is combed just so, what color our stockings are, or whether our shirt-tail is tucked in properly.

Next time you're in the market for a great friend that isn't judgmental, check out your local rescue shelter. Adoption costs are no more expensive than they would be anywhere and in some cases, if you're as old as me for instance, the adoption can even be free. Most pet rescue organizations spend more time with the prospective owners trying to ensure a good match than will occur in a pet store or even the city shelter and most rescue shelters will also provide consultation with any problems that might crop up with pet behavior or training questions. There are some great search engines on the web that list our local pet shelters. Try one of these: "Adopt a Pet" or "Pet Harbor" These search engines allow you to narrow your search to specific sizes, genders, geographic areas, etc. If you want to look for a specific breed that is possible too using these same search engines. Most breeds also have specific rescue organizations that work with only that one breed so be sure to Google for those as well.

Tags: pets, rescue, shelters

8 Comments

Hairy McLairy Comment by Hairy McLairy on November 14, 2008 at 4:43pm
And Tim is a green dog, because he has been recycled!
Congrats on adding to the family and getting Daisy a new pack mate even though your hearts are probably still hurting for Paca. Our three dog pack are all rescue dogs, and they give your decision 6 paws waving in the air :)
cathyray Comment by cathyray on November 14, 2008 at 7:37pm
Hooray for "mutts"! sorry about your loss but it sounds like everyone is on the road to bouncing back. great post.
Paula Manning-Lewis Comment by Paula Manning-Lewis on November 15, 2008 at 5:08pm
Good for you! All of our dogs have been rescued dogs or strays that showed up on our front door step. They just have so much more character as far as I'm concerned. Sorry to hear about the loss of Paca. :)
Mariposa Gallery Comment by Mariposa Gallery on November 15, 2008 at 8:50pm
You get two thumbs us from us.. Combined we have seven rescue dogs and one kitty....the owners of Mariposa Gallery are HUGE pet advocates. We never turn away a well behaved mutt...dogs like art too! In fact we always try tohelp our friend Sandy find homes for the dogs she fosters from the Pound. Right now, she is looking for a home for Willa Dean and a dog she named Mariposa (in our honor) Plus we have held three events to raise money for C.A.R.M.A ( a local no kill rescue group) and plan on doing one next year too! Thanks for the cool (teary eyed) post!
Kenny Comment by Kenny on November 15, 2008 at 9:13pm
Well, hello Tim O'Leary! Sounds like you're a lucky dog to have found a human who will accept you for what you are and love you unconditionally too. Take care of your human, they're kind of frail at times and need extra special doggie love to make it through the tough times.
Emily Comment by Emily on November 16, 2008 at 8:42am
As a member of the board of Animal Humane | New Mexico, let me just say, Hurray for Tim and for you! And thanks for advocating for rescue dogs. There are so many (and cats, too) that need homes.
There's something about rescue dogs--they are so loyal and devoted. It's like they just KNOW that they're lucky and they love you even more for saving them from the kennels, streets or other terrible fate. So thanks again!
norman p Comment by norman p on November 16, 2008 at 9:50am
i still miss my first dog aileron. time may heal but it takes its sweet time. i wrote about it on my DCF page if u are interested.
our new rescue chow clifford the big red do has started school and is doing well.good to know others out there care enough to give them a chance.
welcome.
mombat Comment by mombat on November 17, 2008 at 9:45am
Our animals are more than "just a dog" they are familiy. OK maybe not in the same way the kids are, but still they are important. We have two cats, who came to us as strays, a bunny and guinea pig who came from the pound and a pet store pig and bunny.
I can't imagine life without animal company.
Congrats on the new familiy member and condolences on the passing of your buddy.

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