Uncategorized – Page 23 – Downtown Dog Rescue

THE FAMILY DOG: My Life by Kathryn Hall

Inaugurating our new section about dogs and family life, hence the title, THE FAMILY DOG is our talented DDR photographer, Kathryn Hall’s story about how having 3 dogs doesn’t have to be an “all or nothing affair” when a new baby enters the picture.

In the beginning, there was my husband and I and our three dogs. Then, last summer, we had a baby. Pregnancy and having a baby bring out funny things in the people around us: funny behavior, funny comments. Before our son arrived, I was asked numerous times what we were going to do with our dogs. We have three extra-large dogs: a male shepherd and two female English mastiffs, whose combined weight is 400 lbs.

To date, I have rescued two dogs, bought two, and fostered/rescued approximately twenty more that are now in adoptive homes. I’m a little good and a little bad. Though I wouldn’t change a thing, I’ve spent several years trying to make up for what I consider to be the bad. My plans last summer revolved around getting ready to bring home baby. These plans included the introduction of baby to our dogs and how to do so safely. I ended up having unrelated surgery the day after giving birth, so by the time baby and I came home from the hospital, all planning went out the window.

There was no bringing home a soiled diaper or blanket that baby had been sleeping in for the dogs to smell, no introduction to baby after I had already walked in the door first. In my physically beaten state, the introduction became, “Dogs, meet baby. Baby, meet dogs. Got it? Good.” Somehow, everyone fell in line. I do not want to convey that combining animals and kids would be this easy for everyone. Chances are that it can be difficult, but it should be known that it’s not impossible.

One reason, I believe, people are loath to do so, is fear. During my son’s first few months, I often found that while I would let the dogs near him, I would also, before too long, interrupt and shoo them away. I started to wonder why I was doing this and realized I was afraid. Since there had never been any signs of aggression, one day I decided not to get involved. I was still physically right there, but when my shepherd came up to my son, I simply let it be.

That dog licked the baby from head to toe, and it probably went on for nearly a minute. […]

OUR PETS: SAYING GOOD-BYE by Linda R. Harper

It is so hard to say good-bye to our faithful, special companions. Here are some of the reasons why this loss can be especially heartbreaking:

• Our relationships with our pets are unique and special bonds – they are like no other connections we have in our lives. Our pets offer us unconditional love and support. They are always there for us – no matter what kind of mood we are in!

• Our pets see us through the many different transitions of our lives – childhood, graduation from high school or college, a serious illness, a move or job change, loss of friends and family, or even the death of a parent or significant other. Pets are often the one constant, comforting and dependable relationship through difficult and changing times.

• Sometimes we spend more time with our pets than with anyone else. Or we might share more with our pet than with anyone else – our true feelings, moods, crying, talking. This intimacy intensifies the relationship and leaves a big gap when the pet is gone.

• Our animal companions bring out the best in us, so when we lose them, we often feel we have lost part of ourselves.

• They teach us how to become better at giving out love and acceptance. They make it safe for us to love them with all of our hearts so our capacity to give of ourselves expands. So naturally the loss feels larger, too.

• We feel a unique sense of self with our pets – they touch our very souls – so we feel that loss, that emptiness, from our deepest essence.

• Our pets become part of our identity – I was Blackie’s mom, Winston’s buddy. We like who we are and who we become with them.

• Our pets give us a sense of purpose and meaning because they depend on us to take care of their basic needs. We feel good about ourselves when we are involved in all the demands of care-giving for a seriously ill pet.

• Pets fill our basic need for physical touch and affection. Our arms feel empty when we can no longer hold, cuddle and snuggle with our beloved pets.

• A pet loss can be extra difficult because some of our friends, family, and co-workers may not understand. They might say something like “Get over it – it’s only an animal.”

REACTIONS TO GRIEF

Having very strong and profound feelings of grief after the loss of a pet is […]