Adopting a Brother for Sophie: Maddie’s Pet Adoption Days
Saturday, May 31, 2014
11:30am
The Mayor’s Alliance Team, including President, Jane Hoffman (2nd from left) and Steve Gruber
It’s finally arrived! Sophie and I were excited and nervous about venturing over to the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC Animals‘ Maddie’s Pet Adoption Days event. I filled a ziploc with treats, took Sophie’s water thermos, her carry bag, my camera and a whole lot of courage, and off we went Saturday morning. When we arrived, a section of Broadway was lined with shelter after shelter and it was bedlam! Lots of people and their dogs milling about. The city hadn’t even shut the street down, so cars were still traveling down Broadway amidst the crate-filled makeshift tables and the adoption trucks across the street. But we were determined and there on a mission: we’re adopting a brother for Sophie and our hearts are set on finding Mr. Right.
We located the Mayor’s Alliance table; I wanted to meet Communications Director, Steve Gruber, who I’d been emailing with. He was lovely and introduced me to their President, Jane Hoffman, who was also wonderful. Probably the first thing I noticed was there were mostly cats at the event. I know there are far more cats in shelters than dogs; both statistics break the heart. And if we were looking for a Pitbull or another large dog, we’d have had an easier time of it. There were a lot more large than small dogs. But, at 11 lbs, and with a pre-disposition to gravitating to small dogs, we were looking for a dog around 12 lbs or less, and one between three and six years old (Sophie is four).
Out of 25 shelters present, there was only one dog who might have worked. We saw him just as we arrived, so we hadn’t yet visited any other shelter tables. And, Sophie was luke warm to him. We decided to move on. Disappointed after not finding a suitable companion for Soph, we found a place for lunch and went home, determined to try again tomorrow.
A Cutie up for adoption
I went on the computer when I got back to search the sites of shelters at the event that day. It’s overwhelming how many dogs and cats need homes. It’s a good feeling knowing that adopting one dog gives that dog a happy home, and also frees up a spot for one more dog to be rescued.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
12:30pm
We arrived at the Mayor’s Alliance Maddie’s Pet Adoption Days event and hit the ground running. My husband came with me this time and we visited table after table. Again, very few small dogs, and those who were there weren’t right for us. I think the little ones go very quickly, too. We heard that Tillman, the famous skateboarding dog had been there, but we couldn’t find him. We saw an adorable little guy who looked a lot like Sophie on a girl’s lap. He was her dog and we all agreed he must have some Portuguese Podengo in him; they looked that much alike. I stopped to talk to some of the shelter volunteers and took some pictures of dogs who were there waiting for their forever homes; lovely dogs with sweet faces.
Cuddling with an adoptable...
With no luck in finding our little guy, we headed off with Sophie for a late lunch at an outdoor cafe. It was really nice, sitting outside eating, Sophie on her blanket beside us, chewing on her bully stick, content. I imagined what it might be like with a second pup in that scenario. I’ve been doing that a lot these days, and I smile each time. Yes, it will probably be a lot more work, but it will be a lot more fun, too. More kisses, more cuddles, more play, more loving. I can’t wait, really. But, my husband and I made a promise we’d take our time until the right dog comes into our lives. And, he will.
I’ll keep you all posted on the journey. Wish us luck!
Do you have more than one dog? I would so appreciate hearing your stories of what it’s like, joys and challenges.
Another beauty up for adoption
For many years, we had only one dog…a yellow Labrador whose feelings we were afraid we’d hurt if we added a 2nd dog to the family since she was Queen. Years later, after Sunny lived a fun and happy life as an only child, my husband and I rescued a 9 year old black Labrador who was the gentlest soul I’d ever met. He got along so well with our senior female Sheltie, but 10 days later we got a call that a 10 year old Akita/Border collie mix desperately needed a home. We gave it a go and I stressed the first night keeping “Rex” on a leash cause not only did he mount our male Lab, he wanted to eat the older female Sheltie. The next morning I sat down with all 3 dogs and laid the law on the line — that they had a good gig but would have to get along, and you know…they all did from then on. I know, I was lucky, later on adding 2 more Akitas to the pack I worked carefully and diligently to make it work, and it has! They are the best of friends. Having started out with just one dog, I now can’t imagine having less than two. Watching them play together they way only canines can, looking out for each other and even ignoring each other when the moment suits them, is just an amazing study in the animal world and a delight as well.
Hi Denise! Thanks so much for sharing your story and so sorry it’s taken me so long to respond. I missed this comment; it didn’t come up in my emails for some reason, so apologies. It’s a lovely story and it makes me think of a story I just did on Gail Thackray, an animal communicator and medium. She stressed the importance of talking to our animals and explaining things to them; that they do understand. Jasper has fear aggression issues, making this adoption, especially living in such a crowded city as NY, very challenging. Just getting him into the elevator and through the lobby of our building to go out for a walk is a major challenge, because he shrieks and lunges at strangers – people and dogs. He’s really just a very scared little boy and we feel for him. I’ve been talking to him alot about how he doesn’t need to worry; when we ask him to look at us, it’s because we will tell him what to do and will take care of him. And, that we love him. And, the second I finished telling him this, he started showering me with kisses; it was more like a downpour. Like he knew exactly what I said. We are rooting for Jasper and getting a small village involved to help us with tools to help him. Thank you so much for giving us some inspiration and hope. 🙂 Your canine family sound wonderful.