Recently, there has been a tremendous increase in pet adoption (of dogs in particular). Long before covid-19 I used my pet photography business as a way to support animal rescues. Whether it has been through fundraising or volunteering my photography services, ongoing support from the community has helped me to raise thousands of dollars for rescues in the Triangle!
Our Dog Adoption Experience
Back in 2020 during the start of the covid-19 pandemic there were two senior dogs who found themselves at Wake County Animal Shelter. They were dropped off with a bag of food and the reason for adoption given was due to “allergies”.
Not much else was known about them other than they were a cute and sweet pair of bonded seniors. I’m sure they were super confused about what was happening and probably a bit scared.
Luckily about two days later a volunteer from Best Friend Pet Adoption scooped up this sweet pair of seniors to go into their foster program. I came across their description and photo a few weeks later.
I set up a time to call their foster mom to learn even more about them, then my husband and I set up a time to meet them. Shortly thereafter we started the adoption trial and the rest was history!
While adopting two dogs is definitely a lot of work, it is also a lot of love, learning, and fun! We recently celebrated their SECOND gotcha day.
I recently came across my application to adopt them. It was tear city y’all.
To learn even more about our experience check out my blog post HERE.
To learn more specifically about the benefits of senior dogs, check out my other blog post HERE.
Three Things I Learned from Adopting Dogs
I learned THREE really important truths:
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Taking risks for love can be more than worth it.
To be honest, I already knew this, it just got solidified even more for me after adopting our dogs. I learned this as part of experiencing a long distance relationship. My husband and I met when he was living in Spain; we will be celebrating our 11th anniversary in October and will have been together for 18 years!
Anyways, back to the dogs: there is an inherent risk in adopting a senior. You just don’t know how much time you will actually get with them.
Marley was 8 years old and Sophie was 11 years old when we adopted them.. I’m happy to say they are both happy and healthy now at 10 and 13 years respectively.
I know in my heart that although our time with them is limited, it is valuable, it is impactful, and above all, it is magical.
2. Their zest for life is contagious.
This lesson often catches me by surprise, when I least expect it!
Picture an old hound in all her droopy sugar faced, chunky low rider glory suddenly running, full speed, like a rocket!
She’ll get these spurts of excitement and energy, running towards a smell when we are on a walk. Her face lights up in that doggy grin..you know the one!
Her love for life and making the most of each moment never ceases to amaze me.
3. Some dogs can express gratitude by purring.
And yes it sounds just like Chewy from Star Wars. When Marley is happy (usually when we are scratching him) he will start purring and wagging his tail.
This little micro-golden boy really figured out how to communicate. I love my boy genius so much!
I had such a great experience with Best Friend Pet Adoption that I decided to use my calendar contest to raise funds for them!
This led me to be invited to serve on the board of directors as the secretary. All thanks to Sophie and Marley!
Interested in Adoption?
For more information about animal rescue and adoption in the Triangle we highly recommend these fabulous organizations. These are the rescues I’ve worked closely with!
Did you adopt your pet? We’d love to hear about your adoption journey! Check out my Facebook Page HERE and post your adopted dog or cat in the comments below the post for this blog. I love learning about your fur kids!
