Just say YES

After I lost Charlie, my basset mix, I enumerated all the reasons I shouldn't get another dog. A friend who had also recently lost her dog listened to my reasoning, then stated firmly that she had thought those same thoughts, but decided she didn't care. She went on to get TWO dogs, while I adopted Betsy Beagle who was destined to become the doggy love of my life.

A little over two years ago, Betsy went to doggy heaven. I still tear up thinking about her final days. A lot was happening back then: my father passed, I retired, etc. Eventually, I felt ready for another dog, and along came Watson.

My goal was to get a dog who wanted to go for walks but didn't need to go. That criteria turned out not to match Watson at all. He is a bundle of energy, always on high alert. We walk 2-3 miles a day and he still needs more.

Meet Clio. She is a yellow lab/pitbull mix, adopted from the Fort Wayne Pitbull Coalition. Before my daughter adopted a pit mix, I would not have considered the so-called breed, but Maybell is such a sweetheart! Clio has a similar temperament, despite coming from less than ideal circumstances.

Before Watson, I had considered getting a yellow lab but decided they were too big. Clio weighs the same as Watson, but is much leggier. She is 8 or 9 months old, so while I don't expect her to get much taller, she will probably fill out a bit. I'm hoping not too much.

Since she is so tall, I forget that she is still a puppy, needs puppy food and puppy naps. She also needs some lessons on where to pee (NOT IN THE HOUSE PLEASE) and other training. So far, she responds well to treats and has learned to sit on command already.

Watson has certainly met his match energy-wise. They play well 95% of the time, still sorting out who top dog is. Watson is older and male, but Clio can straddle him which he finds frustrating. He was acting submissive yesterday but is trying to turn the tables today.I can't wait for the mutual humping and genital licking to subside.

I know people who, after losing a pet, swear off animals forever. I can't believe they would sacrifice years of happiness for a little sadness. Unwanted pets is not the problem it used to be around here, thanks to spaying and neutering programs and alternatives to euthanasia, especially for stray cats. Adult dogs and cats usually come housebroken and ready to love someone new. Even senior pets can provide years of loyalty and affection.

Please, please check out the animals in your local shelter. Say YES to love. You can save a life... and some little furball just might save yours.