Michele Tamassy’s journey from the loss of her much loved, Ex DoggieRescue doggie, Jody

I would like to talk to you about adopting an older dog. Now before you skip this article because it does not appeal to you, I’ll let you in on a secret: I believe that anyone who has ever taken one of these precious seniors into their home feel they are part of a very special club….. Michele 

 I understand older dogs are not for everyone, for example families with children might need a more active dog, but there are many others who an older dog would suit. I want to tell my story in the hope that it may change someone’s mind and make the difference to a few of DoggieRescue’s homeless older doggies.

Jody was saved at 8 years old. She was in appalling condition when rescued. It was just heartbreaking to hear her story of sheer neglect. I am so grateful that she went straight from Death Row into a loving foster home, where she lived for her first year while recuperating and learning how to feel safe and happy, perhaps for the first time in her life!

Perhaps you think that older doggies just lie in a basket all day doing nothing? Jody was by no means a quiet, fragile dog who just slept her days away. Far from it! She was a feisty, confident, resilient girl with a great sense of humour. Jody would even put our younger bigger dogs in their place! She was very loving – not a cuddler, but was always next to me or sleeping on my feet. She brought me toys when I came home, walking in a circle, tongue hanging out and a smile on her face.She was my little shadow.

Jody pulled the most outrageous face when she was annoyed and would have us in hysterics. There was no way you could ignore her, she had a huge personality, very aware of what was going on around her.

My Jody passed away suddenly earlier this year. She died in the arms of the person who loved her most in this world and I think there is no better way to go.  She got to live her whole life and not have it cut short and die alone in a pound. Of course we are heartbroken and miss her dreadfully. 

Perhaps this is why you are put off by the idea of adopting an older doggie? Our heartbreak is buffered by the fact that because of Monika and DoggieRescue, Jody had an extra 4 years and 10 months of life and I have no doubt these were the only happy days she had in her life.  If not for DoggieRescue she would have gone to her death and never experienced a loving home. And bottom line, this is why we do it….

Apart from the absolute joy of knowing Jody, we know she had a great life with us and felt loved and safe at last. That is the biggest reward and it’s a wonderful feeling.  You can make ALL the difference to these elderly dogs. When you are considering bringing a doggie into your home, ask to meet one of the oldies.

FALL IN LOVE WITH THE DOG, NOT THE AGE!! 

 You’d be surprised what lies beneath…..

This article is reproduced with the kind permission of Doggie Rescue, a no kill shelter in NSW. For further information visit www.doggierescue.com.au