A couple weeks ago I weakened and took a look at the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue Western Region Website. In my opinion they sound like a top rate program. The dogs are fostered in loving homes until their social and medical issues (if any) are treated and stabilized. Most of the dogs are older and have medical issues as special needs dogs. Some of the stories of their history are heartbreaking. The requirements for adoption are very extensive. They will not ship dogs and you must live within driving distance of the dog so you can visit the dog at their foster home and be assessed for compatibility and issues associated with adopting their dogs. A dog may cost anywhere from $150 to $650. As you may know, that is so much less than buying from a breeder.
When I looked at the website I was super surprised to see a dog that I adored and she lived close enough to my address.
This is Miss Daisy. What a charmer. She is less than a year old and deemed healthy by a Veterinarian. Her history is unremarkable and her owner (a senior lady) found that she no longer could care for her.
And then, much to my surprise, shortly thereafter, another dog showed up on the website that met the criteria.
And, this is Mr. Henry. What a handsome fellow - he is.
I did not apply. At this time it is not meant to be for me to have a dog.
Henry, also was adopted by a family with children and cavaliers.
The truth is that I really should not consider another dog because I have always followed my criteria which is:
#1 --- Live long enough to take care of them which could be more than 10 years. That means I would be 87 years.
#2 --- Have enough money to provide proper and complete veterinarian care.
#3 --- Be able to provide enough exercise and outdoor activity to keep the dog interested in life and healthy.
When I brought Lily into my life I had to think long and hard about the decision. Even at that time I had the same concerns. At first I thought there was no way I could have another dog. However, it worked out beautifully. And, I feel very thankful. I think gratitude will have to be my focus and not sadness!
It's a beautiful sunny day here in California and I hope you are enjoying your day wherever you are.
Mary
When I brought Lily into my life I had to think long and hard about the decision. Even at that time I had the same concerns. At first I thought there was no way I could have another dog. However, it worked out beautifully. And, I feel very thankful. I think gratitude will have to be my focus and not sadness!
It's a beautiful sunny day here in California and I hope you are enjoying your day wherever you are.
Mary
I love your new picture at the top of your blog, Mary! We've been enjoying a lovely, mild week which is very unusual at this time here in the northeast! Unfortunately, snow is in the forecast for Sunday. :( It will be our first snowfall of the year, if the weatherman is correct! I'm so sorry your first try at adopting a new companion did not go through. It certainly does sound as though they try to place their dogs in homes where there's a lot of activity with a family and other dogs to socialize with. But I still think any dog who has you as their mom would be truly loved and very happy!! Many older dogs aren't looking for, nor are as happy in homes where there's too much activity going on. Rather they thrive best in a peaceful and predictable environment. My aunt and uncle adopted an older Bichon Frise who is just a sweetheart, and she has acclimated so nicely into their home. I do certainly understand your criteria for owning a dog, though I'm sad for your lack of a sweet, lovable companion. Would a gentle middle-aged house cat be a consideration at all? My daughter used to work at a cat shelter and there were so many precious, beautiful kitties seeking love, a warm lap and a forever home!
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