Going to the Dogs

I visited an animal shelter for the first time today. I held little Labrador puppies that felt like teddy bears, felt a little kitty shred its way through my sweater up and over my shoulder, saw a big black cat named Gibbs - a perfect name because he was definitely the strong silent type, and watched a little girl bond with a puppy. All of that was wonderful and a delightful experience that I would love to do again. 

Then I stepped into the kennels where they kept the dogs that had grown out of the cute puppy stage. These were the dogs that either had never had a home, or that had been in a home but then been taken away or even been sent back to the shelter because they weren't 'the right fit'. There was nothing wrong with them. Sure, they weren't as cute and cuddly as the little puppies in the other room, and maybe they were a little more set in their ways, but they still wanted to be loved. They were so hungry for attention, standing right next to the bars of the kennel, that I couldn't help but stick as many fingers as I could through the space to give them some love. I'm just going to be honest here and tell you that I'm not a dog person. I don't hate them, but I've never felt an intense love for them either. But today? Today I wanted to get down and hug each and everyone one of them. Ringo and Kaleb and Country and Charlie and Iggy and Annabelle and Annie and Lucy and Arnold and Dimples. All of 'em. And yes, I did remember their names. I liked them that much. Their stories were written on their kennels, and if they were made up, then someone has some serious skills at tugging on the heartstrings. It was only by sheer willpower that I left that place without a dog. Also the fact that I didn't have any money. And the fact that we can't have dogs in the dorms. But other than that it was sheer willpower.

So I have decided that if I ever choose to get a dog in the future, I will bypass the pet stores and head straight to the animal shelter. And as much as I love puppies, I will head straight to the grown dogs and find myself a dog that needs someone to take it home and love it. How could you say no to eyes like these?

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