A few years ago, we decided to add another dog to our family.
So, I went about looking at the local animal shelters, hoping to find our new canine buddy, that needed a Forever Home.
That in itself was an experience, as I discovered that all animal shelters are not created equal.
Some are certainly cleaner than others.
Many don't have enough food to feed the animals, as most rely on donations of food and supplies form the public.
If your local shelter runs an ad in your hometown newspaper, you may notice the ad stating that they need food or other supplies.
If you see something listed that you could donate, then as you're delivering your donation, you could visit with the dogs and other animals that are waiting, deservedly so, for someone to adopt them.
That is how my story begins ...
by delivering food to my local shelter and visiting with the dogs.
I didn't have a breed in mind--I was just looking for a dog that I thought would fit into the family.
When I walked into the dog pen area, I was stunned to see such a beautiful dog--a chocolate Cocker Spaniel.
He had been dropped off the day before.
He was sitting quietly alone in his cell like cage.
When I tried to talk with him, he completely ignored me.
The attendant took him outside for me to get to know him, but he really wasn't interested in me.
He kept sniffing the air and looking out towards the road.
I'm sure he was looking for his family that left him.
They left no information about him, they just didn't want him anymore.
He appeared so very sad.
I made arrangements to adopt him on the spot! The attendant told me that they didn't have any food to feed the dogs, just dry treats.
( I did see case after case of cat food, tho.
) To this day, he will not eat dry treats! When I picked him up, I discovered that he was covered in fleas! So, off to the groomer we went.
When we arrived home, he immediately ran to the nearest sofa!He settled in nicely and has been a wonderful companion.
He has excellent manners.
Cocker Spaniels are loyal, sweet, playful and devoted.
They do get along with other dogs and children.
They are a great dog for children, however, as with all dogs, children must understand not to hurt them in anyway.
A dog to dog introduction might be in order at times.
He mixes very well with all the other dogs that he meets at his new groomer.
Playing ball is his favorite pastime and then comes eating! We discovered, by accident, that he sings "Happy Birthday.
" I'm sure there are other things he was taught to do, but we have no way of knowing.
He does love to go for car rides and ice cream cones.
Don't they all? If you're looking for a great family dog, you might consider a Cocker Spaniel.
There are Cocker Spaniel rescues around that can help you or you may find one at your local shelter.
But, if a Cocker Spaniel is not your preferred breed, then you may discover your new best friend by just visiting your local animal shelters.
You can get to know different breeds, pure bred or mixed, by volunteering to be a dog walker for the shelter.
And yes, there are many pure bred dogs that need a Forever Home.
Adopting our Cocker Spaniel has been a great experience.
I continue to take donations to the local shelters, and when I do, I always want to bring all the dogs home with me! So, Jasper says,"Save a life and expand your life--adopt a dog that needs a Forever Home.
"