Adopting a New Pet
Love for Dogs of All Ages by an anonymous Tremor member
I have had dogs all my life. During these short 17 years, I have realized that animals are an important part of my life, they bring me joy and help me in my exercise routine since I walk them. Four years ago, we had to let go one of our dogs since we moved. It was the most painful thing I had ever gone through, I loved them. They were part of our family, but times were tough and we had no space for them.
One year later, my dad was not with us anymore and my mom started working. It was a very lonely part of my life. I expressed to my mom how I felt and she agreed that I needed company. I suggested that we get a dog at the local shelter, not only because I wanted a dog, but because I knew it would be good to save a dogs' life, even if it was just one. That same day, my mom and I went to see the dogs. I could not have chosen a better day or time. There were many dogs there. It broke my heart that I could only choose one. I decided I wouldn't make up my mind until I saw all of them. We had agreed that I would only get a small dog so that it could have room.
At last, I saw her, she was alone and in the beating sun, she did not want to be in the shade, she had not touched her food. I approached the cage and at an instant, her tail started wagging, she started licking my fingers - even though I was not supposed to stick them in because any dog could bite me that way - but I didn't care, I had found her. I told the attendant that I wanted to adopt "Sandy"(she was already named, I haven't changed it because I love her name). The attendant told me that she was 8 years old and that dogs don't live very long, so I should get another one. I persisted that I wanted Sandy and she finally took us to sign the papers, while we were signing them she told us that it would have been Sandy's last day since no one else had wanted her because of her age. The process was finished in less than an hour. We took her to the vet, bought her food and the necessities, and took her home.
I know I made the right choice, Sandy is always with me. She doesn't even look like she is 11 now - she's just a cute white & tan, medium sized fluffy ball of love who is very energetic and loved by everyone who meets her. She is so loving and friendly. Even if she gets scared by other animals she still approaches them. I love Sandy, and I wish more people could experience that. It's so easy to adopt, and it is way cheaper than buying one at a pet store, but the most important thing is that you get to save a life, and that is the most rewarding of all reasons.
-Anonymous
Adopting a New Loved One by an anonymous Tremor member
While I was growing up I had three wonderful dogs come into my life, including my one dog who I loved with all my heart, Chi Chi. She was a beautiful Australian shepherd/Collie mix. My mom's friend found her tied up to a tree and left to die because her owners only wanted to breed her and take her puppies. But nevertheless, she was one of the best dogs I've ever had. She was always there for me when I needed a hug or just to love. But in 2007, she bacame sick but I never noticed because she acted the same as always. A couple days after Thanksgiving she died.
My mom decided that she wanted to see me smile again, so around Christmas time I started volunteering at the Humane Society and I saw this German shepherd/Husky dog that I fell in love with. Her name was Princess. So for a Christmas present for me, my mom adopted Princess! She's so smart and playful and loved playing with my other dog Daisy and my cat TJ! She's no replacement for Chi Chi, but she's a great dog that I can love and watch grow. She always makes me happy and it's so cute to come home every day and see that sweet face greeting me at the door. She means so much to me -- I wouldnt trade her for anything in the world.
-Anonymous
A New Friend for Storm by Olivia from the Tremor crew
A little over a year ago I adopted my cat Tre, and a few months later I adopted my Siberian Husky named Storm. Recently I decided that I had room for one more. I decided to start my search on Petfinder.com, and eventually found a dog at a rescue who was in desperate need of a good home. So, I started the adoption process. It was hard work! I had to fill out a super long application and then wait for the rescue group to check all my references. When all the paperwork was finally taken care of, I jumped in the car and made a 2½ hour drive to pick up my new dog Rocsi.
I've had Rocsi for a couple weeks now and she's the perfect addition to my home. She was a little shy at first in her new surroundings, but now she and Storm are completely inseparable. They love to play around the house and love walks through the neighborhood even more. Lots of people stop to notice Rocsi's eyes (two different colors!), and she never gets tired of the extra attention.
I had lots of animals growing up, but I always wanted pets of my own. Now I can kick "becoming a pet owner" right off my Bucket List. I love all my animals, and I think pets can really enrich your life. One thing I learned through this experience is that being an pet owner is a really big responsibility! Click here to read more about the responsibility of owning a pet, and to learn how to ask your parents for permission. All the sacrifices are more than worth it for me. I would not trade my pets in for the world--they make me happy everyday.
-Olivia, from the Tremor Crew
If you've recently adopted a pet, tell us about it! We want to hear about your experience. Please include your name and the state you live in.
