The first day he pooped on the floor. The next day he slept on my Dad’s bed.
He was a rescue dog, and in the beginning he was nervous.
But soon he became comfortable and, in his doggie mind, grateful. And, then he became my Dad’s best friend.
Dad barely takes a step without wondering about his dog.
He spent a lifetime taking care of others. Now others take care of him… But he takes care of his dog.
As we decline, our roles are reversed. Children care for parents. But Parents are always parents. We need something to care for, and a pet can be perfect.
Kids have school, soccer practice, and homework. That was hard work, and we did that.
Pets need food, water, and love. That’s all.
We raised our kids, but we don’t have to raise a pet.
We were always there for our kids, but our pet is always there for us.
There are volumes upon volumes of literature that tell us why pets ease stress, provide companionship, and give us something to love… A friend that loves us back.
But we already know that, and we know it when we feel it.
It is when your kitty purrs and nuzzles your neck.
It is when your dog wags his tail and jumps on your lap.
It is when our little friends become our best friends.
I often think that although we rescued the dog, you could also say the dog rescued my Dad.
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Here are just a few good places where you can find grateful company for your loved one.
St. Johns County Animal Control and Pet Center: The Pet Center is the county-operated animal shelter, which provides shelter and care for homeless animals, as well as adoption services. www.co.st-johns.fl.us/animalcontrol/petcenter or 904-209-6190
S.A.F.E. Pet Rescue (Saving Animals from Euthanasia): This non-profit organization rescues adoptable animals from shelters and provides foster care, medical care, and adoption services. www.safe-pet-rescue-fl.com or 904-460-0556
Wags and Whiskers Pet Rescue: A non-profit, no-kill rescue organization dedicated to rescuing and finding homes for abandoned dogs and cats in St. Johns County and the surrounding areas. www.wwpetrescue.org or 904-377-1133
