Forever Homes

My boyfriend Steven and I were waiting for the perfect time to get a dog, even though we have wanted one for what seems like forever. Finally, the time came! Steven was transferred to an office outside of the United States, so as long as we are living together and he is on this project, I will not be able to work. I would have plenty of time to give our puppy the training and attention he would deserve.

We were particularly excited about adopting a dog from an animal shelter, as we are aware of and concerned about the lack of homes for these poor animals. We had a few months to prepare and we spent a lot of that time browsing the internet for puppy tips, adorable pictures, and pet adoption information. We saw so many great pictures and videos. We especially like to watch videos of puppies learning to use stairs, like this one.

Our excitement could not be contained. As our moving date got closer, we started looking at specific dogs that were available for adoption. I looked at all of the popular sites that shelters use. I fell in love with one dog and applied for him immediately. When I didn't hear anything back, I started the search over. Again, I applied and didn't hear back. This happened a number of times. We were never denied, but no one ever got back to me.

Most of the time when you are applying, you are applying for a specific dog. I was only applying for puppies, which I know are in higher demand than older dogs. After a few applications; however, I would leave notes on the application that I was considering other dogs and pleading for them to help me find one for us. Still, no response. I have no idea why this would be. We definitely have enough money and time for a dog. We don't have our own backyard (which is asked on most applications), but I love walks and I have plenty of time for them. Can only professional dog trainers adopt dogs now?


We ended up purchasing a dog from a reputable family. He is a wonderful Shepard/Lab mix. We love him so much. I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world, but I can't help but to be concerned for those shelter animals that aren't getting adopted. I hear about them all the time; the millions of dogs and cats that are being euthanized every year. It's an issue that is really being pushed these days, and rightfully so.

They have made advertising for shelters so much easier than it used to be, and breeders are having a harder time. There are all kinds of sites, like Wagaroo, who are trying to make it easier for people to find their perfect dog, while promoting adoptions as much as possible. It's really great to see things like this, but if the shelters aren't doing their part, then what is the point?It is very upsetting to me, because I spend a lot of time advocating animal welfare and all I hear about is convincing people to want to adopt. Maybe that isn't the problem at all.

I found this website, which shows exactly why I am angered by this. There is a large number of people who are considering adopting from a shelter. So large in fact, that if only 25% of them adopted, we wouldn't have to euthanize the "ruff-ly" 3 million cats and dogs that are put to sleep each year. Something tells me that we don't need to convince anymore people to consider adopting. We need to process adoptions!

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's...Grandma's Middle Finger?

If there is one thing that my childhood definitely wasn't lacking, I would have to say it was long road trips. We were frequently driving "up north", to Houghton Lake, for the weekend. In the summer time, we would travel to one of the more southern states, going as far as Florida. There were six of us that would pile into a car or van: my father, my mother, my two older brothers, my grandmother, and myself. We spent many hours on the road and I have no idea how we stayed entertained for so long. I do, however, recall one of the funniest moments of my childhood happening during one of these road trips.

We were stopped at a red light, when my grandmother exclaimed, "Look at the bird! Look at the bird!" We quickly looked over to see her holding up her middle finger and pointing at the sky. I'm completely sure she didn't realize what she was doing. Unfortunately, there was a guy in a pick up truck stopped in the lane right next to us. His eyes were the widest I have ever seen. I can't imagine what he was thinking when he looked over and saw my grandmother flipping him off. I don't remember if the windows were open. It is possible that he heard her saying, "Look at the bird! Look at the bird!" Either way, it was hilarious. I will never forget it.

I love you, Grandma!

Note: "Up North" in Michigan refers to basically anything north of Flint. It is a common phrase that people use in Michigan; however, I thought it was important to elaborate on this because it can have very different meanings in other places. Some of them are just as harmless. In Milwaukee or Chicago, "up north" refers to rural areas of northern Wisconsin while "up north" in Southern Illinois means Chicago. I've recently learned that when someone in New York says "up north", they are referring to jail, since most of the prisons are in the northern part of the state.