This newsletter about is whatever strikes my brain as interesting at any moment. Usually, that is something related to what’s happening in the world.
This time, it’s about our puggle, Dyson. Because for the most part, the subject matter that used to get the most reaction on social media (before I quit social media) was anything related to our now dear-departed beagle, Maisy or, over the past year, my pal Dyson.
For those unfamiliar, Dyson is a now 10-year-old puggle that we adopted from our local animal shelter in March 2021. It was a little more than a year after Maisy, who was pushing 19 years old at the time, got one look at the coming pandemic and said, “No thanks, I’m done.”
Dyson was a bit of a “project” when we found him: Fifteen pounds overweight, skin condition, other problems that turned out to be quite manageable and curable but needed time and care and love. The animal shelter told us that it was possible he would spend the rest of his days at the shelter, because most people (understandably) want a puppy or healthy younger dog. A slightly “used” and/or older dog like Dyson is a tough sell.
Well, I’m here to say that older animals are quite special. If you are thinking of adopting a pet, please consider an adult or senior citizen. Sure, they may not be turnkey, but if you have the time and the patience (and possibly the extra budget), an older pet will pay you back a thousand times with love and gratitude and loyalty. Today, one year later, he’s a strapping, healthy lad at fighting weight, who likes bones and boatin’ and is a source of daily joy and laughter in our lives.
So, I encourage you to look into adopting a pet and, if possible, adopting a senior dog or cat. You won’t regret it.
Here are some pictures of “The Boy.” Don’t look directly at them for fear of burning your retinas with cute.