Amazing news! I went to the local animal shelter for an hour and a half, and DID NOT COME HOME WITH A NEW FRIEND! This is a huge accomplishment. Seriously. I am obsessed with the idea of the next doggo, and I knew this trip for Rotary Day Out (non-profit version) was the most dangerous event of all.
It might be a function of how long it has been since I've gotten to cuddle with my grand-dog Sheba. It might be because my neighbor was finally ready to adopt a little brother for Barley. Maybe the chasm of grief in my heart from Bump's death early this year has healed into concern for companionship for Elsa's sunset years that she doesn't get from a little spaz like Murray. In my head, Next Dog is smaller than the other guys, and a working dog, with some version or mix of Sheltie, border collie, cattle dog, or other herder who would be very quick to learn "stay next to the humans on the trail on the mountain on the way to the cabin."
I expressed my hope that the perfect little dog would be at the shelter today, waiting to make eye contact with me in silent bonding communication. The man was very firm when he said NO. I tried to suggest it a different way, and he said NO a little stronger. The good news for him was that after we had our lunch and presentation by the CEO of the shelter, they didn't just stick us in a room with animals loose, ready to be petted. They only let us walk down the hallways, looking in the adoption room windows, with descriptions of each dog and cat clearly visible at eye level. Most dogs either had "cats no" or "cats maybe." I think there was one single dog who was advertised as "cats yes." There were lots of beautiful faces there today, but my next fren was not in residence at this time.
By the way, I learned many things about this shelter that pleased me. Most importantly, they are no kill. Only if an animal's health and quality of life are impossibly bad will they euthanize. They have no time limit on how long an animal can stay in their care (either on site or in foster care), in order to find their forever home. They have in house grooming, vet care including low cost spay and neuter, and well-trained behavioral specialists who can evaluate and address issues that would keep an animal from being adoptable. I left with a positive impression of their mission and their methods. I just didn't leave with a new mouth to feed.
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