|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
Westy, YGRR #1231 For
As Long As He Is With Us Every adopted Golden has a special story. Every story is as deep and profound as the next and each should be honored for its uniqueness. Despite their various backgrounds and circumstances however, adopted Goldens all seem to evoke similar emotional responses from those humans associated with them. This is the story of Westy, told in hopes that you may identify with some of the feelings and perhaps decide to find a "Westy" of your own. In February, 1993, a young male Golden was observed wandering around a neighborhood in Westbrook, Connecticut scrounging for food. Caring people contacted the Animal Control Officer when it became clear that the dog had no owner. It was suspected that his family had moved away, leaving the young Golden to fend for himself. The Golden was quite emaciated and, taking pity on the dog, the Animal Control Officer took him home to "fatten him up." Although initially he was quite shy, the Golden became quite friendly and played with the ACO's young children. After a month of unsuccessfully trying to place the dog, the ACO contacted YGRR and in March, the Golden became YGRR #1231. He was about five.
Knowing nothing of this story, we went to the YGRR Auction in April, 1999 and chose a table "at random" at which to sit. On that table was a picture "My name is Westy and I need a home." We had no thoughts of adopting, so on with the auction. On the ride home and for the next several days, however, thoughts of Westy kept interrupting. It seemed that Westy was desperately trying to get our attention. A call to Caroline H. for more "Westy details" (Caroline had been involved in Westy's original rescue and adoption and knew Westy and Carol well), a call to YGRR to perhaps "just go and see him," and there we were. As we walked along the row of barking, hopeful "seniors," a small grayed-orange face waited quietly -- the other end was wagging in anticipation. The door was opened and we met -- a stout old Golden looking like Cinderella's "Pumpkin Coach," and two women who, until that week, had no thought of adopting a dog. We took him to the car to get a long leash to take him for a "trial walk." He jumped in, unassisted, and would NOT get out. We had been adopted. On the way home, we began to realize what had happened: Westy had a "paw" in guiding us to THAT table at the auction. A stop on the way
home for a celebratory ice cream cone (vanilla for Westy) and home to meet
Tuscany, a two year old Italian Spinone who was thrilled to learn that her toys
were safe -- Westy had no interest in Westy has gone on to earn his Canine Good Citizenship degree and has become a registered Therapy Dog at the age of 12, and now helps as a Hospice Volunteer in homes and nursing facilities. He has a wise old soul and seems to know who wants to touch him and who would rather just look. He loves his work and everyone loves him. Many people say, "How can you adopt an old dog? I couldn't bear to think of losing them so soon." It would not be truthful to say that we don't think of that, but Westy's age and attitude have taught us something more. He enjoys every moment without dwelling on his age and we are learning to enjoy him that way too. Westy is now 13 years old with the predictable clouding of his eyes and distinguished graying of his face, but still in great shape (no longer the Pumpkin Coach) and still able to leap into the back of the Ford Explorer from a standstill with no help. He is the one who initiates play sessions with Tuscany and he is always up for a run at the beach, the woods or just a ride in the car with his humans.
Thank you Westy, for choosing us. |
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
Rescue and Adoption services for Golden Retrievers from the six New England states. Address: P.O. Box 808, Hudson, MA 01749-0808 Hotline: 978-568-9700 Adopt
A Golden • Surrender A
Golden •
Rescue Stories About YGRR • Join YGRR • Special Events • YGRR Store
|
|
||||||||||||
At the animal hospital he was named "Westy," after the town from
which he came. Westy appeared to be in good physical condition but tests revealed that
he had an infestation of heartworms. Treatment began and, thanks to the strength
gained from the attention of the Animal Control Officer, Westy handled it well.
In April, after his recovery from the treatment, Westy was adopted by a
wonderful retired woman, Carol S. A lifelong dog lover, Carol had recently lost
her ten year old St. Bernard, Brick II, and she was quite lonely for canine
companionship. She took Westy to her home in the Connecticut woods. They walked
together daily and Westy kept Carol company as she painted. They adored one
another (Carol had one twin bed in the bedroom and Westy had the other) until
she became very ill in 1998 and died in early 1999. Carol had made provisions
for Westy to be returned to YGRR, so he was back.
Someday Westy will
decide that it is time for him to leave us. When that day comes, we will stop and spend some quiet time remembering how much he has
brought to our lives and the lives of all who have known him. We are thankful
for the time we have been given to learn from Westy, to love Westy and to be
loved by him. If our relationship is not measured in length of time, let it be
measured by the quality of interactions and the strength of love. And we will
know that we have been truly blessed.