Monday, September 20, 2010

At Last...A Dog in the House!

Despite all good intentions, Maggie and I parted company two months after her arrival. Fortunately, a colleague of Maggie's deceased companion was able to add another cat to her household...and the cat chapter in my life came to a close.

During the summer months, I attended the basic orientation and Level I training at the PAWS adoption center on the north side. This enabled me to sign up for shifts at "Dog Town," the wonderfully-designed (and cage-free) haven for adoptable puppies and dogs. The hours flew by, as potential "pet parents" perused the selection of canines and made initial contact. These sessions were physically and emotionally demanding, but nothing could beat the sheer happiness of seeing a dog go home with loving and caring people.

PAWS Chicago, an amazingly well-organized operation, also offers fostering opportunities. I filled out an application online, and received a call from Julie at the Little Village intake center. Not 24 hours went by before I was zipping down Lake Shore Drive to pick up Lily, a darling 1-year-old in the "crisis" program (families affected by foreclosures). Lily has been at our home for nearly 2 weeks, and she's a continual delight.
The first week, she wore an e-collar as part of her post-spay recovery. She is now enjoying her freedom from the e-collar, and is adapting well to our environment. All I can say is, it's hard not to get attached!

Thanks to PAWS for bringing us together, if only for a short while...