by Kelli Polsinelli

Created on: October 29, 2008

As a young adult I had an incredible bond with my dogs . Sadly I lost all 5 to cancer, they all died in a 4 year period. Loosing them traumatized me, these dogs kept me sane amongst the chaos in my life, it lead to a terrible depression. I felt I could heal by helping other dogs so I joined an animal rescue, little did I know how much it would change my life. The experiences you go through fighting to save these innocent dogs from death is not recommended for the soft hearted. It is both rewarding and cut wrenching.

People seldom give up puppies, they abandon older dogs while attempting to justify why they couldn't keep them. There where reasons they gave that I could list, though if I only listed the legitimate reasons my list would be almost blank. I remained in the rescue for a year, I had to leave because my family never saw me anymore. In total I rescued 20 adult dogs, a drop of water compared to the oceans of animals that need to be saved.

Puppies are cute and cuddly but the loyalty and love you get from saving a adult dog who has been abandoned, can never be equaled. It's true, some do come with baggage, but to no fault of their own. We adopted a dog who had cancer and about 3-6 months to live. She had been left in a forest to fend for herself, left to die really. When she was found she was emaciated, and had to have a leg amputated because of the cancer. Her name was Darla and she hated everyone except my husband, it took me months to earn her trust. I've studied dog behavior for years and I felt she had the right to pick and choose who she let near her. I don't think most people could of survived the abuse she went through. She had what was probably the best 6 months of her life with us. She was my teacher, and taught me what it meant to let a lost innocent soul into your home and heart unconditionally.

I've adopted four adult dogs of my own that where considered problem dogs. My so called "cat terrorizer" has three cat friends, my "vicious" Rottweiler is a huge lap dog, and will do anything for pets, My male who was given up because he couldn't be house trained had a bladder infection, and my big boy who loves to steal things is just very vocale and a bit abnoxious. I also have two young kids so when I adopt a dog, any dog, there are strict rules at first and then gradually lessened as you get to know the dogs habits and they get to know you. You take time to get adjusted to change and so will they. They also need time to trust you, it isn't just given, yes you have to earn it. Respect the fact that these animals are scarred and confused when you take them home. They don't know where their food is coming from, and some wonder when they are going to be beaten, because that's what they know. Many dogs have no serious issues, I specialized in animals who had behavior and health problems. If I didn't rescue them these dogs where usually euthanized. Most times the questionable behavior was only the result of them being scarred as hell, and in desperate need of a trusted companion.

We don't need anymore puppies. Shouldn't we first take care of the dogs who need us to fight for them, and give them a chance where no one else would. I have meet some pretty amazing dogs from the age of one to 10+years old. They each had something special to offer a family who was willing to give them a chance.

Adopting an older dog isn't for everyone. It takes lots of understanding and patience for it to be successful, but the rewards are endless. It's unfair to think these dogs are used merchandise, or someone else's problem. A persons neglectful behavior doesn't reflect the beauty these special dogs will give your life. All they want is some ones love and a belly rub once and a while.

Learn more about this author, Kelli Polsinelli.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.