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It is true that there is nothing more loyal than a dog. I love my dogs more than most people. While they do things from time to time that make me angry, like leaving a trail of garbage from the kitchen to the bedroom, or occasionally have little puppy accidents on the throw rug, I wouldn't trade them for all the gold in the world.

Both are getting up there in age and have their health issues. So it makes me wonder, after my fierce protectors, my loyal companions of 12 years pass on, will I want another dog? The answer is absolutely.

Some of the best animals can be adopted from the Louisville Humane Society. I remember "the pound" used to be a place I feared because I didn't know anything about them except they picked up strays and eventually euthanized them if their owners didn't come forward to claim them. Now that I have actually adopted a dog from them, I know better.

My father was stricken with cancer. After his chemotherapy and radiation treatments were complete and he was home again, he wanted a companion. I adopted a Beagle for him from the Humane Society. I went in and explained the situation and they were thrilled to have another adoption opportunity. All they asked is that I bring Dad there to spend a few minutes with the dog so we all knew they would get along. Even the sweetest of animals to one person can have personality conflicts with another, especially of different genders.

After Dad visited with Pixie for a half hour, including an outing in the enclosed courtyard, we knew they were a perfect fit. Dad went on home and an hour later, I brought Pixie home to him.

The Kentucky Humane Society often runs low cost adoption specials so the adoption fees are different certain times of the year. All animals they house for adoption are neutered or spayed and receive the very best treatment. All in all, I adopted Pixie for Dad for around $100.00. I should mention that the total cost included extras I purchased such as a leash, collar, and the first bag of dog food. The dog license and shots were all included with the cost of the adoption. The adoption fees are used to pay their wonderful staff and keep the resident animals clean, fed, housed and healthy.

While the Humane Society has wonderful pets available for immediate adoption, they do bring in rescued animals that have been mistreated so badly that their personalities and behavior prohibit them from being adopted. Unfortunately, these animals are put down after they are evaluated and deemed unsafe. However, plenty of the rescued are nursed back to health and made available for a loving home.

I adopted my loveable "mutts" from the Kentucky Humane Society and have enjoyed 12 long years with them at my side. They are centrally located in Louisville and have satellite adoption offices in most Feeder's Supply locations.

Learn more about this author, Rae Harp.
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