Pound Puppy to World Traveler

It was 1979. My husband and I lived in Anchorage, AK, both of us in the military. We had only been married for a short period of time and didn't have any children as yet. One morning he went to the local shelter to help a friend find a dog for his wife. They didn't find a dog for the friend, but he came home with a beautiful four-month old English Springer Spaniel named Sadie.

The first time I saw Sadie, she looked up at me with those big brown eyes and placed her paw on my knee. It was love at first sight. She was the sweetest dog I had ever seen. Already house-broken, she never had a single accident. He only flaw was being afraid of brooms and loud voices, the result of the abuse from her previous owners.

Before Sadie, I had never really had an animal from a Rescue Center or a dog pound. Some people wonder if these types of pets can be of good quality and think they are just throw away pets. I say to them - No Way! These animals deserve more than ever to have a good life and can be the most loyal and loving animals you have ever seen. You just have to give them some time and it will reap tons of rewards.

Sadie was the best dog I have ever owned. She knew countless tricks and won ribbons in obedience. She had the most mellow disposition and wouldn't hurt a fly. She even let our children sit on her and pull her ears, without a thought of hurting them. She hated to see babies cry and would mother anything. Once she started crying at a cardboard box in a field near our home. In the box were four puppies left to die! Without her, they would not have survived to find homes.

Over her 11 year lifespan, Sadie traveled with us from the U.S. to Greece, to Germany and back. She was truly a world traveler. Along the way she met many people and brought untold joy into our lives. It broke my heart when she got a fast-acting cancer in 1991 and had to be put to sleep. Even after all these years, I still think of her and miss her.

Was it worth it to rescue a pound puppy like Sadie? You bet. I would not hesitate to do it again (and have!). I now own two cats, both of whom are rescue animals. I know in my heart that animals truly remember when they are taken out of a bad situation and repay that kindness over and over again.

The bottom line is that if you are thinking of getting a dog or a cat, check out the nearest rescue organization or local shelter. There are also many online rescue groups like Petfinder.com where you can browse for your next best friend.

Rescue places are also good places to educate the public about the fate of stray and unwanted animals. They have information on not only the animals, but also have may be able to give you advice on health care, proper food, and other useful tidbits.

So next time you are considering getting a pet, check out the nearest rescue organization or city pound. The life you save may become your next best friend.

Learn more about this author, Jean Parker.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Do rescued animals make good pets??
We want to hear your view. Write now!