If you have the heart for it, there’s a rescue in Washington called Old Dog’s Haven and they do shelter pulls and fosters and Final Fosters for old dogs who’ve lost their humans for whatever reason. If you foster for them they pay for the dog’s vet bills and meds, especially the final fosters, who are definitely on the downhill slide and need some comfort and love in their last days. They get a LOT of smaller, older dogs who would be perfect for a person who needs a cuddlebug but who doesn’t need a rambunctious pup who needs training and a lot of exercise. If you do Facebook, like the page and see if the right little biskit shows up for you.
I’m very sorry about Pepper but as someone who adopted a dog this year who was given up by her first family I can definitely say you did a good thing for her. Shoga is just right for me when she wasn’t just right for the ones who raised her and the only regret I have is the six year old whose dog got sent away. I post a lot of pics on FB so her granny can show her that the dog is well and happy.
Sunny, do not feel sorry for yourself or Pepper. Dogs are great at adapting. Humans have to work on it. When the time is right, you will find another. Or one will find you. That’s how and why love works.
What a selfless love, to put Pepper’s well-being first! You may be hobbled physically, but morally you’re strong.
I’ll echo the suggestion that older dogs are calmer and easier to deal with physically, when you are ready. We know you’re a canine-certified dog person.
I don’t have anything useful to add Sunny, but as an unabashed dog person, I just want you t o know that I feel your pain.
I second the idea of looking into adopting an older dog who has lost his/her human when you feel up to it.
A quick update on my Pepper situation. I still miss her desperately, and find myself tearing up when I think of her. We will have a visit with her soon, likely this weekend. I’m nervous and excited all at once.
I “shop” rescue dog websites often, but I will wait. Sometime later this Spring, perhaps.
