Vocal Point: Enliven your life by adopting a dog

Last night, I stepped on a squirrel. Its fuzzy tail squished between my toes, and it squeaked as my foot eased off the critter.

“Lucky,” I called, “get your squirrel!”

Lucky pranced down the hall, grabbed the stuffy and looked at me with his mischievous dark-chocolate eyes.

“Chase me!” this master of body language said. He zipped across the floor with me in hot pursuit.

Life, once again, is complete.

Like our previous dogs, Lucky is adopted. And like many of you, we told ourselves “no more” when we said goodbye to our last dog. It was the second “final decision” we had to make in two months, and it hurt.

As prior greyhound adoption representatives, we shared the joy of adoption and the pain of “final decisions” with our adoptive families. During those times we reminded them, “There are so many waiting.”

That reminder haunted me when I came home to an empty house or faced the evening walks alone. There was no chair-hogging or nose digging through the popcorn bowl. Life was dull.

My husband wasn’t ready for another dog, but his resistance faded as he held little Lucky. We knew the decision to open our hearts once more was right.

How about you?

A recent Voice article (Dogs, cats overflowing SCRAPS, Jan. 27) informed the community that the animal shelters are overfull. Homes are needed.

If you have a spot in your heart for an animal, then you have a spot in your home – there are so many waiting.

I know there are reasons not to adopt. I know because I’m skilled at lame excuses.

So let’s look at a few reasons and solutions.

“I can’t do this again. Sure you can! This isn’t about you; it’s about providing a good home for a loyal companion.

Dogs live for the moment, are grateful for each bowl of food and pat on the head, and reward their owners with a love that defies logic. They accept death as a natural part of life. We should, too.

“Traveling and pets don’t mix. Au contraire! Pet friendly hotels are everywhere. Check www.petswelcome.com or search “pet friendly hotels in (name of city).”

For a fee most major airlines allow small animals in the cabin if they are crated and fit under the seat in front of you; larger animals can be flown in cargo and picked up when you land. Check www.pettravel.com or search “pet friendly airlines.”

Cars or recreational vehicles allow unlimited freedom where Fido is concerned. Most parks allow pets at no extra charge. A collapsible fence and pet etiquette are a must.

“Pets are expensive. Yes, those Gucci sweaters and Tiffany diamond collars do cost, but get this: Dogs don’t need any extras (we buy that stuff for us! Go figure.).

They come fully equipped and ready to go. Good food and vet visits, however, are required.

“Dogs biting kids. Certain breeds are better suited for families with kids. The easygoing, waggy tail type pooch is a good bet.

Honor two essential rules: Make the dog a part of the family (I can’t stress this enough), and be the alpha.

Pack animals need a leader. Without a leader, they’ll take over, and that’s usually when biting occurs.

“Teach respect. This is the first rule to teach your dog: Kids are kids and not littermates.

First rule to teach your kids: Dogs are dogs and not kids. Respect is a two-way street.

Teach by example to softly pet, give space, and use gentle training. Your kids and dogs will be best friends for life.

I already have a dog. Get two. Dogs are pack animals and enjoy the company of other dogs.

Consider the personality of your existing pet when choosing another one, and always be present during the introduction period.

I don’t like to spay/neuter my dogs. Get real. Just do it.

While you’re inventing more reasons, let me direct your attention to the Pedigree commercial promoting pet adoptions. Pictures of shelter dogs flash across the screen, and the voiceover says, “I know how to sit. I know how to lie down. I know I’m a good dog. I just don’t why I’m here.”

This is your personal invitation to join the wonderful world of unconditional love. The shelter has reduced the adoption fee that includes spay/neuter, license, microchip, initial vaccinations and complimentary vet check.

There are so many waiting. Open your heart and give them a chance to show you why they’re here.