Our pack has increased by one!

Late last year I wrote about the loss of our dog, Buddy.  He had a long life and enjoyed every minute of it.  When it was time to say goodbye we were devastated but knew that it was time for Buddy to move on from this existence.  After a while we decided we wanted to start looking for a new pet.  It had to be a very special dog because our remaining dog, Allie, is very special.  We needed a dog that would let Allie continue to be the diva she is while still providing companionship for her, especially when we are not home.

We worked with the Humane Society of Hamilton County (HSHC) to find that right new addition to our pack.  We were committed to adopting a shelter dog.  The staff at HSHC were wonderful.  They encouraged us to attend events and also were very patient as we went through the process.  The first visit to the shelter was very emotional for my husband, Bob.  He had to leave because seeing all the dogs there who were eager for loving homes was just too much for him emotionally. 

As time went on and we were still looking for that right match we visited one more time with Allie.  The dog we were looking at was not working out with Allie.  She was very stressed and the male dog kept trying to mount her.  As a last resort the executive director brought out a dog that had just been surrendered.  She is a full blooded beagle and her name is Sage.  She interacted well with Allie and the executive director suggested that we foster Sage for a while.  We were told that she was surrendered because her owner was ill and could not care for her any longer.

As we were driving away I told Bob that we should take them up on the foster placement.  So the next day I returned to HSHC and signed a foster agreement for Sage.  We took her home and were eager to see how she joined our pack.

Sage and Allie had a few little disagreements but overall they did so well together.  Allie was fine with the new dog and seemed to enjoy having another dog there.  Sage is what we needed as a family.  She is loving and a snuggler.  She loves to have her ears scratched and enjoys just sitting on the couch with us.  It was such a great transition that we finalized the adoption last week.  Sage is now a member of our family and part of our pack.

Here are Sage and Allie together on the couch.  They enjoy being close and both of them are a major part of our lives.

So our search has ended.  Sage is part of our pack and will be with us the rest of her life.  I cannot thank the people at HCHS (www.hamiltonhumane.com) for their help, guidance, patience and expertise in matching us with Sage.  When I envisioned our next dog it was not an eight-year-old,  slightly overweight beagle with a huge bark.  Yet she fits perfectly.

If you are looking for a pet "Adopt a Shelter Pet!"