A Dog's Tale, My Tale

Day 22

I went to a rescue shelter in Lexington this afternoon to adopt a puppy that had been rescued from a puppy mill. 3 1/2 half hours later, I left with a 6 year old schnauzer named Scooter. He was so sad and scared, and his story tore at my heart. I had to adopt him instead. 

Scooter belonged to an 85 year old woman who had 7 other dogs and 4 cats. She was a recluse and took care of her animals, having vets and groomers come to her. She never went outside, therefore neither did her pets. She loved them and cooked for them, etc. She passed away two weeks ago, leaving provisions for the animals to stay at the house with someone to come take care of them daily until a home could be found. Scooter was one of the last two pets placed, and his foster family returned him today.

Because Scooter never went outside, and his owner could not get up and play much, he's a bit overweight. He needs some exercise and a healthy diet. He's also a bit emotionally distraught. He's still mourning the loss of his owner. He's even taking herbal remedies to help balance his emotions. It's pretty sad. At Pets, Inc. he wanted attention but wouldn't be assertive to try to get it, like the others were. Jane, the VP of Pets, Inc. said she thought he'd be a good fit for me, since school often keeps me late. Training a puppy may be hard. 

So I thought for awhile. I had envisioned getting a puppy that would play fetch, something Sebastian won't do. I wanted a dog that was a contrasting color of Sebastian. A smaller dog. One that would make me googly-goo and talk in a high pitched voice. Scooter isn't that dog. But Scooter's story got to me. Scooter is a lot like me. The canine Debb!

I, too, am overweight and need to get healthy. I'm now eating the right food at the right time, and working to be healthy. I needed to regain some emotional balance. In July of 2012, I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. It was early, stage one. I was very lucky. One surgery and the doctor removed it--at the cost of my ovaries, uterus, etc--a total hysterectomy. While I am pleased beyond measure that the cancer was removed, I am also saddened that, even though I had no immediate plans in the works, I no longer had the choice to have a baby, let alone the fact that parts of my body had been removed. I was exhausted and depressed, and now taking my natural "remedy"--Xyng--I am returning to normal Debb. I couldn't help but feel a kinship with Scooter, so I made him part of my family. 

There are other psychological similarities, but I'll save those for therapy!

Who knows, he may help keep me on track?!?! And if Sebastian has his way, Scooter may be running around rough housing in a couple days!

Tomorrow, back to business!