I’m heading back to Quartzsite for the Winter Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTR) today or tomorrow, depending on when an expected package arrives. While I’ve been waiting, a long-delayed dream resurfaced: I want a canine companion to join me on this journey, for the company and yes, the forced daily exercise. (I have mentioned a certain procrastination problem, haven’t I?)
It happened as I was walking by the Petco store in El Cajon last Friday.
I saw their big sign, ADOPTIONS, and couldn’t resist going in to take a look. Inside was a Humane Society outpost with several adoptable dogs. Sure enough, an adorable terrier with bright eyes and a happy smile drew my attention. He looked just like Dorothy’s little dog in The Wizard of Oz — of course, his name was Toto.
He didn’t bark once (a major plus) and he eagerly followed me and the volunteer as we passed by the window to his little room. Unlike many shelter dogs, he didn’t seem sad or depressed at all… most likely because he’d only been there a couple of days, but I thought it was a good sign that he hadn’t been mistreated or traumatized in his previous life. He looked like he was just wondering when his owner was coming back — which made me kind of sad, but at least he was healthy and well taken care of.
I was sure (and in retrospect, hoping) I wouldn’t pass muster with the Humane Society, what with my living quarters on wheels and all. So I asked the volunteer and, lo and behold, she said, “No problem!” Sure, but the adoption fee was probably beyond my means. Nope, they waive it completely for people over 55.
Now I was stuck for an excuse.
I wanted a dog and yet I was afraid to commit. What if it didn’t work out? What if we just weren’t a good match? What if living in a van with a dog was more than I bargained for? Just like having a child, getting a pet is a commitment for life. You take what you get, you love them, and you make the best of whatever comes.
I’ve had other dogs, but I didn’t know that then. If I wanted to move to a place that didn’t allow pets, I found homes for them. Good homes, but still. My last dog, a beautiful tricolor collie named Freddy, got sick. I had lost my job and couldn’t afford to take him to the vet, so I procrastinated, thinking he would get better on his own. This strategy usually worked for me, but not for Freddy. By the time I took him in, it was too late. I had to put him down. That was sixteen years ago. I will never forgive myself for being so careless with his health.
So, as you can imagine, at Petco last Friday I was feeling a bit nervous about this decision. I decided to sleep on it and ask for advice on Facebook (naturally).
By morning, Toto had been adopted by someone else.
I felt both disappointed and relieved. And I couldn’t stop myself from looking up the Humane Society website. I filled out their application, drove to the main shelter and had a consultation with a counselor, who gave my mobile lifestyle the official stamp of approval and suggested two or three dogs whose personalities she thought would fit. But I didn’t fall in love with any of them. I need to fall in love.
So I looked on Craigslist and called and emailed about several prospects, none of whom were the right fit for various reasons. But I decided:
The search is on for my life-and-travel buddy.
It is not something to be done in a hurry. It will take patience and persistance. And that’s okay, I can wait.
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Oh, I have lots to say on this topic. If you look on my blog, you can see pictures of my Mia. I fell in love, that is all there is to it. I fell so much in love that I didn’t really think of the money which is good because she came to Canada from Mexico and it cost alot of money. I could have just gone to the local shelter. Call me crazy but I had to have her. She is a wonderful little dog and I have no regrets. You are smart to wait until you feel a strong attachment – the right dog for you will show up. I keep thinking why nobody else took Mia because she is such a sweetie and my brother told me that she was waiting for me. I think it was meant to be.
Mia is beautiful, Lynn! Thanks for the reminder about dog rescues in Mexico. I’m right across the border from Tijuana and I’ve heard of at least one rescue there that places dogs in the states. I will look into it.
Yes, Mia came from Save A Mexican Mutt and they have a website with pictures of the dogs. There was some really sweet ones on there when I last looked. They would probably be able to get a volunteer to drive a dog for you over the border. It would be easy. Good Luck!
I volunteer with a rescue group, any animal they adopt out they have a policy that if something doesn’t work out or life changes they WANT you to bring them back, a day, a month, years. Most groups will do this. Check on petfinder.com for organizations in your area. Many do temperament testing as well.
Hope you find that special buddy.
Oh, that’s funny, I just noticed that above my post was another” Lynn,” I didn’t notice guess that makes me Lynn2.
Hi u could look this website up. I personally don’t have a dog at the moment due to job location. However I have talked to Peg Miles of Milescollies, very understanding helpful on info about the breed of dog she is breeding for many years. As he is located in iowa down by cedar rapids. She has a very good website. I hope this helps with tour decision.
Thanks, Allen — those collies are gorgeous, if only I could afford one! Maybe someday. 🙂