Google defines the word “friend” as someone who has a connection or relationship with you and is not a member of your family. When I was 16, my mother told me that if I could count on one hand five true friends over my lifetime, that I had been a lucky girl. Hopefully, I have a bit more time to find number five, unless I can count my dog?
Our world today has many challenges that can affect our outlook and current disposition. To list them all could turn this upbeat story into a “Dr. Phil special!” Let’s instead shine the light on some of the very best relationships you and I have ever had! Each year, as February 14th rolls around, many are faced with the “Ugh, Valentine’s Day" blues. If only there was someone “special,” it might not be such a downer.
So rather than think about what we don’t have, let’s talk about what you just might have “right under your very nose.” I’m talking about Fido, man’s best friend. Whoa, wait a minute, it’s true, let me explain. A best friend finds time to listen to your problems and knows how to keep a secret. Check! They don’t lie or cheat, and when they see you walk into the room, they’re happy. Check!
A best friend is available at a moment’s notice to hang out with you and “catch whatever you throw at them,” and then sit next to you just because they love you. Check! True, they require food, treats, bathroom breaks, and affection, but they often give much more than they receive. Did I mention they’re also available to look at you with loving eyes 365 days a year, not just one?
Seems clear that everyone, except for those who are chronic travelers, could benefit by adopting a four-legged best friend. But why don’t they? There are thousands of animals in approximately 347 shelters and welfare organizations right here, right now in Minnesota.
So, if the quantity of available pets isn’t the problem, could it be the high cost of adoption, reaching as high as $650, or perhaps it’s a person’s age (60 and up) that is stopping them from taking on a possible 10–15-year commitment? Studies show that people live longer with a pet in their home! Well, I decided to investigate this and have come across truly inspiring information to let you in on.
There’s a place in Minnetonka called The Bond Between (TBB), formerly Secondhand Hounds, founded by Rachel Mairose in 2009. Her mission initially was to rescue dogs, and now is to help prospective owners afford and maintain the relationships with their pets. Rachel says, “Our animal welfare organization not only saves lives through rescue but also helps families stay with their pets through our social service programs."
She continues, “Let’s say that an owner incurs an unwanted medical situation like a heart attack, stroke, or something else, and cannot temporarily care for his/her pet. TBB will step up and in to pick up the pet and place it in a temporary foster home for up to 90 days and then return the pet to the owner.” This is only one of many ways this organization helps the public.
Another is that they are willing to help people financially afford a pet. By working with Social Services on behalf of the adopters, the fee can be manageable. If you're not struggling financially, maybe you and your sweetheart might consider going online to pick out a pet from TBB without taking it home? That’s right, you will experience the joy of helping a pet by receiving regular updates and find out when this pet finds their forever home.
In addition, if a pet needs to be rehomed due to the passing of the owner, or the inability to care for a pet due to the owner's age or decline in health, TBB will pick up your pet without charging a fee to either foster or rehome your pet. I would be negligent if I didn’t mention that in cases of domestic abuse, TBB will remove the pet as a safety precaution and return the pet once it’s safe to do so. Learn more about the many other extraordinary programs offered by TBB at TheBondBetween.org.
I have also recently learned about some wonderful new programs by the Top Dog Foundation in New Germany, including their “Dogs and Angels,” "Elder Pups,” “Hoover Taxi,” and “Bentley’s Place.” Owner, Jean Stelten-Beuning, is on a mission to celebrate the lives of both senior citizens and senior pups. To learn more, head to topdogfoundation.org.
This Valentine's Day, why not adopt a “forever best friend?” You just might meet that “special person” who’s out walking their dog when you are walking yours? If so, wouldn’t that be a “Sweetheart of an idea!” Oh, and one more thing, I do NOT recommend adopting a puppy if you are a senior citizen, unless you plan to redecorate. Check!
Our animal welfare organization not only saves lives through rescue but also helps families stay with their pets through our social service programs.