AK's Column: Support pet adoptions with Pig City Books
{Pictured above is rehomed Finch Loy with her Davidson Local-themed holiday hat. Photo Credit: Abigal Sanchez/Davidson Local}
Pets are not gifts, are they?
Thanks to Pig City Books, we have a local opportunity to support rehomed and fostered pets on Saturday, Dec 17th, 12 pm to 3 pm. This mission hits close to home for our family. Some people mistakenly think that nothing makes a better Christmas gift than a fluffy kitten, guinea pig or a cuddly puppy, right? Wrong! There is a huge misconception that pets make great holiday gifts.
Yet there is another side to every failed Christmas adoption story. I surprised my husband by rehoming a retired service Giant Schnauzer Doodle several seasons ago. We both travel for work so we knew adopting a dog would take a village. We are thankful for the purfect blend of kids who wanted exercise during COVID shutdowns, flexible jobs, family and friends.
For those seriously committed to adopting, the holiday season “could” be the perfect time to step up. Millions of misplaced furry friends will need loving homes after this holiday season. Days after Christmas are frightening for animal shelters.
Scout (our first adoption) was literally a huge asset to our lives. His weight ranged from 100 to 115 pounds, and although the rehoming process was free, we knew he had some urgent medical problems that ultimately led to Scout’s Rainbow Bridge moment a few months ago. We feel like we had too little time with the big guy but he changed our hearts and minds about “rehoming” dogs.
Our three years with “Scouters” was a gift in many ways. We were able to take him into the nursing home once to meet my momma Rosalyn. She suffered from a series of strokes. Scout had the training to be able to identify those up to weeks before an occurrence. He didn’t use those gifts with our family. It broke our hearts when we were unable to take him into her nursing care facility due to COVID but Scout was always excited to visit Mom through the window. The simple sight of seeing him brought her joy through her final days.
Since then, we have adopted a wild and rambunctious puppy we named Finch (Note names with the literary reference from “To Kill a Mocking Bird”). Our standard poodle was the last of the litter. An amazing family thought they would keep her at some point found that to be a challenge.
Finch has taught us a lot about puppy love!
It seems romantic or adorable to give an animal as a pet. But unlike most presents, our fur friends may be returned or exchanged.
So here are my three rehoming tips:
1) Plan for costs. Adopting quickly means counting the cost. Even without an adoption or rehoming fee, free pets are NEVER free. Take a moment to look at whether you will be able to handle the costs associated with veterinary appointments, spay/neuters, vaccinations, pet food, toys, sitters and emergency expenses. In my own situation, we have also had to shift our work and travel schedules to accommodate.
2) Pet-proof the house. In both cases welcoming rehomed dogs included being asked to pick them up quickly. We flubbed Scout’s initial intro to another dog and he was bitten. Ouch! Later, we had a trainer give us tips on how to handle dog intros. Best advice? Meet on neutral ground!
I carried little Finch home in my arms at nine weeks and we were unprepared for a puppy. That meant going straight to the pet store and realizing we needed a size-appropriate collar and leash. We had to shift items such as trash cans, shoes and cords to keep her safe.
3) Ask for help! Every good pet parent needs a good support system. Who do you call? I felt more than confident that despite hectic work schedules we could lovingly care for a fur baby. Thankfully we are blessed with a dog-loving family. Our six-year-old nephew even does his part by coming over to run with her!
If taking a pet into your home isn’t for you, you can still lend your love and support! Consider making a donation (can be cash, food, bedding, toys, whatever you can afford!) to a shelter or agency this holiday season. You can also support this amazing event at Pig City Books.
About the authors… courtesy of Pig City Books
Authors Donna Girouard and Janice Boyles will be with us, along with the House of Paws Dog Rescue, for an author signing and blanket drive for foster dogs. Do you have some clean, used blankets that will help keep some puppers warm this winter? Bring them Saturday, Dec. 17 and meet the authors in person. Books will be available for purchase.
Donna Girouard has an M.A. in comparative literature and an M.F.A. in creative nonfiction. She is an assistant professor of English at Livingstone College in North Carolina, where she teaches writing and literature and is the faculty advisor of the college's literary magazine. In addition to volunteering and rescuing/adopting her own fur-children, Girouard now continues her efforts through her children's book series. Proceeds from the sale of her books will be donated to animal organizations.
Janice Broyles is the award-winning author of the historical fiction series, The David Saga, along with other fiction and non-fiction titles. Broyles is an educator, a Michigan native and currently resides in Winston-Salem with her husband and two sons.
Happy Pawlidays!
Finch, Jim & Antionette
