Adopt a Shelter Dog Month: Want to Help? Tell Your Story

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. How can we make a difference? How can we help other than by adopting a dog? After reading about the history of the Humane Society and Rescue Organizations worldwide, I was especially interested in the first recommendation for those who wish to support animals in need: Tell Your Story About Dog Adoption. Our personal experiences—the power of our story—may be the very spark that encourages a person to enrich their lives with a dog in need of a new best friend and forever home.

In appreciation to all those dedicated to shelter and rescue, and compassion for the animals who still need homes, let me share my story about dachshund Max.
This story was first published in the anthology, “Writing In Place: Prose & Poetry from the Pacific Northwest,” (2019) in my essay, “Dog Chronicles.”

“He’s been badly abused. He’ll need special care,” the Dachshund Rescue attendant told me up front as I prepared to adopt my new pet. Max, picture perfect on the outside with his long red short-haired body, stubby legs, long narrow muzzle and elongated, ever-alert ears, was deeply wounded emotionally from years of harsh treatment. Canes and walkers would put Max into such a trembling state that he would hide behind my legs. I could only surmise he’d been beaten frequently and viciously. It would take time and consistent love to help Max heal. Slowly, as he grew to trust me and his new environment, he revealed his unique gift. He reached out to those who were grieving or dying.

Each day he joined me in my work at a retirement residence where I served as a spiritual care provider. Slowly he became acquainted with the residents. People commented how handsome, calm, and wise he seemed with his dark soulful eyes.

Max’s gifts were revealed in unexpected ways. One day a resident came into my office and sat down. The normally shy Max jumped up from his bed onto her lap and she began to cry. Max had sensed her grief even before she spoke. His gentle attention invited her to tell her story. Max’s nuzzling dismissed the need for initial small talk and quickly moved our conversation to a deeper level.

Another time, a resident and I sat outside in the sun. At first, Max kept his normal reserved distance. As I listened to the resident share a tragic story from her past, I realized Max had crawled over me and sprawled onto the woman’s lap! I looked up into her face and realized tears streamed down from under her dark glasses. Again, Max had sensed the woman’s grief and had gone over to comfort her.

Max also had an awareness of when people were on life’s last journey. A retired military commander showed affection for Max over the years. As ill health took its toll, no matter how weak he was, he always had the strength to pat Max. Afterwards, Max usually curled back onto my lap. One morning however, Max stretched out, laid his head over the resident’s arm and nuzzled up against him. An hour later, the resident died. Max had sensed the shift and offered his unique companionship for the commander’s final campaign.

Families are often disheartened when they can no longer connect with a loved one with advanced dementia. Max’s presence frequently evoked a reaction from the resident to reach out and pet him. Once the resident was able to connect with the dog, families found the resident more accessible to their own loving touches and presence.

Max and I loved our daily walks together. He also companioned me on my commute, as he sat in the front passenger seat with his own quilt and seatbelt. He was an ideal listener on long workday drives. At night he was the perfect bed warmer no matter what the season. He knew to curl up in his spot and share the space and covers!

After years of easing the struggles for others, Max let me know when it was time to ease his suffering from health issues and let him go. When I rescued Max, I expected to care for his special needs stemming from abuse. I never imagined how, despite his tragic beginning, his special gifts would care for the needs of so many others.