I have always had "second hand" animals. I think there is nothing wrong with purchasing a purebred pet or horse. I admire many different breeds for their intelligence, personality and beauty but given what I do and with so many unwanted pets in need of homes, I always go to a shelter in search of my companions.

My first dog as an adult, Maia, was a Labrador retriever mix that I got at the local shelter while I was a veterinary student. She is the most remarkable animal I have ever met. What she showed me about empathy, patience and compassion she achieved without speaking a single word. Maia always knew exactly what to do no matter whom she was with and was a favorite with everyone who met her. I barely had to teach her anything. Every day was a good day, rain or shine, but it was even better yet if a tennis ball or a pond could be enjoyed even if but for a few brief minutes. Happiness, she showed me, could be found in very simple things.

After she died I did not get another dog until I felt my work schedule was stable enough to allow me to provide a good home. Through PetFinder.com I located my new friend. Though the online picture said "Darcy" as I got to know her better I saw her as "slightly fruity" yet "refreshing" and so renamed her Mai Tai.

Mai Tai, the court jester

As Maia was a wise soul, Mai Tai was a troubled one. Very quickly it became apparent that she had anxiety issues. She was fearful of approaches by people, she showed fear-aggression towards other dogs, she bit me on the second day I had her... Working through these anxieties has been rewarding, not just because I have had the pleasure of seeing a very neat personality come out, but because, beyond the empathy I hold for troubled pets and their people, I can now sympathize with the owners that bring their pets to me. I know, first hand, about the feelings that a "problem" pet can evoke. So I am grateful to both Maia and Mai Tai for the contrasting learning opportunities that they have given me.






Dr JD

Maia, the sage

These links are provided so you too may find a treasure in other people's discards. Shelters are a great place to find a companion for life. If you are not dead set on a purebred, consider opening your heart to a needy dog, cat or other pet.