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Jogi and Shoelace (Formerly Nelson and Joanie)  Jogi and Shoelace (Formerly Nelson and Joanie) How this last year has changed me, when all I wanted to do was help 2 sweet animals :) Since I was young, I always wanted a pet. But since my siblings couldn't even care for a goldfish, and my mom is allergic to cats, and terrified of dogs (it's a Pakistani thing) pets were out of the question in my household. Since leaving, I have lived in apartment after apartment, and thought I would have to wait until I was in a nice house and settled before I could have a pet. But on an impulse I took a trip to the Humane Society to just visit with the animals and it was easy for me to know that I would not be able to get through this without adopting some furry creature:). It was then that I met Joanie, a declawed cat (that was my brother's request at the time) who was all black, had been left in a box at a dentist's office and was just waiting for someone to rub her belly. She adapted to me right away and within 24 hours of adopting my favorite lucky black cat on a Friday the 13th in January, she was a purring bundle of joy. I, being an avid Michigan Football fan, renamed her shoelace and she has been through so much with me. I love waking up with her cuddled up to me each morning. This summer, my good friend adopted an adorable bull mastiff mix from HSHV and I started playing with him on a daily basis. As much as I love cats, I also LOVE dogs, offering free services to the dogs in my neighborhood throughout my childhood. After realizing that I was practically moving in with my new friend, I decided it might be time to add a canine to my mix. I was worried about Shoelace, and I had made multiple visits to HSHV, never finding the right dog for a home with a cat and amenable to my apartment complex. As I was talking to the front desk folk about whether I should go out further for my search or just wait until the right dog came along to HSHV, I noticed a spaniel mix sitting behind the counter. He was cat friendly, beautiful, and super-friendly. Per the staff, he was "the best dog you can adopt" and after a brief time with Nelson (who I've now renamed Jogi, though he continues to respond to both.) The entire staff was heartbroken to see him go and I wondered if they felt that way about most dogs but within a few days I knew that nobody could match my Jogi. After a night or two of settling in, he was as attached to me as though I had been with him for ages. He continues to be my shining light in dark days and always finds a way to use his eyes to convince me that he deserves all my food. I am converted to adopting for life, because while all I wanted is company, but nothing gives me greater joy than to share my blessings with two sweet animals who needed a home. And knowing they are happy with what I provide them is more than enough to fulfill me regularly. |
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