Pollock

Just before Christmas 2016 we were contacted and shown a photo and information on a dog named Pollock. His owner had died with a sudden heart attack and he lay with her for 7 days before her death was noted. Her animals were taken to a local shelter in California. Her friend who knew Pollock as a pup, and whom he knew, went to the shelter and saved him and his kitty friend that lived in the home. Kitty found a home but Pollock, at 8 years old, was going to need some help finding one. Our foster Leslie was touched and offered to take Pollock even if, due to his age, we ended up not finding an adopter. Pollock needed surgery for a large lipoma, a non-cancerous growth on his side, and teeth cleaning. That was donated by his friend who saved him. Generous vetting to show he was totally healthy. His story went everywhere and his sad face, handsome visage and his sad story drew attention. When Patty and Jim contacted us, we knew they were perfect for him and without meeting him they committed; they paid the full adopt fee, then traveled to California from Washington and back without any hesitation and without meeting him first. This was his beginning and the rest of the story Patty tells best of all. “The older the violin, the sweeter the music.” Rescue has proved it more than once.

Patty and Jim Whitney say:

We lost our 12 year old to cancer last February.  Our hearts were broken.  Leo filled us with so much love and joy, that I couldn’t imagine ever having enough room in my heart to welcome another dog into our lives.  But we felt empty without the daily routines of feeding, walks and snuggles.  And finally after ten months of grieving, we began to talk about getting another dog.  We were tentative and scared.  Afraid we were betraying our Leo.  Afraid we wouldn’t be able to love another dog as much.  After eleven months we began looking for dogs on petfinder.com  We told ourselves we were just ‘window shopping’.

I knew I wanted a senior dog for so many reasons:

•  They are calmer, and a better match for our energy level.

•  They generally require less training, especially when compared to puppies.

•  They are seldom up for adoption due to behavior issues, but rather due to life changes on the part of the owner — changes in housing situations; changes in health;  changes in lifestyle.  They are well-behaved dogs that simply need another home.

•  Many are still active and enjoy walks and hikes, but don’t require the high-intense workouts of younger dogs.

•  They tend to have a harder time finding a permanent home, because even though they are great dogs, people gravitate to puppies and younger dogs.

•  They are used to giving and receiving unconditional love.

You can imagine how my heart lit up at the posting for Pollock.  A senior, Catahoula Leopard dog of 8 years, who had recently lost his owner.  My heart ached for the grief and trauma this dog must have undergone in the past few months.  His eyes pleaded with me through the pictures — ‘adopt me and I’ll give you unconditional love”.  That was all it took.  Eleven months of grieving and suddenly I knew I had a mission.  I wanted to adopt this sweet boy.  I knew I owed it to Leo to open my heart to Pollock.  I owed it to Leo to give Pollock a forever home.  After an extensive phone call with Janeen to make sure we were a good fit for Pollock, we eagerly brought him into our family.  Pollock enjoys daily walks and hikes with us, and lots of snuggle time on the couch.  He immediately became a member of our pack.  We still love and grieve for Leo, but our hearts are overflowing for love for this sweet guy.  We will enjoy every minute we have with him, and plan on years of unconditional love and fun.