Sunday, March 28, 2004

So, my family's trying to adopt this little guy...



... from a Shih Tzu Rescue society. And this is the most cumbersome process ever. Not only did we have to fill out an application, but we had to find three references who filled out a HUGE form, our veterinarian needed to type up all of Trixie's past medical records, and they needed to conduct interviews with the references, the vet, and us. Also, they need to visit our home to make sure it's dog friendly, and we have to have a formal visitation with the dog before adopting him.

I understand the necessity of all of this; obviously this organization prides itself on matching qualified familes with the right dogs. And it's actually a sad state when they NEED to do all of this background work. Animal abuse is rampant, and they have to screen out all of the sick people who WOULD abuse their dogs. Yet, I have to admit, it's frustrating for us. My parents sent me an email with Niles' picture and the title "Hello." I freaked out, thinking that we had finally adopted a dog... I burst into tears, I was so happy... and then I was disappointed when I found out he wasn't ours yet.

Why do people crave the companionship of pets so much? Why is this such an all-encompassing emotional process? I don't know. I think I like the fact that animals love you unconditionally. They're loyal. And in such a fast-paced world, spending time with a dog has a stress-relief factor. There's nothing better than a dog that follows you around and loves to be by your side. I miss that kind of devotion.