Do Your Homework
Well, we decided the time was right sooner than later, and we began a search for an adoptable dog. We were hoping to find another Tibetan Terrier, but it turns out they're not the most common dogs around, much less needing rescuing (maybe that's a good thing). So, we thought, why not a Lhasa Apso? They are a related breed to the Tibetan Terrier and though the physical differences are slight (Lhasas are slightly smaller), their characteristics are very much alike: devoted companions, perfect for indoors, extremely smart and sensitive, and low maintenance when it comes to physical activity.
Skip The Breeder and Consider a Rescued Animal
So, we started searching for dogs to adopt. We considered finding a breeder only for a moment - there just are too many abandoned pets out there needing good homes. They deserved first shot at ours. The trick was to find a breed that was compatible to us. And my first stop was the San Diego County Animal Shelter website, i.e. the dog pound. Unfortunately, 90 percent of the dogs available were large ones, mainly of the pit bull/shepard/labrador mixes.
Now if it was disheartening for me to see that, it's even more so for the dogs, because the likelihood is that these large breeds made there way to the county pound because they were behavioral problems - and their presence is reflective of the recent news stories about dog attacks by breeds of these varieties. Ultimately, these dogs will never have a chance, and it makes me angry that their former owners were neglectful and ignorant to own these dogs in the first place. It's a terrible problem and until the public gets educated, it will continue to be a problem.
Match-making at Petfinder.com
Most of the local shelters were of the same stripe - mostly large dogs. Then a friend recommended searching Petfinder.com, and boy was it a revelation. This excellent site is networked in to hundreds of animal rescue groups nationwide. You can search for the type of animal, breed and location and Petfinder.com will give you the best results closest to your home.
We discovered hundreds of Lhasa Apsos needing homes, many in the Los Angeles area. My wife search through dozens of results, reading each one's sad and compelling stories ("How could anyone treat these adorable dogs this way," we both thought.). But we finally settled on a sweetheart named Mazie from the rescue group Lhasa Happy Homes in Santa Monica. Mazie was a few years old, had been in bad shape but was recovering, and was deaf due to owner neglect. But she was a sweetheart, and due to our late dog's deafness, we were used to the condition. And if we didn't take in this special needs dog, who knows if anyone else would? So, Mazie it was!
Rescue Groups - The Real Heroes
My wife got into contact with the rescue group and filled out a four-page application. They then arranged for a home visit, to make sure not only that we were worthy parents, but that our home would be suitable. We began to realize this process was like adopting a child - and in many respects, it is. Because in our household, a pet is a family member, so it made us feel good that Lhasa Happy Homes has only the dog's best interest at heart. These dogs have been through so much already - it's only fair for them to be placed in the perfect home.
So, last Sunday (8/14/05), we made the three-hour drive to LA to meet Mazie and her wonderful foster parent, Arlene, and Randee Goldman, the founder of Lhasa Happy Homes. Mazie turned out to be just as sweet as the volunteers had said, and we fell in love with her from the start. We signed her adoption papers, exchanged some grateful tears, and headed home with Mazie.
A Happy Ending
As of this writing, it's only been a week, but Mazie has quickly made herself right at home. Our cat, Kit Kit, is starting to adjust to her new sister, and other than the initial trauma of this new face, we think they'll learn to get together just fine. Mazie is a bright little girl, absolutely adorable, spunky, curious, and she makes us smile. What more could you ask of a dog?
Losing Kerry and adopting Mazie was a new experience for my wife and I, and it was heartbreaking, educational, enlightening, and ultimately redemptive. We are so thankful to have done it this way, and even more, admire and respect all those who devote their time and energy to giving animals a second chance.
God bless them all.
