Adopting a dog cured my depression
Over60 community contributor, Linda Carley, 62, from Perth, shares the tale of how a special little dog from the shelter won her over, leading her to adopt him when she wasn’t even looking for a pet.
I didn't actually choose to adopt. We had lost our beloved Blue Heeler five years previously and decided not to have another dog and go through so much grief again. Plus, I wanted to be free to fly to Gold Coast to see my daughter whenever I could.
However, my friend asked me to go along to Shenton Park Dog Refuge in Perth to give her support while she looked for a small dog to join her family. In the kennel, next door to her choice, were two little Maltese crosses looking for a home together. My friend put the squeeze on but I said no, and we went home with only her new fur baby.
Weeks went by but I couldn’t get the little Maltese crosses out of my head. I checked the website daily to see if they had found a home, getting very upset about such little dogs being out in the very cold August nights. After about two weeks of this, I read that one brother had been adopted and the less pretty of the two was left behind. I was so upset. My husband told me to “go get him” – so I did the very next morning.
Usually they want to “pair you up” and for you to get to know the dog but I was only interested in one and they deemed it a suitable match. After an hour of filling in forms and answering questions, they let me take my new fur baby home. I was so worried that he would be a “wrecker” or a “biter” and what was I doing sabotaging my own freedom anyway.
But he was a devoted little shadow from day one and I was completely in love by day three. After two and a half years, I think he is part Maltese and part Angel. We adore each other and he is my constant companion. It took a little longer for him and my husband to bond, but now they are great mates and Riley loves the longer walks he can go on with my hubby.
Even after we took our dog home, I was still in shock. It was also a difficult time for me because my daughter has just lost her third lost baby to a stillbirth – and I guess I was feeling depressed. I had been advised to start counselling and was just about ready to start. Within a few weeks of adopting Riley I realised one morning I was on the mend, seeing his lovely little face in the mornings made my day so much brighter and, of course, I had to get out and walk him regularly. He’s love on four legs our little boy.
I would recommend that other over-60s who are looking for a pet – or a companion – to look at adopting one. Sixty isn’t ancient and age is certainly not a reason to not open the door to love again. If life takes on more meaning, it just has to be worth taking the risk. Shenton Park will gladly take back any dog and carefully rehome them if we die or ill health makes it impossible to cope. They have a no kill policy, which means they will keep a dog for as long as it takes, even forever if need be. They also have a “Senior for Seniors” programme for senior people to adopt senior fur babies for reduced price.
My advice to fellow seniors tempted to adopt is to forget all of your excuses for not doing it – throw them to the wind and be brave. You will be the one who feels rescued, too, not just your new dog.
Remember, for every dog adopted, you will save two lives, because Shenton Park will fill that kennel space with another dog almost immediately.
Related links:
10 little-known facts about dogs
I’ve rented out my home and become a pet minder