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My sister-in-law, Shirley, who owns
Shirley's Shuttle Service, recently took a group to Marion to see a performance. Coming back
she told me about the boy she wanted to adopt; he'd had a walk-on part in
the play.
In the program that night, it stated the
young man was up for adoption. She was going to call them the next day to
see about starting the proceedings.
After she continued telling me about Luke, I
said, "Oh, Shirley, he sounds just like what I have been wanting;
would you ask if they have another we could adopt!"
I told her how I had been searching for a
boy just like Luke. Shirley saw my desire; she said if I wanted Luke I
could request him instead of her.
That is how we managed to find and adopt our
new little eighteen month old boy. He has certainly changed our lives in a
short time.
My husband Bill, Shirley, and I, went to
Anna, Illinois, where Luke was residing in a temporary foster no-kill
shelter, Paws Place Adoption Center.
You see, Luke is a "LARGE" Labradoole (Standard Poodle/Labrador Retriever).
Believe you me; Luke is large enough to retrieve anything Luke wants! At
eighteen months, if he's not fully grown yet, he'll soon be a giant living
under our roof!
Ever since I saw a picture of Labradooles offered by our local county animal shelter,
I've wanted one. Since I was too late in getting one from our local
shelter, I expanded my search.
Checking out the Internet about the breed
and their origin, I discovered the "Aussie" Labradoole
breeding stock originated in Australia; they are indeed the
cream of the crop.
When I inquired about the cost from a
breeder in Ohio who raises
multi-generational labradoodles imported from the
Australian research and breeding centers, Tegan Park and Rutland Manor, I was
informed her prices ranged from 2,300. - 2,500 dollars.
Well, needless to say; I knew I wouldn't be
getting a Labradoole. No, not for Christmas, my
birthday, anniversary or for any other occasion!
I had researched and been told the breed
didn't shed and was very good for people with allergies, also for people
with handicaps. I might add, also for women who have husbands with a wad in
their pockets they don't know what to do with – that left me out!
I have always wanted a service dog to help
me with some of my hardships, and wondered if that particular breed might
be just what I needed. Well, I decided I better mark that brilliant idea
off my list!
So you see when Shirley told me about the
dog, with a walk-on part in the play, and said he was a Labradoole
and the sweetest thing she had ever seen, and the price was just a little
over 100 dollars, (for his neutering and shots and treatment). I fell in
love - sight unseen!
Luke though from a Labrador/Poodle was not
from Aussie stock. The family who eventually owned him had not provided a
perfect home. Oh, he had been fed and watered, but had been tied up in
their backyard. When they decided to move they gave him to the Paws
shelter.
When he entered his foster home at the
shelter, Luke was found to have heart worms. They began his treatment, had
him neutered and brought all his shots up to date. They did not offer him
up for adoption until he was healthy and had gotten a taste of what real
love was all about.
After being introduced to Luke, interviewed
by Paws employees, and agreeing to our responsibilities, we were accepted
as Luke's adoptive parents. I already loved him – it was a
no-brainer!
After signing the papers, Bill took me back
to the car and situated me in the back seat. Then he brought Luke out to
load him into the van. He jumped right up into the seat beside me as soon
as Bill opened the door.
Headed home, we hadn't gone very far before
Luke was leaning against me, the next thing I knew he was on my lap! Now a
giant Labradoole is NOT a lap dog! But we were
both smitten. It was love at first sight.
Next we were on our way home to introduce
Luke to Missy, our Dandi Dinmont
Terrier, who we adopted from our local animal shelter ten and a half years
ago.
There is nothing like the love you receive
from an animal that has been rescued. They know you have taken them from a
less than perfect life and given them a second chance. They love
unconditionally.
If you are thinking about adopting an
animal, please do not unless you intend to do so with love and
responsibility. Remember that animals were created by God, the same as man,
and they do not deserve to be mistreated.
When we returned home, and pulled into our
driveway, Bill went inside to get Missy and bring her out to be introduced
to her new brother, Luke.
Their introduction, and other
"ESCAPADES" - to be continued!!
If you would like to see the Picture of Luke
before we adopted him, go to the site below - he has since been to the vet,
the beauty shop and has received more love than he has ever known. He is at
this moment laying at my husbands feet. His little sister is laying on the
couch by Bill! They are spoiled!
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=6710992
Question of the week: Do you know of anyone
or organization who trains dogs to be service dogs?
© 2006 Betty King
Email Betty at baking2@charter.net
Visit her website at www.bettyking.net
Betty King is an author, freelance writer, a
Life Style and Devotional newspaper columnist and a frequent contributor to
the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series and other anthology books and
publications.
********************
Go to Betty's website and read excerpts from
all three of her books including her new book, The Fragrance of Life. Also
her Scattering Seeds and Points to Ponder columns are available to read.
Spend awhile on the Reflections page and enjoy peaceful reflections.
If you desire to order one of the books the
information is there to do so, if not, enjoy your stay and return often.
Betty's Website
www.bettyking.net
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