Hello dear friends,
I’m a dog, so I have to enlist the assistance
of a human to help me write my musings and experiences on day to day events at
Animal Tracks. Of course I’m not computer savvy and my knowledge of the
internet is all but nonexistent. But I understand you humans are connected by
social and media networks and use sites such as Facebook to spread the word and
raise awareness of creatures in need and other such worthy causes. Love it or
hate it, some feel that it’s a trivial platform to bleat on about your humdrum
daily lives or a sinister invasion of privacy, others that it’s a great way to
spread awareness of important issues and enlist help and support for a
charitable venture. But then you are all at liberty to block, delete or simply
refrain from viewing.
Recently the plight of an old dog called Skubi was posted on some Facebook timelines by supporters of International Animal Rescue Goa with a wonderfully positive outcome.
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| Skubi at Animal Tracks |
Old dog Skubi had really
fallen on hard times and his future seemed bleak and inevitable. Sadly his
primary human carers had both died in quick succession leaving Skubi bereft and
alone after over a decade of living as the family’s pet and companion. A
relative who came to the house to sort out the affairs of the deceased, finding
poor Skubi, old, sad and alone, brought him to Animal Tracks and suggested that
euthanasia may be the kindest option.
But of course this is not
the policy at our rescue centre and we offered the alternative which was to
seek a new home for Skubi. But as the days passed there was no interest from
the people who came to adopt a rescue pet, most were looking out for a new pup
or kitten or a mature animal with a lot of life left to live. Skubi, with his
sad old face, droopy inner eyelids and far from perfect physique ravaged by
time, held no appeal for many. But the rescue centre staff, volunteers and all
of us centre resident animals knew that Skubi was a sweet and special still
viable soul and worked hard to find a new home for him to spend the remainder
of his days.
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| Skubi's Facebook appeal |
A plea on behalf of Skubi
was posted on some Facebook timelines in the hope that all it needed was one
connection with the human he needed. And very shortly Skubi’s plea touched the
particular hearts of not one but three kind humans. Animal lover and IAR fund-raiser Jenny far away in Scotland had worked previously as a volunteer at
Animal Tracks and was so touched by Skubi she offered to sponsor his food and
medication for the rest of his days. But even closer to home were Dagmar and
Ric who are staunch animal welfare advocates within their local Goan community.
Dagmar too was moved by the Facebook plea and Skubi’s sad face and desperate
situation. The couple who have a beautiful home full of other rescued animals
in a tranquil, safe rural location opened up their hearts to Skubi. They
decided that if he was accepted by the other animals in the house then he could
stay. A visit was swiftly arranged and dear old Skubi gave an almost audible
sigh of relief the moment he arrived. It was as if he somehow knew this could
be a second chance at life and happiness. Usually we insist that an adoptive
animal is kept secure and controlled for the first few days in a new home, but
Skubi’s integration was virtually instant and within a few short hours he was
confidently strolling through the nearby countryside with his new family as if
he’d always been a part of it.
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| A smiling Skubi with his new mum! |
Of course we always
stress to adopt a rescue animal and never buy a new pet. But please consider
taking in a senior, we have so much to offer the right human guardians. The
constant demands of a pup can be time-consuming and bothersome, especially at
the house training, shoe chewing mischievous phases.
Older dogs have usually passed through these problematic stages and have little
desire to roam or get into trouble, unlike a youngster full of boundless
energy, zest and enthusiasm. An older animal often merely requires some comfort
and stability in his later years and will seek out a calm situation with quiet
companionship and love. Also our exercise, although still crucial, is not too time-consuming
for our humans to cope with, we grey muzzled seniors are happy with a quiet
stroll and seldom embark on the demanding throwing and retrieving of a ball or
other stimulating activities associated with a young pup’s nurturing. That’s
not to say us oldies aren’t always still up for a walk: even if we can no longer
instantly jump to attention, our old ears prick up at the command “walkies” or
the sound of the leash being removed from its hook in readiness for an outing.
Often potential adoptees
are put off taking a senior companion thinking the animal will fail to bond or
be too set in his ways. Also the fear of losing a pet relatively soon after
becoming emotionally attached and the worry of age-associated medical problems
can be a negative factor when considering adopting an older animal. There is
basis in fact for all these concerns and misunderstanding, but with responsible
care and diet and huge amounts of love, caring for an older animal in his
twilight years or months can bring unimagined joy and unconditional affection
to a person’s life.
The rewards, even short
term can far outweigh the pain of inevitable loss at losing a true friend.
Wherever you are in the
world I ask you to always adopt from your local shelter and please consider the
benefits of an older animal that may well fit more appropriately with your life
than a young feisty demanding pup or kitten.
In much of society older
dogs, cats, other pets and often people are considered expendable and given up
on because no one can be bothered with them.
Old dogs make great
companions. Please don’t give up on us at the end of our time - we would never
ever do that to you whatever the circumstances. Not all of us get the chance at
a new start, but each and every one of us deserves to live out a natural life
with love and shelter, a warm bed and enough food.
Skubi has been truly
blessed to meet Dagmar and her family and find his final forever home.
Of course IAR Goa’s
Animal Tracks centre will provide continued support and free medical care for
the next year of Skubi’s life. All funding for the rescue centre is provided by
generous donations, however large or small, which enable International Animal Rescue to focus on
helping more animals in the future.
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| Skubi meets his new family |
Skubi has swapped his
loneliness after losing his old family for a wonderful fresh start, a safe
place to rest his old bones and snooze away his days on a luxury padded bed
instead of a cold hard floor . With ongoing improvements in veterinary care,
diagnosis and treatment there is no reason why he won’t live happy and healthy
for a long time to come.
As with humans, age
should be no barrier to learning and yes, it is possible to teach an old dog a
few new tricks in order to secure his path to happiness.
The moral of Skubi’s story is that it really
is never too late for any of us to have a chance at a new beginning.
That’s all from me for now!
Love from Olive x
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