This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Golden Years

Experience the love of sheltered animals.

By loving and caring for the older dog or cat, we make a statement about compassion and the value of life at all ages. Just as the puppy and the kitten have their whole life ahead of them, so does the older dog and cat have the rest of their life ahead of them.  That older animal often enjoys the best years of his life while at the same time nurturing in us warmth, compassion and wisdom.

This beautiful statement comes from my invitation to the Orphans of the Storm animal shelter, 2012 Annual Benefit Dinner.  The theme of the Benefit this year is Golden Years, celebrating the joys and rewards of the older pets. 

I’ve adopted several dogs from this orphanage in the past and I always bring home an older or physically challenged animal.  For years I thought that I was saving them but when I look back at my life I realize that they were the ones saving me.  Nothing feels better them coming home to a wiggly tail and a wet kiss.  For your animal friend, you are always gorgeous, intelligent, rich, loving and they always make you feel like you are the most important person in the universe. 

Find out what's happening in Buffalo Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Sheltered dogs are the most appreciative.  The mature dogs bring peace to your home and to your life.  I have heard people ask me “how can you deal with the deaths of so many dogs in your life?”  Everyone has to die, including animals, but I know that before they died they have learned to trust people again and they were “Beloved”.

For years I was so afraid of death.  I attended only a few funerals in my lifetime.  Living with my dogs, I’ve learned that there are more tragic things then dieing.  Suffering or just not appreciating life is a bigger waist then death.  Please consider adopting or if you are afraid of the medical bills, foster an animal and this experience will change your life.  If you would like to donate to Orphans of the Storm, please send your check to Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter P.O. Box 31 Riverwoods (Deerfield), IL 60015 or call Donna Heggie at 630-567-7240 if you would like to attend the Benefit Dinner.

Find out what's happening in Buffalo Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“May you walk in a beauty in a sacred way, may you walk in a beauty each and every day”

Anna

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?