Hello Ollie, My New Housemate

Today I was supposed to be writing about Sleep. But I learned long ago that when life takes me in a different direction it’s best to just go with it.

When I do post the Sleep article there will be a comment or two about adjusting to life with a new housemate. I’m getting a dog!!! 

A few weeks ago I wrote ‘5 Proven Reasons Why Seniors Should Adopt a Dog’ so I’m following my own advice. The last time I had a dog of my own in the house was 10 years ago. Life will be different, but great at the same time.

For several years I had talked myself out of getting a pet. When I decided to bring a dog into my life again I knew that I wanted a rescue dog.

I discovered that there are a lot of similarities between looking online for a dog and my past experience with searching online dating sites for a partner. First, there is the photo – hmmm intriguing – and then reading the profile to look for important qualities that match my lifestyle and non-negotiables in a partner.

Is he super active and needs to be outside all the time?
Is he a yapper and maybe not interested in listening to others?
Is he well-mannered and able to socialize easily with others?
Is he messy, with hair all over the place and a drooler? 

Do you see where I’m going with this? There are lots of similarities but the biggest difference is that after looking into a few possible matches I found the absolute perfect dog for me in an 18-month-old, 8 kg, mixed breed rescue from Tijuana.

Once the adoption application was submitted the next step was an in-home check. The adoption organization always looks for the best chance for a successful forever home, it’s not just about what I am looking for. 

Thankfully I didn’t need to wait long to get an answer. When Lisa from Furever Freed Dog Rescue called to tell me I was approved I was absolutely elated. 

Now the work of preparing for Ollie to join me began:

• the right size bed – actually two
• car seat cover
• safety harness for the car
• snuggly blanket 
• numerous toys
• water dish and food dish
• travel water dish
• leash and a collar
• dog food and treats
• a name tag 
• baby gate to use while he gets used to the house

I received a thorough outline of the adoption process, expectations and suggestions for the best way to welcome Ollie to his new home. The incredible work animal rescue groups do is beyond words.

I was told to expect Ollie to be nervous and uncertain, life has been uncertain for him. Always have him on a leash is the golden rule. The suggestion is to keep him close to home with limited activity or people visiting for the first few days. Letting him settle in at his own pace once he gets home with me will go a long way to build trust.

After we meet and his health check is done, we have a 4-hour drive back home. Of course, I will have him secured in the car so he’s safe, but there is a chance that he could be car sick. Definitely not ideal and not a pretty scene to imagine, me speeding along the highway, Ollie testing out the durability of my floor mats – but I’ll be prepared.

As with all new relationships, there will be an adjustment period. We’ll learn how to be together, how to play, show each other love and how to respect boundaries. 

I hope he doesn’t snore.