MK, Suzanne's friend. Liger. _______
There were always my 'dog' friends and my 'cat' friends. Independent cats—yes! Needy dogs—no! That was really how I looked at it. At one time I had three cats, but then allergies developed and cleared my life. When I got together with my late partner Maria in 1991, she had two dogs and two cats. Animals were back in my life—complete with air filters.
On Sept. 11, 2006, I got a call from my co-worker Terri: 'I just can't turn this sweet five-month old puppy into the police, my dogs are going crazy and there's no room in any of the animal shelters. Can you 'foster' until the owners are found?' I have dog-sat for friends, so I thought, 'Sure, I can do this. Get a doggie fix and then my life returns to normal.' Little did I know…
A dog, especially a puppy, puts you on a schedule. And, luckily, she was very good if I got her out for a long walk in the morning and in the evening. Yes, it was ( is ) hard getting up earlier when she needed to go, and likewise at night, I probably come home earlier because I still have to take her out. Actually that has been really good for me—walking more and coming home earlier ( Ha! ) .
As the foster mom, I was very busy collecting names and numbers for Terri to interview for permanent placement. Weeks and months were passing—and I was growing attached. I named her MK ( Maria's initials ) because I do feel that the universe and Maria brought her into my life. I mean, really—my first dog!?! At my age?
I had issues. What if I make her neurotic? What if she chews everything? What about my independence? Friends were divided on whether I should keep her. But little by little, MK and I developed our relationship. I took her to PAWS to be neutered. At obedience classes we both learned a lot. I gave her a bath. She has her monthly heartworm chewy and I apply the tick and flea protection. She gets a massage most mornings. We visit friends and family. She has toys and treats. I read dog books.
Once I had MK I really started to notice ALL the dogs in the world. There are zillions! And it seems at least half have LGBT owners ( at least in Rogers Park ) . You meet them on the streets and in the dog parks. I remember the dogs' names before the owners! Dog issues have become my issues. She has grown and learned tricks. She is very smart and knows she is cute. MK also likes to play with boy dogs—imagine! Also, the people at day care said early on that she is an alpha female and she is willful; when I heard that I thought, 'Yes, that's definitely my dog.'
I can say happily that life with a dog is a great life. I am glad Terri called me. Adopt!
FEATURED PET FOR ADOPTION: LIGER
Hi, my name is Liger ( half lion, half tiger! ) I am a 10-year-old, very healthy, declawed female ( front paws only ) . I am incredibly personable and I am a big conversationalist. My fur is the softest in all the land. I'm looking for a home for the second half of my life. Please consider me, I'm a very cool cat. Tree House Animal Foundation; adoption@treehouseanimals.org; 773-784-5488
