Shelter Awareness
I have a big fat confession to make. Wednesdays are supposed to be shelter awareness days. I made that decision. And aside from my one trip to the local shelter to adopt Bosco the cat, I haven’t been back.

Because I’m a coward.
Y’all, it was everything I could do not to walk out of that shelter with the little Australian shepherd in tow. Seriously. Bring a dog and a cat home to my two Aussie mixes and the backyard birds – I almost made a very stupid decision. Had it not been for my friend who was coming to adopt the little Aussie (she arrived ten minutes after I left), that stupid decision would have been made.

To make matters worse, my Hunny fully expected me to bring home the dog. In fact, had my friend not adopted it, he was insisting I go back for it. So, in my pea brain, that’s more or less a golden ticket to bring home another dog at some point, should I fall in love. At a shelter.
Which means I haven’t visited a shelter since. I fall in love too easily. Always have.
So I’m falling down on the job, y’all. And Christmas is coming. And my perimenopausal hormones are all, “Look at the sad, bedraggled dog! You need to go to that shelter and save that dog! GET UP! GO! GET THAT DOG!!” Shelter awareness – I’m WAY too aware. And it frightens me.
What I Want vs Reality
I really do want to volunteer at a shelter. If you go to Jones Natural Chews website, you’ll see that my employers put me to shame. Laura and her family volunteer at the Noah’s Ark Sanctuary shelter. They contribute. It’s important to them.
What’s a girl to do? Be defined by her fears? No. That’s not right. So I’m making a promise right now: Next week on Wednesday I’ll have photos and stories from a local shelter. One which I will visit. Honest. I’m not looking forward to it. I seriously am afraid I’ll bring home a dog. We just can’t have another dog right now. Flash and Patches are nearly eleven. The chickens and ducks are tender white and dark meat. We already feed extra teenagers.
I’m whining, aren’t I? Sorry. Hm. Let’s ask Darth Vader what he would do, shall we?

Evidently Darth is in the Christmas mood. I think he’s saying that he would volunteer his time in a shelter because it’s the right thing to do. If he had arms and legs. I, for one, am grateful that he can’t wield a light saber in his current state. Not that it stops him from using the force.
So stay tuned next Wednesday for photos and stories. I’m sure my exuberant self, who can’t keep quiet, will leak out bits and pieces as it occurs. *sigh* I’m sure I’ll scrounge up towels and blankets to bring. Probably cleaning supplies. Maybe a big bag of Jones Natural Chews. I’ll let y’all know.
Today’s post is obviously gently recycled. I now have four rescue dogs, so it’s true, I’m a sucker for a cute dog. We also have two cats instead of one. And I avoid shelters like the plague, except to bring them supplies occasionally. But if you’re considering a pet for Christmas, please visit your local shelter. At least take your family, some supplies, and go love on some cute critters.
Giveaway
Don’t forget to enter our Wheezer Stick giveaway! Tweeting daily increases your chances of winning. Your dog will sit up and wish you a Merry Christmas if you win! And you’ll love the single ingredient, all natural goodness.
Spreading the good chews …
Flea