Ralph and Lauren- a touching adoption story

So many people would balk at adopting a senior pet- let alone two!- but this story, written by a client, explains just why we older pets may just be the perfect choice!

Near the end of August our Beagle/Bassett mix, Ginger, whom we had for 7 years, since she was a puppy, was diagnosed with lymphoma and a week later unfortunately passed. At first we decided we did not want another dog as her passing was an immense loss for my husband John and I. A few weeks later we both (unbeknown to each other) began to look at the Weld County Humane Society website. Our cat, Oliver, who we adopted there about 6 years ago was missing his sister and our family had a gap that we felt the need to fill. One day on the website I saw Lauren's picture, then I saw Ralph's. They looked so sweet and I just felt so drawn to go and see them.

My husband came home that day and asked if I wanted to go to the humane society, after a long discussion about whether we were ready to get another dog or not we decided to go and just look. When we arrived we were overwhelmed by all the dogs and wanted to adopt them all! Then we got to Ralph and Lauren. I did not originally know that they were a pair of beagles that came together. They were on adoption special since they were almost 9 years old, had some dental issues, and had to come together. They looked so sweet, sad, and pitiful, something about them just tugged at our heart strings.

We decided to meet a puppy first, as we did not really want an older dog (we were afraid to lose another pet). The puppy was so energetic and loving, but we just couldn't get Ralph and Lauren out of our minds. We decided to meet them as well. I was expecting slow moving, lethargic old dogs, but in came Lauren prancing and jumping up giving kisses and Ralph wagging his tail wildly. It was instant love! We talked with the vet tech about their health and dental problems and decided we needed to discuss if we wanted the senior pair or the puppy.

On the way home John and I decided that the puppy would be adopted fast and that dental issues or not, Ralph and Lauren were for us. We felt they would be hard to find a home for since they had to come together and since they were older. I called that night and said I would be there after work to come and pick them up. We thought we were crazy for going from not wanting a dog again to taking two, senior beagles with teeth problems!
The next day I went straight from work to the humane society to pick up Ralph and Lauren. When I got there the puppy we had looked at was being adopted by another couple, who were very active and seemed a perfect match. At that moment I knew adopting Ralph and Lauren was meant to be. I got the dogs home and we immediately bonded!

Adopting two senior dogs was one of the best decisions we have made. As with any new pet there was the time period of getting into a routine, establishing trust, and a bit of training, but we had none of the issues that go with a puppy. They still love to play, but they also love to cuddle. Their activity level is perfect for our busy lifestyle and we can trust them to be at home. I would very much recommend adopting an older dog! Ours are so well behaved! They fit perfectly with our family and I can't imagine not having them!! Oliver loves them too, in fact we can't keep him and Lauren away from each other!

As for their dental work, we had both of them taken care of. I can't believe how it improved their energy level (it feels like we have puppies sometimes!), made their horrible breath go away (I don't mind their kisses anymore!), and how their eyes are brighter and you can just tell they feel good! Ralph has no teeth, and Lauren has 11. They eat normal, small piece, dry food just fine and are cuter than ever. We appreciate all that West Ridge Animal Hospital has done for us and our new family! Getting their teeth taken care of was so worth it! It seems expensive, but in the long run will help your pet so much.

Although Ginger will never be replaced, adding Ralph and Lauren to our family was one of the best decisions we've made! After their dental procedures, we now have two perfectly healthy, senior dogs and we couldn't be happier. Whether we have them for a year, or many years to come, adopting and caring for Ralph and Lauren is incredibly fulfilling! I would recommend adopting an older dog or dogs for sure!!!