While Joanna and I may be the dogs’ owners in the eyes of the law, the idea of “ownership” doesn’t convey the true nature of the relationship as we see and experience it. We are responsible for the dogs (and to them); we provide for their needs as best we can. But the idea of an intelligent sentient being reduced to the level of property just doesn’t feel right to me. The pickup in the driveway is mine. The dogs sleeping beside my chair are good friends who live here.
When Elky & Tassel came to us we welcomed Marv and Ellen, their previous owners, to come for a visit with the girls any time they wish. We could see that they were pleased at placing the dogs in our home, and we wanted them to be able to maintain their long friendship with the girls in whatever way they were comfortable. We knew the dogs would be delighted to see them, and we figured it would be best for all of us if they did. Our daughter Kelly laughed when she heard this, saying it sounds like we’re part of one of those “open adoptions” you hear of these days, where the birth mother stays in contact with the child and the adoptive parents and is involved to some degree in the child’s life.
I’ve been sending regular reports and photos to Marv and Ellen, letting them know how well the dogs have adjusted to their new routine, and how much we enjoy having these beautiful and intelligent animals in our lives. Thus it was with delight that we received Ellen’s request to come over for a visit. They are about to embark on an extended vacation, and they thought it would be nice to see the girls before they left town.
This afternoon Marv and Ellen rang our doorbell and were welcomed by two very happy Corgis. After brief pleasantries they took Elky and Tassel to the wooded trails of the Grand Forest park just down the road. They returned in an hour or so and the dogs sprawled on the floor while we went over the details of an adoption agreement Marv had worked up. It contains the usual things: that we’ll maintain the dogs’ health and see that they have regular checkups at the vet; notify them if the dogs become critically ill, die, or we are no longer to continue ownership (that word again) of the dogs. We also agree to allow them future visits and to continue to send pictures and updates occasionally.
Marv & Ellen posed with the dogs for pictures on the front porch and then walked to the car. Elky and Tassel, who were off-leash, stood on the porch and watched them go...both pairs of ears in the full-up and forward position. I briefly worried that one or both would break away and perhaps chase the car but they simply sat at attention and watched their friends drive away. We came inside for cookies, and once again I marveled at Corgi resilience.
When Elky & Tassel came to us we welcomed Marv and Ellen, their previous owners, to come for a visit with the girls any time they wish. We could see that they were pleased at placing the dogs in our home, and we wanted them to be able to maintain their long friendship with the girls in whatever way they were comfortable. We knew the dogs would be delighted to see them, and we figured it would be best for all of us if they did. Our daughter Kelly laughed when she heard this, saying it sounds like we’re part of one of those “open adoptions” you hear of these days, where the birth mother stays in contact with the child and the adoptive parents and is involved to some degree in the child’s life.
I’ve been sending regular reports and photos to Marv and Ellen, letting them know how well the dogs have adjusted to their new routine, and how much we enjoy having these beautiful and intelligent animals in our lives. Thus it was with delight that we received Ellen’s request to come over for a visit. They are about to embark on an extended vacation, and they thought it would be nice to see the girls before they left town.
This afternoon Marv and Ellen rang our doorbell and were welcomed by two very happy Corgis. After brief pleasantries they took Elky and Tassel to the wooded trails of the Grand Forest park just down the road. They returned in an hour or so and the dogs sprawled on the floor while we went over the details of an adoption agreement Marv had worked up. It contains the usual things: that we’ll maintain the dogs’ health and see that they have regular checkups at the vet; notify them if the dogs become critically ill, die, or we are no longer to continue ownership (that word again) of the dogs. We also agree to allow them future visits and to continue to send pictures and updates occasionally.
Marv & Ellen posed with the dogs for pictures on the front porch and then walked to the car. Elky and Tassel, who were off-leash, stood on the porch and watched them go...both pairs of ears in the full-up and forward position. I briefly worried that one or both would break away and perhaps chase the car but they simply sat at attention and watched their friends drive away. We came inside for cookies, and once again I marveled at Corgi resilience.
1 comment:
And I marvel at your resilience, Jim. Those girls know your are their friend and they can count on you!!
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