We have long felt that Princess Emmeline Louise would be the only dog in our home until she went to the dog park in the sky for a number of reasons.
1. She doesn't really dig on other dogs.
Okay, so just the one reason then.
But with so many cute wrinkly dogs out there in need of homes, we started to wonder if perhaps Emmy Lou, as she slowly reaches seniorhood at 8 1/2, would be able to get over it. What I'm saying is that Jesus really laid it on our hearts to think about adopting another rescue dog.
So every time we saw a rescue dog on the Vancouver Shar Pei Rescue page or the TnT Shar Pei Rescue page, we oohed and aahed and wondered a little bit but knew that these dogs weren't right for us or we weren't right for them.
Some dogs needed a yard (which we don't really have). Some dogs were young and perky (which Emmy really hates). Some dogs seemed affectionate (which we can't have, because Emmy's complete indifference to us is part of her charm). Some dogs needed a firm, experienced hand (which we don't have, because Emmy is our first ever dog and she's freakishly good, except for how she's sometimes a douche on walks).
But something clicked when we saw Lola's picture on the Facebook. I don't know what it was. Her one good eye? Her fat little waggly tail? The fact that she is nine years old and has been left outside, unwalked, lying on the concrete in her yard all day, every day, her whole life? Who can say? All we knew is that she would be ours.
Because COME ON! LOOK AT THAT FACE!
We went to meet Lola on Sunday and I took it as auspicious that when they first met, Emmy Lou and Lola touched noses and Emmy actually gave a little tail wag, which is extremely rare. Then she went on to whiz all over Lola's yard and drank Lola's water, and Lola didn't care.
So after arranging with TnT volunteer Amanda to have Lola visit the vet this week for her obvious eye problems (and less obvious leg problems), Katr and I hit the PetSmart and bought everything they had. Naturally, Lola would have to have three beds, like Emmy - one living room bed, one office bed and one bedroom bed. The PetSmart employees were mystified by this arrangement.
Jean at PetSmart: "So...you have three dogs?"
Me: "No, no...just two dogs."
JPS: "Who is the third bed for?"
Me: "No, see...our current dog has three beds, so this new dog gets three beds."
JPS: "Ohhh. Huh. Is it a puppy?"
Me: "No! She's nine years old and mostly blind."
JPS: "Oh my. Oh, aren't you a precious person? Dave - Dave - Dave, come 'ere! Dave, this lady is adopting an old, blind dog."
Dave was pretty impressed.
After a successful vet visit and a no-barf trip in Amanda's car, Lola arrived at our place yesterday and immediately staked her claim on our yard with the most massive dump I have every seen. Then she told Emmy all about it.
Lola: OMG, did you SEE that?
Emmy: You disgust me.
We all hung out outside for awhile and then we decided it was time to introduce Lola to a new concept - being inside during the day! Her previous family only let her inside at night to sleep, so being indoors while it was still light out seemed super weird. So Lola got as close to outside as possible.
and then, hours later...still right there. Emmy's all "Why doesn't she just get on her bed like a normal person? What a nimrod. Hey, is that a salmon treat?"
Not shown in this shot is one of Lola's three beds, which she has yet to embrace.
Despite her obvious confusion at her new circumstances, Lola still managed to eat a full meal and get drops in her sad little eyes with no fuss. She is also super keen to walk, even though her back legs are a little wobbly and may require surgery. As with most blind dogs (and the honey badger) she doesn't give a shit - she does just fine with her schnozz. As you can see, she's a big mammajamma - so I'm sure a more reasonable diet and lots of little walks will make things a easier on those hind legs.
It's been less than 24 hours and so far, so good - no dog fights, no messing in the house and no crazy barking! Naturally, outdoor dog Lola is happier being close to the outside instead of in the office with us, but she's slowly inching closer. Maybe we'll even get her on a bed today! Right, Lola? Right?
Good dog.
