According to Merriam-Webster, “One who is loved and is a remarkable one of its kind is defined as a sweetheart.” To many of us, staff and volunteers alike, the definition sums up how we perceive the many animals that arrive at the Tehama County Animal Care Center (TCACC) located at 1830 Walnut Street, Red Bluff, CA (530-527-3439). We can all expound on how each animal is truly remarkable in its own unique way. To us, each one is an absolute representation of what a sweetheart is.
Many years ago, our ancestors saw scavengers around their campfires. These interlopers would gaze upon those distant relatives with attentiveness, a look that became hard to resist. So they welcomed the furry creatures in from the cold, and what began as a survival contract between two very different species evolved into something else. It morphed into a mutual affection that was and is, much like love. It might not make any sense, but it doesn’t have to. Love rarely touches the reasoning parts of our brain. Instead, it touches the “sweet” part we call our “heart.”
For many, the crux of love and companionship is to find that one true cohort who can help make you whole, like the final piece of a jigsaw puzzle. For those of you still seeking that final puzzle piece, I urge you to seriously consider adopting a dog. “He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart…”. I do not know who originally said this, but I do not think anyone who has had a dog will argue with it. I know I won’t.
Long, truly committed relationships between humans are rare in this modern age, and appear to be getting rarer by the minute, but who can dispute the loyalty and the unwavering devotion of a dog? The examples are endless, one being a film titled “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale”. It is a story based on a real dog named Hachiko and is about an Akita who greets his owner at a train station every day. After the owner died, the dog returned to the station at the same time every day until he also died nine years later. How wonderful it would be if everyone were as devoted to each other as Hachiko was to his owner.
Don’t we all wish to be loved? To have someone devoted to us enough to be there when unwelcome circumstances darken our door and to warm us when the world turns cold? Unfortunately, sometimes, when real problems emerge, those we thought were committed to us fall far from the expectations we hold. Dogs, on the other hand, stand by our side whether we are rich beyond measure or destitute and homeless. It makes no difference whether they are small or large. Where we go, they follow no matter the reason. They watch over us, ever vigilant in their safeguarding, even if it means the forfeit of their own life to protect us from harm. They do not weigh the odds nor hesitate with questions. Dogs are the epitome of selflessness.
There may be no absolute definition of what constitutes a friend. When we think of friendships, we think of traits like loyal, faithful, non-judgmental, trustworthy, supportive, and enjoyable. A friend can calm us, make us laugh, and lift-up our spirits during difficult times. I would venture to guess that I have also just described the dogs with which we share our homes. I will also wager that our dogs are more accepting of all our faults than even our best friends or significant others are. I know my dogs are, and for that I am eternally grateful.
Vincent Van Gogh is quoted as saying, “If you don’t have a dog … at least one … there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life.” Research has indicated that owning a pet can help us live longer, feel healthier, and aid us in dealing with the various stressors that occur in life. Because of dogs, countless lives have been saved or vastly improved. Yet this past year, over 2000 dogs were admitted into our shelter, which equates to roughly 172 dogs arriving each month. Approximately 40 dogs cross the threshold every week, or about 6 per day. The number of stray animals and owner surrenders is overwhelming, and it appears that this current year will not change those figures. But I digress.
In a little over a week, we observe Valentine’s Day, a day to form lasting relationships and celebrate love and devotion from whomever it comes. Therefore, in the spirit of this romantic holiday, why not let the shelter staff and all of us involved with the animals residing there help you find that “sweetheart” you yearn for? The only caveat is that he or she may be a tad furrier than expected and will have more than two legs. After all, a perfect match can come in many shapes, colors, and sizes. I believe there is a very good chance you just might find a bit of the unconditional love you seek, and the enduring companionship you require, at the Tehama County Animal Care Center, located at 1830 Walnut Street, Red Bluff, CA (530-527-3439).
