MUSINGS OF A LOCAL by Iris Mead - A New Beginning for both Dog and Owner

We all know the saying “let sleeping dogs lie” but fortunately for a little Lhasa Apso-Yorkshire Terrier mix sitting in a cage at the Heart of the Catskills Animal Shelter in Delhi this did not happen.  A rescue from a puppy mill, Gris, short for Griswald, is now happily living the good life with a family that took a chance on a pint-size dog after years of enjoying the company of large dogs, their last one a 16 year-old Black Lab who died a few years ago.

On a whim, Gris’s potential adoptee stopped at the shelter on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day last year.  They were not yet open.  She noticed this very quiet small dog sitting with a hyper puppy in an outdoor cage.  They stared at each, Gris never made a sound.  Something stirred in her heart as they looked at each other.  Just then the shelter’s executive director happened to come outside and offered to bring Gris in so that they could meet.  She was able to hold, pet and hug him.  Even though he hardly made a sound, those eyes told her “you make me feel safe.”  After walking Gris, she was told there was a family that was also interested in him.  She left the shelter hoping that the mutual attraction they had shared would happen.  The following Tuesday, she received a call from Heart of the Catskills sharing the good news that Griswald was available for adoption if she was still interested.  Yes, this small, quiet dog was rescued by a family of tall people who were used to large dogs.  And he has thrived.

Griswald is now well-known throughout the community as he does the best down-dog of anyone in the yoga class that he regularly attends, goes to meditation classes where he mediates by sleeping after greeting everyone, knows most of the merchants in the local stores, even quietly sits in his sling while his owner enjoys a meal, sometimes even getting a treat.  Watching him act like a puppy when he’s excited to see his owner is a joy.  As his owner/friend says, “Griswald is the companion I never dreamed of.  I have met countless people because of him.” She is forever thankful to the person that rescued him from the puppy mill and for Heart of the Catskills for sheltering him.

You can help Heart of the Catskills by adopting a dog or cat, especially now that kitten season will soon be arriving, and by donating food, clean towels and money at any time.  Their spring fundraiser, Cocktails & Pints for Paws is on Saturday May 2 from 4-8 PM at Union Grove Distillery. Tickets can be purchased online at www. hchs-event.org or at the shelter.

Heart of the Catskills: 46610 Route 10, Delhi, NY 13753, 607-746-3080