Simba

For all those who may be hesitant to adopt an older dog, you may be missing out on one of the most spectacular best friends you could ever want. We adopted Simba, a lab/chow mix, from Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in November 2005. We went to the shelter to "look" at the dogs and were considering an "older" dog around 3 or 4 so it would already be housebroken. Then we saw Simba. He had the most beautiful face and eyes - he was wagging his tail and it looked like he was smiling. He reminded us of this wonderful dog my sister had named Tigger, who had also been a chow mix and had passed away a few years previously.

We knew right then we wanted Simba. He was 8 years old and had lyme disease (there was a big red L on his chart). We decided we would rather have the most awesome dog for a shorter period of time than settle for second best just because of age, and the Lyme disease was so easy to treat. The Humane Society even gave us the medication at no cost! Simba was to have been picked up to go to the Peppertree Rescue later that day - we almost missed out! - and because we took Simba, another dog got to go to Peppertree!

Simba was everything we expected and more: a wonderful family pet - in fact, a true member of our family - who was good to kids, adults, other pets, and even little kids who sometimes were a little rough in petting him. Everyone loved Simba. We had a dog walker come during the day so Simba got plenty of exercise in addition to the walks we gave him. When he got a little older, one of the members of the 4H club we belong to made Simba a step so he could still get up on the bed.

Simba was the nicest dog and it is with great sadness we report that after almost 5 years with us, he went to doggie heaven on Friday. He is mourned by our neighbors (who brought us casseroles), relatives, friends, and everyone he ever came in contact with, especially his best friend Buster Brown, our 1 1/2 year old dog. In his memory we have donated to MHHS to sponsor the adoption fee for a dog who is a little less young so that some family might know the same joy we did. Not only are older dogs awesome, so are mixed-breed dogs. Don't overlook the wonderful love and happiness these new best friends can bring into your lives! We will be back for our next best friend at some point in the future, but for now we just want to say thank you for bringing so much happiness to us through Simba.

Clare, Rachel, and Justin - Voorheesville

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