A Dog’s Tale of Adoption: Happy Union
Erin E. O’Neill, GA, www.mariettatimes.com

It's official. Marlene Delaney is a certified "dog person."

The Norwood resident never had a dog growing up and even admits that she was afraid of them.

But that was before Dudley came into her life.

"When I saw him at the shelter, I thought he was very funny-looking. He wasn't attractive," Delaney laughed.

It turns out the 5-year-old pooch, who was surrendered by his previous owner to the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley, is actually a Basset/Labrador mix - or a "Bassador." The dogs are known for their short legs, long body and long ears.

"There is actually a Facebook group that my daughter found. We looked at it, and there was a picture and it looked exactly like him (Dudley)," Delaney said.

Dudley officially entered Delaney's life last March after a period of fostering. She was introduced to volunteering at the shelter by her sister, Carol McKitrick, and has become "hooked."

However, there was some trepidation at first.

"I was a little concerned to foster. I have fostered other dogs but Dudley is actually the first healthy dog I've had," Delaney said.

Dudley was posted on PetFinder.com as a dog up for adoption, and Delaney's contact information was listed. But after the second inquiry came in, Delaney knew that she could not part with him.

"It was a match made in heaven," she said. "He is the perfect dog for someone who's never had a dog. He's like me; he's very low-key."

Delaney is the mother of a grown son and a daughter in high school. The addition of Dudley to the family was a blessing in disguise.

"My son was out of the house, my daughter in high school and working. I needed someone to take care of," Delaney said.

With all the emotion of a doting parent, she added, "(Dudley) has taught me patience and gives me companionship. He has brought everything to my life."

And Delaney doesn't need a doorbell. Dudley's distinctive bark alerts her to any visitors.

As is the case with many shelter dogs, especially those who are older, Dudley has suffered from a little bit of separation anxiety. Dogs are social creatures that need routine, structure, limits and boundaries.

When separated from the life they have known and put into a strange environment, a dog can exhibit distress and behavior problems, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

Dudley has adapted well, though, even when Delaney's job as a nurse has her leaving home at different times.

"He'll sit and stay when I leave. I give him a treat. Then he will stay on my bed when I sleep during the day," she said.

When contemplating adoption, one must give a great deal of thought to the kind of animal they would like to have and whether or not that animal will adapt to their routine. Adopting is pet is not a decision to be taken lightly.

But once the decision to get a dog - or a cat - has been made, the decision of where to find that new addition to the family is a no-brainer, at least as far as Marlene Delaney is concerned.

"Everyone who is getting a dog needs to go to the shelter," she said. "They know you are saving their lives."