When Rudi (left) was about 11 years old, he lost about 85% contact with his best dog friend of over 9 yrs. Shortly afterwards, Rudi became depressed. I couldn't get him up in the morning and he layed around bummed out most of the day. He wouldn't even walk much anymore......which is his favorite thing to do.
I understood he missed his buddy and figured he would eventually move through it. I tried to give him extra attention and stay upbeat, but it wasn't working. 2...4...6... months passed and Rudi kept getting worse. So I sought out to find Rudi a new dog buddy.
In my first trip to the local animal shelter, I was immediately drawn to the only dog in the kennel that wasn't barking. I squatted down next to his kennel and put my hand up on the gate. He walked over, sat down, leaned into my hand on the gate and rolled his adorable eyes at me. I stuck my fingers through the fence and he just melted as I petted him. I knew he was the one. I brought Rudi to the shelter on 3 separate occassions and walked the two of them together. Rudi started to get a "skip" in his step and they got along great.
The decision was made and Toby (right) hopped in the back of my SUV with Rudi and plopped down with a look on his face that said; "OK, I'm ready to go home!"
As it turned out, Toby has this happy-go-lucky personality and in just a few weeks, Rudi's depression completely lifted. Rudi and Toby had become fast friends. Within 10 weeks, Rudi was back to walking up to 2 miles. In the end, we needed Toby as much as he needed us....we are a happy pack.
Sidney, OH
