The Shamus Chronicles: Pets

By Betty Poole

In recent weeks, letters and articles have been appearing in our local newspaper, relative to abandoned dogs from Prince George being adopted by Salt Spring Islanders.

My interest in the project is particularly piqued because it is my daughter, Gayle who has initiated and is facilitating the effort to save many fine, healthy animals from death.

In her search for a worthy use for her spare time, Gayle joined the Prince George S.P.C.A, and thus became familiar with the city's pound. She was saddened to learn that approximately 800 dogs per year taken from the city's streets are routinely euthanized. Her response was to adopt two dogs herself. And then she looked around for likely homes for as many others as she could find.

Having lived in the Gulf Islands in the past, Gayle knows that there are many dog lovers among us. She contacted the Salt Spring S.P.C.A. and is working with them in taking applications from suitable adoptors, finding and matching as closely as possible their preferences as to breed and gender, and shipping the lucky individuals by air to Victoria Airport where the S.P.C.A meets them. The most important requirement on the part of the adoptor is to ensure that their pet is spayed or neutered.

Shamus originated in Prince George. Gayle spotted him in the confines of a pet store. The proprietor informed Gayle that he had been returned by a disgruntled purchaser, and that Gayle could have him free of charge. Otherwise he would go to the pound.

I am convinced that nothing happens by chance. Shamus came into my life at exactly the right time. He is my constant and faithful companion, and an on-going source of interest and surprise.

My neighbour Veronica was the recipient of one of Gayle's protegees from the pound at the same time Shamus arrived. Penny has turned out to be an exceptionally intellegent and affectionate companion. Veronica recently sold her house and has moved to a new home. Her choice of location was strongly influenced by what she considered to be Penny's needs in that a large field adjoins her home, which is ideally suited for daily walks. When Veronica and I get together now, Shamus and Penny greet one another with wild abandon and delight. Anyone listening to our conversation would arguably assume we were comparing children. We relate to one another the latest wonders of intelligent behavior on the part of our pets. It is almost a competition, and Shamus and Penny listen with cocked ears and complacent looks.

I could go on endlessly with an account of the mental development of Shamus, but I will save that for another time. In the meantime, I hope that the other islanders who are opening their hearts and homes to a dog whose life would otherwise be ended, are enjoying their new found pets as much as I am.