Tanya Buschau and Ben Miljure considered adopting a dog for more than a year but were hesitant because of the two other loves in their lives: Seven and Boo, their senior cats.
Wanting to ensure the golden years of their felines remained stress-free, the Vancouver couple went on a mission to find a rescue dog that could live harmoniously with cat companions.
The couple turned online and to social media in hopes of finding their dream dog. Following a number of groups on Facebook and checking in on the adoption website Petfinder on a daily basis, they saw Teddy’s picture a few minutes after it was posted.
In this edition of Rescue Me, Ben describes in his own words how they ended up falling for the eight-year-old Taiwanese rescue pooch from Coogo Rescue Foundation, and why they think this senior sweetie is far superior to a purebred puppy.
Ben and Tanya and Teddy.
When we saw Teddy’s picture [online], we fell in love – he had an irresistible smile. When we saw he was described as being great with cats we sent in an application immediately.
The rescue agency contacted us the next day and arranged a home visit. The visit went great and Teddy was left with us that day for a trial period.
Teddy in the bath.
He made a very smooth transition into our home. We fell in love with him immediately but were glad to have a trial period to ensure our cats would be okay. He tried to play with them a few times by dropping his toys in front of them but once he learned they weren’t interested in playing he left them alone – never barking or chasing them which had been our fear.
One of the great things about adopting an older dog is that he was already house trained. He came with good manners, very rarely barking, never scratching or chewing furniture or shoes. He really is a dream dog.
Teddy relaxing.
He is exceptionally friendly. He lovers all people and will let absolutely anyone pet him. He gets along fine with other dogs but will choose to hang out with people over dogs any day. His little poufy tail wags so quickly whenever he is happy (virtually all the time) that it looks like it’s driven by little motor. He’s also very playful and energetic, especially for an older dog. He walks up to two hours a day and when he’s home he is often busy playing with his toys, tossing them up in the air himself and then catching them (or trying to).
Teddy loving the beach.
People say that he is so lucky we rescued him, but really we are the lucky ones.
He is a great walking and biking companion (he likes to sit in the basket) and is also a good snuggler when it’s time to relax. Our everyday activates are made more enjoyable simply by his being with us. I would hate to think that a dog like him would be left in a shelter because someone chose to buy a “new” dog. An older rescue dog can still provide the fun and cuteness of a young dog but as Teddy has proven can make for an easier transition without the messy hassles of a puppy.
Teddy in his Sunday finest.
The rescue agency was careful to ensure that he went to a home that was a good match for him and checked in during the trial period to make sure we were all adjusting well. This, in turn, made for a smooth transition and ultimately the perfect “furever” family. There’s no need for people to be breeding new animals when there are so many out there who need a loving home, and in turn, have so much love to give.
Tanya and Teddy.
Teddy loves fashion and can rock a bowtie like nobody’s business, he has his own Instagram account and is considering writing a book about his move to Canada, his adoption, and his new life on the West Coast.
Click here to learn more about Coogo Rescue Foundation.
Have your own rescue story? Shoot me an email at [email protected] to be included in a future Rescue Me column.
Captain Ted.
The sassy senior.
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