UPDATE: Cosmo has a new home!
I’ve had a number of blog posts swirling around in my head today. It’s transition season. I woke up this morning and realized, if all goes as planned, 3 months from today we’ll be waking up in our new home in Yokohama.
All that being said, I did not set out today to write about saying goodbye to Cosmo, our 14 year old Lab/Great Dane mix. I was considering writing about goodbyes in general…but not this one. This goodbye has been skirting the realm of denial for months now. I’m not in denial that we have to say goodbye to Cosmo…I just don’t want to do it.
But we have to.
Another Foreign Service family member mentioned that maybe a blog post would work – that way we could get the word out more efficiently. And that’s true. But now I’m sad because that means we really will be saying goodbye. See me stalling here?
Here goes:
We’re looking for a home in the Washington, DC area for our 14 year old Lab/Great Dane mix – Cosmo. He has been with us since October 2001, when we adopted him from the Town Lake Animal Shelter in Austin, TX (our home). Since that time he has been a loving member of our family. Our first baby and a kind and gentle first dog for our 3 children – now ages 9, 7 and 3. He has traveled with us to two overseas postings – in the Dominican Republic and Madagascar (he’d love to tell you stories about chameleons!), but due to his age and declining health, his traveling days are over.
Cosmo is an old dog and his health reflects that. In 2008, he lost his right eye. He moves very slowly and takes medication for arthritis. He can be incontinent – mostly during times when he can’t get up fast enough to make it outside. He’s best suited for a family where someone works from home. He eats well. He likes to go for 4-5 short walks (no more than 10 minutes) each day. Most of the time he sleeps. He’s happy. He can still bring up a hefty bark when strangers knock on the door. He’ll happily roll over and let you pet his belly.
If you are interested in offering a home for Cosmo, or you know someone who might be interested, please feel free to share this post or reach out to us at the contact information listed on the right.
Thank you,
The Harris-Edwards Family
My heart bleeds for you… I believe God put me on this earth to take care of animals…. I volunteered then worked for Safehaven Animal Rescue for approx 20 years. We (our family) my husband and 4 children fostered so many dogs…and of course there is always one left behind which I would adopt… I have 2 dogs right now a Scottie and a Chihuahua. .. sweet as can be…I am more than willing to help..♡
Alison, Thank you for your kind words. Feel free to contact me via email and to share this information with anyone you think might be interested.
Have you contacted Dogs on Deployment? They are an organization that helps service members find temporary placement for their pets during training/deployments/PCS but I have seen them share stories similar to yours in the past. I wish you the best of luck in finding a home for your sweet boy.
Thank you for the suggestion. I looked at the website, but it looks like it’s for military only. We’re State Department.
check out dogs on deployment
I know the chaos of moving and I know the pain of caring for an elderly pet. My husband is in the Airforce. We are stationed at Andrews AFB. In our home we have an elderly ragdoll cat, and a three year old son who knows how to be gentle and respectful of older animals. I am also a certified vet assistant. I worked at a clinic in Del Ray while my husband was PCSed to Korea. Now I say at home and homeschool the little one. We have been discussing about getting an older dog for a while and I think we may be able to help you if you are interested. Please feel free to email me.
Kaitlyn, I saw your email. Thank you!
Hi Jodi,
I’m very sorry about your situation. Lab Rescue of the LRCP is a wonderful organization that is based in the DC area. http://www.lab-rescue.org or call 301-299-6756. They may be able to help you find a loving home for Cosmo.
Thank you Kim.
Please call the LabRescue number and they can help you. They are amazing! You can call now and leave a message. It is the best way to assure a safe home, it’s hard enough to say goodbye but with them you won’t worry that your pet is not placed in a great home. I follow their stories every day
Hi Jodi, I live on JBAB. I’d like to come meet him. Let me know if that’s an option for you.
Magon
Magon, Thank you. I received your email. I’ll respond soon.
Check out Lab Rescue LRCP IN THE NOVA area, highly recommended by a friend who volunteers with them.