Adopting Dogs
Not everyone can live to 100+, but Marjorie Rigby is and still counting. On the small table, at her left, the birthday cards include one from Queen Elizabeth celebrating this milestone. The best part of this photo is the Old Age Pooch (OAP) named Paddy. Paddy is 77 in dog years and needed a home.
Marjorie and her daughter, Angela Bottomley, recently visited the rehoming center at Dogs Trust Manchester. This animal shelter offers an OAP program, which is ideal for these women. Marjorie asked for a smaller, older pup to spoil. This adorable Patterdale Terrier, Paddy, fit the bill, so they took him home. A delightful win/win!
Once Paddy was home and settled, they executed a daily routine. Consistent schedules are essential at any age. For these two, it apparently keeps them young.
Their daily routine includes:
- A morning walk unless it is raining. Paddy is evidently not a fan of walking in the rain.
- Paddy plays with his toys after they return home
- Marjorie and Angela provide lots of cuddles and pets
- A refreshing afternoon nap is taken by all, followed by a second walk
- Then it’s tea time.
The combination of exercise, fresh air, and enjoying each day seems an excellent for keeping these two companions healthy.
This is not the first adopted pup by Marjorie and Angela. Shadow, another rescue dog, died at 15. They have had cats as well over the years. For these ladies, a house isn’t a home until it has a pet.
Love of Dogs.
Marjorie has loved dogs for most of her life. This started when she was a teenager. The family had Bess, a black Labrador. Like many breeds, Labradors are great with families, especially children.
Marjorie had an essential role during the Second World War. She was a plotter in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. In that role, she transcribed information about enemy aircraft and plotted them on a map. This permitted monitoring of the German raids. Charlie Rigby, a Desert Rat, helped defeat the Germans in North Africa. They married three days before the end of World War II. By all accounts, they were happily married until 2004, when he died.
Today
Paddy makes Marjorie and Angela laugh every day. Apparently, Paddy has a habit of howling along with a favorite television program’s theme song. Marjorie points out he is smaller but isn’t afraid of belting out his howl.
Every day is appreciated and enjoyed by Marjorie, Angela, and Paddy. Paddy benefits from the spoiling Marjorie loves to give out. Life is always better with friends!