Hey, 'greatest generation' "“ adopt a dog, you might learn something useful

To the Editor:

It seems to me this holiday may be the time for those of the "œgreatest generation" to lend a hand to those youngsters who are creating new problems.

Yesterday I called the Athens Dog Shelter, and they said they had 21 adult dogs available for adoption. I did not ask how many had been put to sleep, or how many puppies.

A few years ago this ancient one and his child bride decided to again own a dog. We remembered that it was a matter of several months to housebreak and bring to obedience a dog. We also remembered that it took many years to do the same with our sons, and we are not completely positive we succeeded.

We chose a 10-pound pug/Chihuahua, or chug, that we called a chihooa-hooa. What we got was complete loyalty and loving affection for a bit of food and a lot of petting. What a return on our investment! Number two son turned out to be a bit prescient, and suggested naming him Buddy. He nailed it! And so now we are possessors of a wagging tail, adoring looks, lower blood pressure and the impetus that demands we get off our butts and take him for a walk each morning. Lucky us. Fortunate he.

So all you members of the "greatest generation," this is a way to stay healthier and happier and do a good deed. Maybe even a way to teach the youngsters our stuff?

Harry Snavely
The Plains