URBANANIMAL: Provide an anonymous history of your pet before surrendering him to a shelter

Dear readers,

My beautiful rescue dog, Abbey, died on July 19. Regular readers of this column may remember my husband I adopted her a short 18 months ago. Abbey was a lovely combination of golden retriever and Irish setter, who had been in foster care with a family in Michigan.

Abbey's background and age were unknown, but we do know her journey began in Missouri and it was thought she was around 10 years old. We chose Valentine's Day as her birthday and proceeded to love her as if she'd been with us forever.

In a perfect world, people and their dogs would remain together in secure and loving relationships for a lifetime. Unfortunately, not every dog-human bond runs its course in a seamless way. Dogs like Abbey end up falling through the cracks and the cracks that consumed her will always remain a mystery.

She was extremely affectionate toward people and other animals so, at some point in her life, she became a happy and well-socialized dog. But what happened to her afterward? Did she become lost? Did her owner die and no other family member would take her?

Was it a financial problem that forced her owner to give her up? Since she came from southern Missouri, had she been one of the Katrina orphans? We'll never know.

Abbey's foster home in Michigan looked after her for only a short time and didn't know her well enough to tell us about her favourite toys, treats, food, games she liked to play, things that made her fearful and things that made her happy. We managed to discover only a few of her likes and dislikes during our 18 months together and, without benefit of advance information, our attempts were trial-and-error.

Abbey didn't play. Stuffed toys, tennis balls, sticks and other interactive games were foreign to her. But the sound of rustling paper bags brought a gleam to her eyes. Had a previous owner fed her fast food? She flirted with abandon with male pit bulls and Rottweilers. Had she enjoyed the company of these breeds in the past?

As I often suggest to adopters of re-homed dogs, "This is the first day of the rest of your dog's life. Don't worry about her past." But considering they live relatively short lives compared with humans, and many re-homed dogs are middle-aged or older, it would be wonderful if their previous owner could pass on at least a few tidbits of information to help smooth the transition.

Readers, if you or anyone you know is considering giving up a dog for adoption, please write a note of introduction to the new owner. If the dog is going into a shelter or private rescue group, you can seal the note in an envelope marked "To the New Owner" to assure your anonymity.

Include the dog's real name, birthday, favourite foods, treats, toys and games. Is the dog afraid of thunderstorms, vacuum cleaners or doorbells? Does she enjoy car rides? Does she like to swim, go for long walks and enjoy a snooze after dinner? Does she get along well with other dogs? Does she chase squirrels? Does she like cats?

Write as little or as much as you want, but please provide information that will help the dog engage with her new life.

Abbey died after suffering three bouts of aspiration pneumonia brought about by megaesophagus, an enlargement of the esophagus that causes difficulties eating and drinking. Did her previous owner know or suspect she was showing early signs of this problem? If we'd known, we would have taken steps to prevent pneumonia as soon as we brought her home. If we'd known, she might still be with us.

Past and current medical problems and potential health concerns can also be included in the envelope to the new owner. Include veterinary invoices (cut out or the name of the clinic if you wish) or simply list the health issues along with dates, veterinary recommendations and treatment outcomes. You'll be passing on information that may be crucial to the dog's health.

Abbey, you were with us just a short time, but we cherished every minute. It was an honour to love you and be loved by you.

Special note: Thank you to my Michigan friends, Cindy and Jody, and Abbey's foster mom, Karen, for bringing my beautiful Abbey to her new Canadian home. And thank you, as always, to Dr. Tara Sermer, Sharon and staff at Green Lane Animal Hospital. Your compassion, expert care and true love of animals meant that Abbey was always safe and sound in your capable hands.