An Ode to Zany

Reflections from an adoptee on the complex emotions in animal rescue work and adoption

Zany, photo by me

It’s the same thing each time I arrive at the shelter. My hand touches the cool metal gate on the chain-link fence and as soon as it clinks and clanks open then shut, I hear the cacophony of barking from behind the thick walls of the building as I approach. They know I am here.

The usual mix of anticipatory excitement, sadness, and relief rises in…