RESCUE STORIES

We had always gone to a breeder for our dogs. When Magic died from the Dog Food Recall of last year, we decided to try rescue for our next dog. Through a friend of a friend, we were put in touch with a Doodle Rescue Group in PA. That weekend I drove about an hour to pick up our girl. I had never met her and the hour drive home was quiet, she didn't move. When we got home, she sat in a corner of the kitchen and wouldn't move. She wouldn't eat or drink and had to be carried outside to do her business. She didn't know what to do with grass, was afraid of it. That night she started to cry. I went down a couple of times to reassure her and finally took her on my lap and slept with her in the Lazy Boy the rest of the night. That's when I knew this was going to be different.

When you rescue a dog, they come with "baggage" that you can't know. What did they go through? Who hurt, scared or even abused them? It takes time to bring them around. With Ginger it was about 2 weeks before she felt fully comfortable with everyone in our home. But if someone new was around, she would hide and shake. Our friends were told to leave her alone, let her come to them. Then only let her smell them. Slowly, she has become a trusting girl. Today, she has been with us 1 1/2 years and still is leary about new people or situations. But she is so much more relaxed and willing to meet new people than she was.

Rescue or rehome has to be approached differently then going to a loving breeder. You can't know what that dog went through, but have to be patient and calm and they will come around.

What are your rescue stories?

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AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on January 19, 2009 at 8:01pm

Reply by Lynne NJ on July 23, 2008 at 11:45am
Breeders and a Rescuers are very different, I think. Not everything goes perfect when you bring a rescued dog into your home. There's no little ball of fluff, learning to paper train or hopping around the yard. Day 1 is hard and by year 1, some of the problems still exist.

Ginger must have been abused by a man, because she is very leery of men. She is great with my boys and my husband but any different man and she is shaking and hiding behind me. And she has been with me for a year and a half. Sometimes I wonder what she must have endured to make her like this.

When she first came home with us she didn't know what grass was. It took about a month for her to realize where she was supposed to do her business. She has never had an accident since. The first time she sees something new, even now, she will stare at it and bark. An example is when my husband cut a hole in our living room ceiling to put up a fan. Ginger noticed it and for several hours would not take her eyes off what he was doing. She was whimpering and could not be distracted from it.

She is very sweet and loving now, but it took her awhile to trust. It broke my heart to see the fear in her eyes.

Our second rescue is Jack. Last August I got a call from the group I rescued Ginger from asking if I would foster a male doodle, about 5 months old because he refused to go into a cage and they were afraid he would hurt himself. It would only be about 2 weeks until they found him a home. He had been found under a bridge in PA and taken to the ASPCA.

I drove an hour to pick him up and he was so sorry looking. He was malnourished and dehydrated and had the saddest eyes I'd ever seen. He came with us willingly, sat in the car with his head on my lap the whole way home. Once home, he would not leave Ginger's side. He attached himself to her and must have decided if she was safe, he would be too.

Of course, we fell in love with him. At first, he was sad and ate and drank like it would be his last meal. But slowly, he began to realize that there would always be fresh food and clean water for him and he could leave some in the bowl. Gradually, he understood that he had his own bed and was welcome in the house and had toys to play with, people who loved him and he changed into a sweet boy. He has Ginger and our 8 yr old Bijon, Cody to play with and is part of a loving family "pack."

But it takes time to change bad habits, little or no training and fear of people. Jack has been with us now for 10 months. He loves to tear apart stuffed toys, swim in our pool and chase squirrels from HIS yard. He has filled out and now weighs about 70 pounds. He thinks he's a lap dog and is so silly, we call him "Goof Ball." What a difference time makes.

AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on January 19, 2009 at 8:02pm

Reply by Kari on July 23, 2008 at 1:03pm
Before we adopted (rescued) Ari, he had a home. He lived in Detroit with his owners who had responded to an ad I posted on the Pet Finder website.

His former owner simply said that they could no longer keep him as they were losing their home and moving into a small apartment. She sent me a picture and told me all positive things about Ari. She made it sound like having to give Ari up was so difficult for her. I actually felt sympathetic towards this woman.

The evening that we went to meet Ari, I realized that this woman could have cared less who adopted Ari. (I was just thankful it was us)! The woman would not allow us into her home, she made us stay on the porch while a 'friend' of hers went around back to get Ari. (He was tied up to a tree in the backyard with a metal chain and choker).

When they brought him around the front of the house, I was stunned to see this HUGE dog/puppy (10 months at the time) who was just so happy to have human contact! The 'friend' who brought Ari out front kept yanking very hard on his leash yelling "NO" and "DOWN". Poor Ari was just wiggly all over and wanted attention. He didn't even know any commands, so her yelling made no difference in the way he was acting, but Ari immediatly jumped up, put his paws on our shoulders and gave slobbery kisses. I knew right then that he was coming with us! It was almost like he was saying, "Thank you! You've come to save me!"

We spent about 10 minutes with Ari out front of their house while they boxed up his food and some toys that were never played with. I was shocked to learn that they had been feeding him only 2 cups of a cheap dog food every day! It was no wonder he was so skinny at the time! I honestly could not wait to get him out of that environment! Upon closer inspection in the car on the ride home, we found that the choke chain they had on his neck was way too tight. We could barely get it over his head and feared that we would have to use bolt cutters to get it off of him. It was so tight that it had rubbed a ring of fur off of his neck.

He was such a good boy on the car ride. He was calm and just wanted to look out the window. When he got home, we let him inspect everything and once he seemed more relaxed, we gave him a bath (which was needed) and he loved it! Ari just seemed to fit right in at our house and I think he knew that he was home.

Ari's owner did give us his paperwork that she had from the breeder here in Michigan. I decided that I would write to the breeder and send a picture of our new boy. I was surprised to get a response back from the breeder telling me that I am now actually Ari's third home! (The woman had lied to me!) The first owner had problems with Ari (house & crate training) so they got rid of him. Apparently the second owner had the same problem. This is definitely NOT the dog that we know and love now!

Since we've had Ari (just over 3 months now), he has learned a lot! He's now 100% potty trained, knows sit, stay, come, lay down, shake hands, and all the names of his 'babies'. He's also no longer terrified of the backyard. (For a while, he was afraid to be in the yard, we believe because he was tied up for so long). But we've worked with him a lot. He also now walks wonderfully on a Halti! Not to mention, he shot up from 65 lbs (when we rescued him on April 16) to a whopping 80 lbs on May 12th! I guess he just needed a little love and patience!

Ari is a very spoiled doodle (as most of them are!) and we love him SO much. I truly believe that he came into our lives for a reason! Not only did we 'rescue' him - but I truly believe that he's rescued us as well!

AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on January 19, 2009 at 8:02pm

Reply by Lynne NJ on July 23, 2008 at 2:45pm
What a nice story! It was obviously meant to be. It's amazing how these stories are so sad in their beginnings, yet everyone tells about how their rescue has changed their lives. I think these dogs KNOW how much better their lives are now. That's why they are such wonderful dogs. Even with their nuerosis, I would not change a thing about them.

AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on January 19, 2009 at 8:04pm

Reply by Brittainy Baker on August 28, 2008 at 8:59am
Sonnys story in my life starts with me asking my boyfriend every day for a dog for our 1 year anniversary present. He actually said "you bring a dog home and you will be sleeping outside with it", he just didnt understand. NO ONE in his entire family has pets, its so bad that when one of his cousins gets around dogs she becomes ocd and and cant stop cleaning her hands and clothes off. I on the other hand grew up down south and we had four dogs,3 cats, chickens ducks, and my show pig. so obviousley being deprived of canine companionship got to me. Thats when I started looking online. I couldnt for some reason find any shelters so I went to craigslist. And I am so lucky I did! I saw sonny in a little bity photo te owners had taken with thier phone, his name was Wise originally but I saw the photo and decided then and there that he was going to be my boy, my Sonny. I then proceded to answer every question about what I wanted for our anniversary with "a dog" well October 30th came around quickly about a week after I had found sonny on the interenet. My boyfriend came home and I gave him his gift. He said "I didnt get you jack" I felt bad...but that wasnt all he said " I went to petsmart and all they had was a lady and four cats, then I tried to find a puppy store but I couldnt" I started to grin..."so find a dog and..." I didnt let him finish I said I ALREADY FOUND ONE and rushed to the computer got the phone number and called the owners!
When I got to thier house I thought it was a nice neighborhood, it was a nice house and there was a civic and a bmw in the driveway. I had to park a bit away and walk over the the house. when I walked by the wood slat fence I decided to take a peek, feeling that the he would be roaming the back yard. I WAS WRONG
He was on a 5 or 6 foot chain and looked thin but i wasnt sure how thin. he was so scruffy and the fact that he is black hid everything.
So I knocked on the door, and the inside of the house was sparkling clean. It was two rich college guys that owned the place. one of them went to grab sonny. when he brought him inside the one with me yelled "hey, dont let him on the carpet, keep him on the tile, he's dirty" I thought to myself " well I wonder why!
The dog before was a 10 month old labradoodle who felt like skin and bones. They proceeded to bag up toys that looked like they hadnt even been played with,
a fresh tube of tennis balls, and a rope toy, they didnt even have shot records for him! they also showed me the food they were feeding him, puppy food and only 1 cup a day!
Sonny was supposed to be free to any good home, so much for that! they decided that to make sure he was going to a "good" home they wanted 50 bucks.
I gave it to them, loaded sonny in the jeep and drove away as fast as possible!
I took sonny to the vet immediatley to get his vaccines, the vet said he was 9-10 months old and when we wieghed him he cam in at 27lbs! he said he should have been around 60. I was so appaled and so sad for sonny.
I took him home on haloween day, he didnt even bark at the kids coming t the door.
My boyfriend fell in love with him, and spoiled him rotten, and decided for an early christmas present for me to get me Bear my chow/husky mix and now I have two spoiled dogs!
Looking at sonny today you would never know that he came from such a neglectful home, he is the most sweet, social dog I have ever owned, he doesnt have an aggressive or possessive bone in his body. And is so happy and outgoing, and so dumb that he's clever. I love him so much and I think getting him was an amazing decision, and probably a life saving one as well!

AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on January 19, 2009 at 8:05pm

Reply by Lynne NJ on August 28, 2008 at 10:12am
Oh Brittany, what is meant to be will be. I had tears in my eyes reading your story. How sad that people can be so awful. But how wonderful for people like you. Sonny found his forever home and you found your forever friend.

And I am always amazed how non-dog people can come around if they are given the chance and taught how amazing the love of an animal can be.

AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on January 19, 2009 at 8:05pm

Reply by Karen & Jack on August 30, 2008 at 10:05pm

Jack's Story

I, too, had always had purebred dogs from breeders. My last dog, a gorgeous miniature poodle, died just before her 16th birthday in fall of 2005. As always, the absence of a dog in my life was unbearable. But being in my fifties, I just didn't think I wanted to start with a puppy again. I had done fostering for a rescue group, so I started looking for a young adult dog, small-to-medium size, housebroken, child & cat friendly, with some poodle in the mix. I saw a dog on Petfinder who seemed a likely candidate, so I called to inquire. He turned out not to be a good fit for me. But once a shelter or rescue has a "good" application, they never rest until they have placed a dog with you. They called me almost daily about every new dog who came in. None of them seemed like the right dog for me.
Then they called about a new arrival...a Labradoodle! I REALLY didn't want a doodle! The whole idea disgusted me, plus I knew what kind of exercise requirements came along with a big sporting dog. But the volunteer at the shelter persuaded me to come take a look at him. "He's worth it", were her exact words.
I spent 2 hours at the shelter with this very tall, very skinny, unbelievably sweet fellow. He was dirty & smelly, and he looked more like a small irish wolfhound than any kind of poodle or retriever. He was very affectionate with my grandson, and very nice to the "test" cat they brought in. Still, I wasn't ready to make the kind of commitment this guy needed. He had been purchased as a puppy from a pet store, then left at the shelter at 14 months old with the usual owner excuses "not enough time", etc. It was clear he would need a solid hour of exercise a day, 365 days a year, if he was to be kept happy and healthy. And he was so big! And he clearly shed! And as with all rehomed dogs, his next home really needed to be his last. I have a small home and a small yard. I wasn't sure enough. I went home without him.
For the next three nights, I woke up at 2 or 3 a.m. thinking about this dog. And feeling very sad, sad enough to weep for him. And on the third night, I thought to myself, "Why can't you stop thinking about this dog? You have seen many dogs in shelters. You have given up wonderful foster dogs. Why are you obsessing over this one homeless dog? He's a designer dog in a no-kill shelter, someone with a big yard will adopt him. Why are you crying?" And then the answer came to me...maybe God was trying to tell me something. Maybe I needed this dog more than he needed me.
I brought him home the next day, January 24th, 2006. He has myriad health problems and has many fear issues which have gotten better as time goes by but still need special handling and probably always will. But he's the kindest, sweetest, funniest dog in the whole world. And he's home for good.
Karen

AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on January 19, 2009 at 8:06pm

Reply by Lynne NJ on August 31, 2008 at 4:33am
Karen, I know I read Jack's story before on DW but it still makes me cry. It was like the universe was telling you something. I'm so glad you listened and now both you and Jack have found each other. I never thought others felt the way I do or were going through what I was, until I read your's and other's stories. And it's funny, but the stories are really cathartic in that they allow us to share the pain. Thank you again!

AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on January 19, 2009 at 8:07pm

Reply by Janie on December 20, 2008 at 1:58pm
Karen, I am so glad you went back and got Jack. You are terrific!

AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on January 19, 2009 at 8:14pm

Reply by Lynne NJ on October 13, 2008 at 4:09pm
I thought this was a nce story to add to our "Stories" discussion. When we do rescue, we sometimes fall in love with one no-one else wants. That's the one who we remember the most. That's the one who melts our hearts.

We all need someone who understands us... we all have a deep need to be understood (I know I do).

This is a brief story about a little boy who was looking to buy a puppy that illustrates this point beautifully. Take a minute to read, it will warm your heart.

Here is this wonderful story...

"A storeowner was tacking a sign above his door that read "Puppies for Sale." Signs like that have a way of attracting small children, and sure enough a little boy appeared under the storeowner's sign. "How much are you going to sell the puppies for?" the little boy asked. The storeowner replied, "anywhere from $30 to $50."

The little boy reached into his pocket and pulled out some change. "I have $2.37 he said. "May I please look at them?" The storeowner smiled and whistled and out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his store followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur.

One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, "What's wrong with that little dog?" The storeowner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy and had discovered that it didn't have a hip socket. It would always limp. It would always be lame.

The little boy became excited. "That is the puppy I want to buy." The storeowner said, "No, you don't want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I'll just give him to you."

The little boy got quite upset. He looked straight into the store owner's eyes, pointing his finger, and said, "I don't want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I'll pay full price. In fact, I'll give you $2.37 now and 50 cents a month until I have him paid for."

The storeowner countered, "You really don't want to buy this little dog. He is never going to be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies."

To his surprise, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the storeowner and softly replied, "Well, I don't run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands."

Wow! I loved this story. It made me think how sometimes we go through struggles and pain so that we can be that "someone" who understands.

This week, be that someone for a friend, a relative or even a stranger.

AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on January 19, 2009 at 8:15pm

Reply by Lynne NJ on October 14, 2008 at 2:18am
Of course!

AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on January 19, 2009 at 8:16pm

Reply by Karen & Jack on October 13, 2008 at 8:59pm
Yeah, I'm crying, too.
And I will try to be that "someone" this week.
Thanks, Lynne.

AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on January 19, 2009 at 8:16pm

Comment by Deborah Moore on September 10, 2008 at 7:43pm
My precious goldendoodle Connor was rescued from a puppy mill in PA along with 5 of his littermates when he was 13 weeks old. He came to live with us in February 08 and will be turning a year old on Sunday, 9/14. What a gem he is...how lucky we are to have him in our lives!