A Tail of Two Strays

This month we continue our Annual Food Drive, with a twist.  In our lobby you will find a Giving Tree that benefits Homeward Pets Adoption Center.  With Shelter Pets as our focus, we like to share two amazing stories of adopted homeless pets.

Maddie is a large mixed breed dog that was adopted through Edmonds Animal Control.  She was brought to Edmonds Vet to be euthanized because no one wanted her in her condition.  When she arrived on our doorstep, she had very little hair, bleeding skin, and the worst case of mange we’d seen in a very long time.  Dr. Remick simply could not euthanize her as she softly looked at him with those big brown doughy eyes. 

During that time it was discovered that she had, at some point, a broken leg that was never repaired correctly, along with many phobias-most notably bicycles and skateboards.  She had many foster homes that were simply wonderful with her.  She learned to trust a bit more, learned to respect people, walk on a leash and also learned a few tricks along the way.  Sadly, she has had many homes until 4 years ago when Dr. Remick’s daughter claimed her as her own…never to face adjusting to another home.  She is happy and a joy to be in the family.  While she still has some ‘issues’ she is ‘forever home’ and will never face displacement again.

Mollie is a Border Collie Mix.  She lives with Vickie and her husband and is forever home.  Mollie came to Vickie frightened, anxious and not socialized at the young age of 4 months.  Having been used to a perfect Golden Retriever, Vickie was not sure she was up to the task of this little “train wreck”.  Over the years, with much, much patience, love and positive training methods, Mollie has blossomed into a happy, confident and goofy dog.  She lover people and her cats and plays well with most dogs, yet cannot be trusted with some.  I took a long time to get to this point but she has taught Vickie so very much about behavior and how pet owners have to understand a dog’s world and how they have to learn to live in ours.  

Shelter and rescued dogs may come from homes where their circumstances are difficult at best.  Some lose their homes due to family circumstances.  Almost all are worthy of another chance.  Shelter dogs have a lot of love to share.  Many have to relearn that not all people are bad.  Most have huge hearts inside their tough exterior just begging for love.

Please consider adopting a shelter dog.  Consider helping shelter organizations provide for their charges.  In over 35 years of experience, the overpopulation continues despite the best efforts to raise awareness.

In closing, consider a quote with which Vickie ends all her emails:

“Shelter dogs aren’t broken.

They’ve simply experienced more life.

If they were human, we would call them wise.

They would be the ones with tales to tell, stories to write.

Do not pity a shelter dog.

Adopt one”