Two Girls Looking for Great Homes

Way back on February 17 when Darlin’ first began labor, I looked 8 weeks ahead on the calendar and thought, “These puppies will go home on Tax day, April 15.” It was solidly winter, with snow days still to come so I couldn’t imagine that day. And then as the adventure began its wild and tragic ride, it was even harder to imagine.

But come it did. It was a happy day for the adopters and I didn’t want my sadness to dampen their excitement, so I saved my tears until I was alone, clearing out the puppy pen, stacking the towels and washing the toys. In many ways it’s felt like I’ve been holding my breath for the last 8 weeks, just trying to get these puppies to this day. And they made it. They are out of my hands.

Darlin’ is either picking up on my emotions or is also missing her pups’ presence. She is more attached to me than ever, even crying (and baying!) at the door when I take Gala outside without her. She follows me from room to room and is underfoot, leaning against me, wanting my constant attention.

Darlin’ will be spayed April 27 and can home after that. So far, she hasn’t picked up any adopter interest, most likely due to the fact that she’s not a young dog. Our best guess is that she’s 5-6 years old, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she is younger than that. The slight sway to her back is not from age, but from the multiple litters that she’s carried. Motherhood leaves its mark on all of us. I’m hoping someone can see past her history to the devotion she offers in those big, sad brown eyes.

This is a dog who will love you until the end of days. If you know anyone who is looking for a faithful companion for unhurried walks on a leash and quiet daily company, let them know that Darlin’ is looking for her forever home. She’s housebroken, crate-trained, doesn’t get on the furniture, or bark very often—the perfect pup who deserves her own happily-ever-after. Here’s the link to her OPH adoption page.

Gala came home from her heartworm treatment, and rather than being tired and in pain as Edith was post-treatment, she is energized and ready to play. She’s found no takers with Gracie and Darlin’ who are both intimidated by her intensity. It’s important that she rest and stay still so that as the worms break up they don’t become lodges in her lungs and pose a life-threatening situation. Keeping this girl still, though, is my daily challenge.

 

On Saturday, I thought I’d let her eat outside on the deck for a little change of scenery, since she was getting more than stir crazy confined to her crate or the kitchen. She gulped down her food and then promptly escaped the gated stairs (going over or perhaps squeezing her skinny body through the gap between doors, we’re not sure). We’ve had over seventy dogs on that deck and none ever escaped the high railings and gate, so I was momentarily stunned. Then I chased after her as she headed straight for the pasture and the wonderful smells. I yelled for her and waved treats, but she was not interested in coming anywhere near her jailer. She’s no dummy. After being held hostage for four days, she was not about to trade in her freedom for another day incarcerated in the crate or kitchen. If I wasn’t so terrified she would drop dead at any moment, I might have admired her beautiful stride and her wickedly happy grin.

I was about to wake the rest of the household to help me, when to my horror Gala began chasing the horses. My horses do not humor dogs. They’ve never hesitated to share their disdain with various neighbor dogs who have attempted to herd them.  Even Gracie knows better. I watched helplessly as Gala zoomed in between them, trying not to think of the notes on the vet’s release form that said, “no free running for 6-8 weeks – only leash walking.” Finally, she dodged a little too close to my oldest mare, Buttons, who gave her a warning shot. I heard the hoof connect, but thankfully Buttons is arthritic in her hind legs and couldn’t kick with much force. Had Gala gone after True or Cocoa, I’d be writing a completely different blog post right now.

Chastened, Gala ran for the barn. She’s a crazy-smart dog, so it’s safe to say she won’t be messing with the horses again. I caught her easily and crated her the rest of the day. She seemed no worse for wear, but it was only 6am and I needed a drink.

Gala will be ready to go to her forever home in another week. She is a beautiful dog who is listed as a lab mix, but is lean and muscled like a Vizsla with a pretty face and perky upturned nose. She has four little white pedi-socks, a narrow white snip on her nose, and a lovely white bib.

If you know anyone looking for a super-smart, athletic dog, send them our way. I am certain she could be taught to do just about anything as she is hyper motivated to please and loves treats. More than that, she needs a job – running companion, agility competition, trick dog, pretty much anything. This dog has a remarkable mind and an intensity that will carry her far. Add to that she is a lover and licker who adores people. She’ll need to take it easy for a while as she recovers from heartworm treatment, but that doesn’t mean she can’t go to a forever home and start the life she was meant to have.

Here’s the link to Gala’s OPH Adoption page.

Thanks for reading. If you’d like more updates on foster dogs past and present, be sure to join the Another Good Dog facebook group.

I write lots of other stuff, if you’re curious stop by CaraWrites.com.

Have a great week!

Blessings,

Cara