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No longer Dogless in Chicago!
Hi everyone!
Well…I have some exciting news…my boyfriend and I are adopting a homeless young dog. He is at a shelter now, but has only been there since yesterday. Before that, unknown how long he was homeless…
I will start by telling a little more. My daughter, who’s 22 and a first year grad student at SIU (southern Illinois) was driving to meet up with some friends on Wednesday night and found a dog along the roadside. He was not injured, and when she opened her car door to check on him, he hopped right in. Upon checking him over, he was collared, but no ID tags. She drove him back to her apartment and called a friend to help pup sit, while she called a vet who was open still to see if he was microchipped. They got to bring him in to the vet, but he was not chipped. She did social media blasts about him and found he knew a few obedience cues. He was very friendly, but had fleas, was quite hungry, thirsty and tired, which led her to believe her been lost at least a few days.
She ended up keeping him overnight, but because of the fleas, she didn’t let him into her bedroom. He slept through the night soundly, no messes or accidents the next morning. He greeted her in the morning when she woke. She contemplated what-ifs and determined that she did not have funds or necessary means to keep him if no one claimed him.
She called me the next morning and told me that she had called animal control to see if they could help. A nice lady officer said that she would keep my daughter posted, but would bring him to a local shelter. Someone on Facebook had claimed that the dog was their cousin’s. She said it was no longer in her care and for them to contact the officer. My daughter was worried that if no one claimed him, would he have a chance of being euthanized. The officer said no, he was very adoptable! He seemed very friendly, like he had been well-loved and that he knew basic obedience cues. She promised my daughter that she would try to get him suggested for a SIT program, for service dogs in training, that he would be a good candidate. She left her number with my daughter.
I told my boyfriend what happened in passing. He had seen her posts on Facebook and said he thought she was incredibly strong and compassionate to rescue the dog, even more so because she knew she couldn’t keep it. It turned out that the former owner did not want the dog anymore and was attempting to place it in another person’s home…when the officer contacted that person, they said, “forget it, find some other family for the dog.”
According to both the officer, my daughter and the manager at the shelter, he is a super sweetie. He is a mixed breed, not sure what kinds, but about 2 years old, house trained, 45 pounds…except flea issue, seems quite healthy. He had all his shots there and was happy through the exam and shots.
My boyfriend really through me a curve…I updated him and he told me, “That’s horrible…we can’t let him be rejected by those people. He seems so sweet! We could give him a good home.”
So, sorry to be long-winded…I followed up with shelter manager, put in an adoption application, and…pending a good meet-and-greet…HE IS COMING TO LIVE WITH US!!! We are so excited, scared, happy and worried if we are “good enough” of a family for this poor dog.
The shelter manager was happy to hear I’m an R+ dog trainer and said he will have all his shots and be microchipped before we pick him up. Hopefully, that will be scheduled this coming Saturday (a week from today).
Can you believe it?! I have had a few similar situations, where I found a lost dog and someone claimed him in the 3-1/2 years that have passed since both of my beloved dogs, Sam and Tara, passed on. I have seen my dogs in my dreams, held them and loved them…always thinking, “This is weird, I’m a dog-less dog trainer! Please let some sweet dog come and rescue me and I will give them such a wonderful life!” Now, it is going to happen!!!
I have never had a shelter dog. Tara was from a rescue, but she was a purebred yellow Lab. I’ve never had a mixed breed. I’ve had a lot, as clients, and know they are usually wonderful and smart dogs!!! His name is Casper, when they asked the former owner. I don’t know if we will keep that name or change it. We’ll see how well he knows and responds to that name. It seems to fit him, from what my daughter said, he is friendly and almost pure white. Like a friendly, little ghost of a dog.
⭐️Just wanted to ask everyone who has adopted a dog from a similar situation for advice. Please leave a comment or tip for me. I will be driving 3 hours each way to pick him up, with my boyfriend.
Thank you! ❤️
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26 Replies
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I am so happy the two of you are getting this pup and giving it a wonderful home. Can’t wait to hear updates!!!
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Thank you @pawsup ! We are getting so excited.
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O. M. D. @bernerlabreclectus !!!! ???? He is HANDSOME! Congrats! ???? ???????? I know you will be an amazing doggie momma. ❤️ ???? ❤️
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@WaiThePuaPup thank you so much! I am over the moon, really. I hope he likes us as much as we love him already.
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So what I am reading and getting out of this is: everyone involved hit the jackpot! Lucky dog, lucky you!
What a wonderful story! Thank you, your daughter and BF (any everyone involved!) for being the compassionate humans that you are!
I have had 3 dogs out of shelters, all on euthanasia lists (2 for space/ times up and 1 on the BE list). Another 2 were “adopted” by me when they (at different times in my life, too!) showed up at my job and jumped in my truck when I opened the door!
Specifically, the 2 at the shelter for their time being up due to space were found together roaming the streets. They were as affiliate and happy as you describe Casper to seemingly be. All were confident-neutral personality types. Since they did not show signs of being stressed or fearful they seemed to adapt easily and quickly into their new routine and environment with me. Since I was not involved in training or behavior back then, I treated them as they had been mine all the time. Of course, I learned their individual quirks and personalities as time went by but, overall I was lucky they were “good” dogs.
I would suggest just do what you do naturally-help dogs (and people)! Give them time and space to adjust while gently establishing a solid, healthy relationship! You have a wonderful community and support group here should you have questions or concerns. Please keep up posted with updates! I know I am eager to follow you as this journey continues!
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@jenz , WOW! And thank you! I’m really still a bit stunned. My BF has been the “Voice of reason” for so long and I must confess, it has taken me so long to mourn my last two dogs.
I am looking forward to what all of you experience on a daily basis…Training and loving/loving the relationship with your own dog. I got my certification the month after Tara passed away and then Sam went the following month. Also they were very old at the time I was into my studies, and were already trained (different training style, but a former K9 trainer who helped me train him from puppyhood…my Lab just learned off of my Berner, LOL, not R+ training)…
I think YOUR story is a beautiful one. I always love hearing about dogs who are treat to be in a new scenario. Their bounce-back must be great! They definitely got the jackpot with you, as well! Such amazing dogs and mamma, just seamlessly accepting into the fold. You and everyone here inspire me daily! Thank you!!!
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I loved reading your story, @bernerlabreclectus — congratulations! He sounds like a real find. Do all the people who’ve interacted with him thus far feel confident he isn’t deaf? I once pulled a dog who looked like him from a shelter for a pet/prison program. He was at the shelter for months and no one noticed he was deaf. After a couple of weeks in the care of the inmates, they reported that they thought he might be deaf. He adapted so well without his hearing. We actually had several deaf dogs in the program throughout the years I worked there — very often they were primarily white dogs.
One little thing I’d suggest you do right away is get a fecal test.
Can’t wait to hear your continuing stories about your new boy!
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@virginiad , thank you! That’s really interesting…Not sure yet. It is a great question! Since the shelter will have him only for a week before we pick him up, I think I will follow up with my vet on this.
An interesting thing that I heard from the shelter manager was that they had to walk him past an area with the more“aggressive” dogs, who were barking/lunging, etc at him and instead of reacting at them, he simply turned his head away and looked up at his handler. I am astonished. That seems so commendable.
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He sounds like such a gem!
The deaf comment is a long shot — just wanted to mention. ????
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Also, I will definitely see if a fecal test has been done before I take him home. They seem to have done everything, shots and microchipping and he’s already neutered (from owner, I guess).
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This dog has hit the jackpot of a lifetime! Keep us posted on all the things!
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@catherine thank you! I will definitely keep you posted. I really cannot wait to find out who Casper is and allow him to grow in our environment.
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Ah well…just got a call from the animal control lady. She left a voicemail and apologized that the owner JUST called and apparently was out of town last week while her dog was with a pet sitter. Apparently, he got loose and the pet sitter didn’t tell her. So, she just saw my daughter’s posts on Facebook and called to claim him…she was sending her sister to pick him up today.
I guess we can forget about everything I said…ah well. I just hope he has a good life as some horrible little red flags about the fleas, no id or microchipping and such still make me so sad for this dog’s outcome.
We are grieving for a dog we never actually met. I appreciate all the kind words and support from everyone! @virginiad @pawsup @WaiThePuaPup @catherine @jenz
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@bernerlabreclectus I am so sorry you went to such a high to such a low. The positive side at least you know your heart is open to another dog and I am sure a really good fit will be coming your way in the future:)
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I was going to say exactly the same thing @pawsup did…
You have such a big heart, Paula – and your partner, too. The right dog will find you; and lucky, lucky, lucky will they be, when they do!
May you find peace as you grieve, and celebrate the openness in your hearts.
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@catherine thank you for your compassionate words! I really think that is quite beautiful, what you said.
I know it’s silly, but this is the second dog that has come my way in need, and I wasn’t looking, not at all. Similar thing happened last time, a couple years ago, except the people didn’t even want to give me a chance to say goodbye to their sweet senior dog who jumped into my car and my friend and I took care of until we found the owner. My friend was watching him at her house while I was out doing my walks and I specifically asked them to meet me at a certain time…they came early to pick him up and I barely got to say goodbye. They said NOTHING to me. I had found him out on the road, he could have been hit…. Again, no ID…
Why oh why do people suck?! Dogs are never the problem.
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Thank you @pawsup ! Your words meant a lot to me.
I feel stupid…I would NEVER have even brought any of this up here (or to a couple close friends) if the shelter hadn’t assured me that he was ours! And the original story of the owner said they don’t want him and this other person does, then that person said no…Then, suddenly the owner shows up and says they were out of town and dog was at a pet sitter’s house and escaped and the pet sitter didn’t tell her…she saw my daughter’s posts…Then she doesn’t even show up to claim him herself, but sends her sister!!!! Can you imagine not picking up your lost dog yourself?!
It all feels shady and heart-breaking. We are, of course, hoping for the best outcome for the dog. He doesn’t deserve any of this. Especially, a dog doesn’t get infested with fleas and walk around ID-less after only being gone one night!
I digress…I still thank you full-heartedly! I love having you all to share with.
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I am sorry to read this and that you are experiencing this loss, as I echo Catherine and Krista.
This can only mean another soul needs you more.
I hope your head and heart heals knowing you all still helped this dog find his way back home.
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Thank you, @jenz !
Yes, we will “stay open”…
This just seemed like the “right dog/right situation”. I appreciate your kind words!
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I was so sorry to read this, @bernerlabreclectus , but I know there’ll be a very lucky dog out there who will one day join your home and fill your heart with joy. ????
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@bernerlabreclectus I’m so sorry to hear this. How very frustrating to have the owners say no, then yes! Sending you lots of comfort and peace as you grieve. ???? ???????? ????
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@WaiThePuaPup Thank you! Yes…it’s incredibly frustrating. Still just trying to breathe here and focus on my clients and their dogs. Thank you for your compassion!
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Paula, you are brave to be sharing your heart so openly. Please feel no shame; you are not “stupid”. Enthusiasm is not “stupid”. Grief is most assuredly not. We’re glad to be a small part of your story, even if it’s only to support and cheer you on.
So far as WTF are people thinking/why the change of mind…? I only worked 2.5 years in sheltering (before I burned out, and not because of the people surrendering their dogs, a story for another day), but what I did learn is that we can NEVER know the full story of what pet owners are experiencing.
Maybe something drastically changed for them. Maybe they are filled with shame. Maybe they are a survivor of abuse or something else. Maybe they literally can’t…. and maybe that dog is the one thing they can hold onto, to make it through just one more day. We can never know.
But we can choose compassion. As much as it hurts, especially when we’ve already given our heart to an animal, gained their trust, “rescued” them…. we can let them go back to their human because we are free to do so, and there will be another (and another…) who also need our skills and our heart. Compassion to the humans is what’s the most rare thing in pet services, and it is a beautiful soul who has the capacity to give it.
It’s hard; it hurts, it even sucks sometime… but we have a supportive group to help each other through these tough things. Not everyone does.
So, again, thank you for your courage to share with us all the ups and downs. You make DD a better place for doing so. @bernerlabreclectus ????
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@catherine Thanks so much for your depth of compassion and thoughts about the entire situation. Emotions are debilitating sometimes.
Always glad to share with everyone here. Thanks for listening!
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