A while back I was sent photos of ex foster dogs, Butters and Elvis Presley. A flood of memories and feeling about them came back to me.This also brought to mind the question how long is to long to foster a dog? I would like to share their stories.
Butters took 18 months for her to find the right home. She was around 3 to 4 years old yellow lab girl,found at the side of the road just hanging out and if she was sure they would come back for her. We put up posters and call shelters for up to a 100 mile radius. But no one came. We named her Butterscotch . There was no dog sweeter with humans or dogs. She was a delight to foster...........every one loved her. But for some she was to old, to big to something. But for Cynthia she was just right. And they loved each other from their first meeting. Butters now lives with Cynthia in Washington, DC. She has earned her CGC( canine good citizen). Who says you can't teach an old dog new things. Butters continues to be loved by all who meet her spreading her very special kind of sunshine.
Elvis Presley, walker hound, handsome with a great voice. He was found wandering GooseBerry mesa. We sensed that he was a lion hunting hound reject. But we still put up the posters etc.......... But no one came. Elvis was around two or under, and also great with dogs. He did not like everyone he would mostly ignore those that came to meet him. And so it took 2 1/2 years for Elvis to find his right home.
The day came and this family from Neveda came with the kids and the two small dogs. Dad was a tall easy going man, Mom attractive and friendly, the kids confident and sweet, the dogs just good little dogs. They drove up in the familie's diesel truck ready to meet Elvis. Quick note here: Elvis is petrified of diesel trucks they make him go frantic in the opposite direction.
But as I wrote before Elvis is not that friendly to new people. But this was his family and as soon as they walked into the play yard he walked up to the man and acted as if he knew him forever, I just about lost it then and then he loved on the woman, and the kids where able to lead him around by his leash. The dogs acted as if they knew each other from before. It was a beautiful scene. And then he had to get into the diesel truck, the staff of the DDR held their collective breaths and you know he behaved like nothing was wrong and everything was right. And off they drove............
A side story to this story makes the hair on my arms stand up to this day. The family had brought with them a collar they had bought a year early for their future dog. The collar was a beautifull tooled leather with real silver conches. The collar fit Elvis Presley as if it was made for him. And I believe it was.
We have many more stories of dogs finding their homes eventually. To often it take longer than a week or 10 days to rehome a dog especially an adult dog. We are fortunate to be able to foster the dogs long term. With plenty of space, love and attention.
Remember in these tighter ecomonic times to lend your support and or time to the groups/shelters that care for these dogs and cats for the long term until they find the right home .
In the Zion National Park area the group name is ZION ANIMAL LOVERS, they help the DOGGY DUDE RANCH with financial help for food, medical care, spay and neutering of the animals being fostered and in the area. ZAL is a 501c3 organizationa run 100% by vounteers and 100% goes to the animals.
All donations gladly excepted.
Come by and visit the Doggy Dude Ranch were many of the foster dogs(right now have five) are loved and live till their right home comes along. We are a Boarding,Training and Rehab faciltiy for dogs( cats real soon) check out our facebook page for@ DOGGY DUDE RANCH and @ZION ANIMAL LOVERS. Back to the dogs..............
