Second chance dogs took in 7 dogs from a hoarding situation. These dogs have never been exposed to any other people other than the 2 people in the house and some of them "knew" each other and relied on each other for support.
This has been a new experience for me. I met Ellen who helped meet the transport team, to transfer the 7 dogs into her car, where Alan and I met her with the 7 dogs to be examined and vetted for some, the first time in the lives.
This experience taught me a lot. Dogs are terrified and don't always warm up. But if you wait long enough, they will eventually warm up to you :) I have a lot of patience!
I sat on the floor with 2 dogs at a time Alan and Ellen in the vet office. I think my butt went numb from sitting so long and I was cold. I almost sat in dog pee, was peed on, snapped at and smelt like old dog grossness. I can't begin to explain the small of hoarder. Those of you that are in the medical profession with me, I can say that and you'll get it. It smelt like feet, that we're wet, walked on and then shoved back into shoes, with a little urine and poop mixed it. I wouldn't have traded that experience for the world.
I got to touch all 7 dogs. Panda, the chi, was very unsure about us and snapped at Alan myself and the vet tech who decided to get a muzzle. She calmed down and we got her wrapped in a towel for a nail trim.
We then packed the car with 4 carriers. 2 in their own and 4 in 2 others. And off we went. Let me tell you. These dogs were quiet. I mean so quiet. I kept looking back to make sure they were all there. It's not like they would have gone anywhere but they were so silent I felt like I needed to make sure.
That's when we drove home, got them outside to go potty, well whatever potty and poop wasn't all over them or kennels :) I wish I could have captured JJ walking, on grass for the first time. He was never allowed out of his kennel or the garage. He stepped. Very cautiously. Very slowly. You could hear the crunching of the grass under his paws. He walked like he has tape stuck to his paws, and was picking them up slowly one at a time. It's almost like he didn't know how to walk. Which doesn't surprise me since he has been in a kennel for so long. It was quite the experience for me.
There were two sisters, tinker and Shenandoah who were wrestling in the grass. Running and chasing and rolling. It was so cute. I knew they were a bonded pair immediately and we will adopt those two out together. They whine when the other goes somewhere else. It was so cute.
Peanut, she is a doll. She was running and rolling and chasing others. She hops on her hind legs like hey hey hey look at me. It's adorable. She has the best personality. So sweet. I even got a few kisses from her.
Ginger, wasn't sure what was going on. But she was very happy to also be free, sprinting and running in the grass. She was very unsure about the grass too. She stayed on the pavement when she could until she warmed up.
And then there's candy. I'm getting the pleasure of fostering this sweet little lady. She is so quiet and shy. Let me tell you, I'm sure she is in shell shock! Our household is anything but calm and quiet. I know she has it in her to become a playful lady. I saw it, I saw her leaping. Literally leaping for joy through the yard. It was so amazing to see this happen. It's like a kid going to Disneyland for the first time!
Then it was bath time. Alan and I spent 3 hours bathing 6 dogs. And cutting mats out of their hair. I did the best I could but they are getting groomed today! I can't wait for hair do's to see how they look!
I'm so thankful for this experience and the continued experience of being able to foster candy. She won't walk on a leash. She won't eat with anyone around. She's only used to eating at night. We are getting there. Slowly but surely.
We had her snuggled in bed with us, between Alan and I. Sid, Bella Doris and moon all in the same room and she fell asleep. It took some coaxing but we are there.
This all couldn't be done without our amazing foster parents as well! I can't even begin to explain how one of my best friends is always there with her arms and door wide open to take in ANOTHER foster dog. Her husband is as equally amazing? Always willing to open their home to help rehabilitate a dog in need. We have two new first time fosters this time around with these ladies as well! I'm so thankful that they stepped up. We couldn't have taken these dogs without them either! And of course our other foster parents who take dogs in as they can! I'm so thrilled to have you all a part of our SCD foster parent team! Think of all the lives you've touched and will be changing!
Also, thank you to my husband. I can't even begin to explain to you the patience this man has on his, with me and with the dogs. That he supports and shares the same dreams as me. It's amazing.
I can't wait to watch these dogs spread their wings and learn life is okay!
And thank you to Ellen, our Vice President, helping arrange the vetting, transportation and taking in Panda :)
If you'd like to donate to the care of these dogs, or any of our dogs, please remember you can always donate! www.secondchancedogs.net