PetSmart Today

Today I went to PetSmart to walk the shelter dogs. It was great to see all of the volunteers that I haven't seen... it's the first time I've been in a while. I guess I really slacked off on volunteering in that way over the last year or so, but I've had a lot going on with the house and I really just felt like I needed to rest and take time to enjoy the great things about my life. For what it's worth I was taking a couple of carloads of stuff to donate to the shelter thrift store every couple of weeks and I've had foster dogs, too. I don't feel like I've been a complete quitter. 😝

Anyway, today was a pretty good day for our dogs - 3 were adopted! One that I was walking, Daisy, was one of the lucky ones to find a home. She didn't seem to like kids much... she always barked at them. And then one family came up and they had a young daughter and she didn't bark. Not a peep. She even let the kid hold her! I was absolutely shocked. The parents were like, "We're thinking about getting a dog. We think our daughter is getting old enough to help care for one." They showed her how to hold the dog and how to give her treats. They told her to pet the dog slow and easy and the kid did it. She was wonderful. I was in awe and I told the parents so. I just had to ask if they were from here, which they were. You don't often see that kind of regard for animals from people who are from here. No offense, locals, but that's why we have such a problem with strays. People just don't give a shit. Anyway, I was like, "I don't know how y'all feel about this dog, but I just want to let you know that this is the first child she hasn't barked at today." You know when things just click? I don't care what anyone says - the dog chose them and they chose the dog. It was perfect. You should have seen the cart full of stuff they bought her, too!

One of the other volunteers, Melanie, had a foster dog that had been hit by a car when she found her. With the help of Hope's Rescue the dog is ok. She even underwent heartworm treatment. She was a beautiful collie - she didn't even look like a mixed breed. Shelly was like, "This dog has come a long way from the bloody mess that I met at the vet's office a few months ago." A family drove all the way here from Tennessee to adopt her. Of course, Melanie was happy for the dog, but she had tears in her eyes. She said, "I'm happy for her - she went right to them and didn't even look back." I think every foster parent gets that happy/sad, bittersweet feeling when their dog finally finds their home. It's kind of a tough job; of course you get attached. But also, the shelter brought her a Christmas card from one of her other fosters - it had a nice picture and update. I swear - things like that really make it all worth it.

Speaking of fosters I've heard that little Bug-a-Boo has been in the newspaper back home in Wisconsin. Apparently he goes to work with his new mom at the nursing home and the people there just love him. He is a big goof - I have no doubt in his ability to bring a smile to someone's face. I can't wait to get my copies of the pictures. Luckily for me I work with Bug's aunt so I can get updates on him anytime. 😁

I'm telling you - we have some awesome dogs here. Some of them are a little rough around the edges, but all they need is a little TLC. I haven't met one yet who wasn't worth it.