She’s One Lucky Dog
Today I’m going to get a littleĀ personal. If you are here strictly for the DIY tutorials, you might want to come back another day.
Those of you that have been following my blog for a while (6 years or longer) may remember when we adopted Buddy aka Handy Dog. Buddy was an amazing dog and was truly my best friend. Buddy’s foster mom told me that she thought he was a Walmart greeter in a past life. I don’t know about that, but I do know that he never met a stranger.
In fact, he had the ability to coax even the most anti-dog person into petting him. Sadly, Buddy passed away in early April. He was diagnosed with a tumor on his heart. Luckily we had four wonderful weeks to spoil him before it was time to say goodbye. I thought I could wait longer for another dog, but Buddy left a huge hole in my heart and only another dog could help heal my broken heart. I began looking for a new dog on PetFinder.com (a huge database of pets that need homes.) I searched for English Shepherds that would be a good fit for our family. I had high standards, so finding the perfect dog was proving challenging. He or she had to be mellow, friendly with other dogs, good with children, not too anxious or skittish, 3-5 years of age, around 50 lbs., and didn’t chase cats.
A few dogs caught my eye on the Petfinder search, but ultimately theyĀ didn’t quite fit my criteria. Then two weeks ago, this sweet face caught my eye:
There wasn’t much information about her except that she was a gentle teddy bear of a dog. I filledĀ out an adoption application with Lucky Dog Animal Rescue to allow me to get more information.Ā Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is based in the Washington, DC metro area. The organization works with several high kill shelters on the east coast including ones in North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia. They also work with a shelter in Puerto Rico. Lucky DoĀ only rescues dogsĀ that they have spots for in foster homes. TheĀ foster parents bring the animalsĀ to adoption events every weekend in the hopes of placing the animals in loving homes. Remarkably, Lucky Dog finds home for approximately 1/4 of their foster animals every week!
Soon I received a phone callĀ from Megan, Lena’s foster mom. We talked on the phone for an hour as sheĀ told me a lot of pertinent information aboutĀ Lena. Lena was heart worm positive but she was undergoing treatment. (Did you knowĀ that dogs with heart worm have to be given arsenic?) She weighed 70 lbs, but was definitely underweight. (I could not believe this as she looked smaller in her pictures.) She told me that Lena was surrendered by her owner to a high kill shelter in South Carolina (no reason was recorded as to why she was surrendered.) She went on to tell me that Lena is very mellow and a sweet dog.Ā She got along with the foster mom’s dogs. But, what she said next leftĀ me speechless.
“Lena likes DIYing”, she said. I asked her to clarify and she explained that while working on some DIY projects she turned on theĀ power sander. Her dogs scatteredĀ the moment the sander started up. But, Lena stood her ground and watched as if supervising the project. The same happened when she used aĀ power stapler. Lena satĀ andĀ watched. I was trying very hard not to let the excitement show in my voice. But, my brain was screaming, “Adopt her now! This is the dog for you.”
Megan explained that Lena hadn’t been tested with children yet and she would beĀ taking her to an adoption event in Arlington, VA over the weekend. I knew I’d be going to Virginia in two weeks, but Megan couldn’t hold a dog per Lucky Dog Animal Rescue’s policy. I had three options. 1) I could jump in the car and go meet Lena that weekend. 2) I could wait for two weeks and hope that she was still available for adoption. 3) I could adopt her sight unseen. Luckily, I came up with a fourth option.
My mom answered the phone on the second ring. “Mom, I’m going to ask you a huge favor. If you say yes, you can count this as my birthday present from you this year.” My mom hesitantly agreed to go to Arlington that weekend and meet Lena. I could barely contain myself as I waited for her to call me on Saturday. When she called she began by telling meĀ LenaĀ seemed very aloof and looked sick to her. Megan had warned me that Lena was not feeling great because of the heart worm treatment. My mom also said that there were children who were petting her and she was very calm. She said a man got up close to her face, and againĀ Lena was calm. Finally, my mom said, “She’s a very sweet dog, Brit. But, there is another woman who seems to be very interested in Lena.” I was so anxious to have this dog, I hung up and called Megan right away. Although it was unusual, Lucky Dog Animal RescueĀ agreed to let meĀ adopt Lena without meeting her.Ā And Megan agreed to dog sitĀ LenaĀ until I could pick her up in 10 days.
As the hoursĀ drew closer to the day I’d meet Lena, I beganĀ to feel aĀ pit forming in my stomach. I worried whether I’dĀ like Lena and if she would fit into our family. Megan sent me a few photos via text of Lena. Each time I saw her adorable face, I knew I had to have her in my life. She was beautiful and I was in love with her. Is it bizarre to fall in love with a dog you’ve never met?
I knocked on Megan’s door and she waved me in while holding back all the dogs. Each one rushed to meet me at the door except Lena. She hugged tight against Megan’s leg.
She let me pet her, but her eyes never strayed from her foster Mom. I found myself feeling guilty for wanting to take her away. Megan assuredĀ me that she had easily attached to her first foster parent and that she had only been with Megan for two weeks. Everything seemed to live up to what Megan had told me. She really was a big dog at 70 pounds, but her ribs were sticking out. LenaĀ was very sweet and definitely mellow. I promised to return in a few days after my commitment to attend theĀ DeWalt event in Baltimore. Before I left, I gave MeganĀ my pillowcase with a t-shirt in it so Lena could get used to my scent.
As the DeWalt event finished up, I left a few hours early to pick up Lena before rush hour traffic. I arrived at Megan’s and she took about 15 minutes to give me Lena’sĀ medical files and helped me fit her new martingale collar. Then Megan walked Lena to my vanĀ and persuadedĀ her to get in. She gave LenaĀ a few send off words and said goodbye to me. As I sat in the driver seat and checked the traffic in Google Maps Lena began to pace in the van. Then she gave one loud bark of protest. I told her not to bark and that was the last peep out of her. It was a long drive back to North Carolina. After a while sheĀ laid down and began to relax. Eventually she dozed off for a little while.
When we walked into the houseĀ my sonĀ smiled big. It was clear that he was happy to have a dog again and he appreciated her calm nature. The next morning Lena met my vet who jokingly said she wished Lena would be more still during her exam. We both laughed because she held impossibly still as the vet poked and prodded her. The vet and I debated Lena’s breed makeup. She is definitely a mixed breed. Perhaps she’s a golden retriever and a german shepherd. I think I’ll just call her a golden shepherd.Ā (Could this be a new designer breed? LOL.)
After the vet appointment I gave her a muchĀ needed bath and grooming. She definitely looks like a well loved dog now.
Lena is a chill dog. She rarely barks, we’ve only heard her barkĀ a few times (and it is always just one bark.) She doesn’t know many commands, but sheĀ knows her name and, “Let’s Go!” Unfortunately we also found out that she has some thunderstorm phobia. I bought a Thunder ShirtĀ with the hope that it will help calm her in a storm situation. I’ll know more as the fireworks start to go off for the Fourth of July.
One of the coolest things about Lena is her tail. It is a beautiful tail that curls at the tip. AsĀ she walks and wags, herĀ tail curls to theĀ left side.
I have to admit, I feel like the lucky one in this relationship. I’m glad to have been able to adopt Lena.
I’m anxious to see how her personality unfolds as she becomes more comfortable with us and as she recovers from her heart worm treatment.
In the meantime, we’re enjoying having her around.
Do you have a rescue dog? Was it love at first sight? And who rescued who? š
What a great story! This may seem strange. But, I was so excited when you said he was an English shepherd. Our family too rescued a dog about 6 years ago from a puppy mill. We got him as a puppy and we were told it was a shepherd Rottweiler mix. However, as it grew..there was no way, that was the case. We have always wondered what on earth our dog was. When I looked at the pics..I was excited. I thought at the end of your story I’m going to google English shepherd to see if that is what our pooch Rocko is-he looks just like your dog! My favorite part though was when you said that he is not that at all…he’s a mix…golden retriever/shepherd …that is what we’ve always thought rocko wasn’t! Ironicallyhis personality sounds identical too. He’s extremely loyal. More loyal to humans than other dogs. When he walks he is soo excited to see people. He could care less about four legged hairy creatures. Mind you squirrels drive I’m bonkers. He also hates thunderstorms and sleeps in the basement.. Congratulations-you just won the dog lottery!
Shannon, our previous dog was an English Shepherd. Lena is definitely a mix, we’re not sure what yet. But, I’m thinking it would be fun to check her DNA. Glad to hear you have a sweet puppy of your own.
Congratulations on your new family member! We adopted a Doberman, two goats and rehabbed a bird. Lol and bought the horse! Full house here. Oddly the goats are the best dogs I’ve ever lived with! They were for the horse but I’m in love.
One thing to try with Lena is desensitize her with playing storm sounds. Maybe give her positive reinforcement when she relaxes a tiny bit. Play the storm sounds then treat and go for a walk? Hope you can help her! Good luck!
Michelle, how funny about the goats. Thanks for the tips on desensitizing Lena. I’ll try some of those ideas soon.
Thank you thank you thank you for rescuing! I volunteer for a Labrador rescue group here in CA…we actually foster-failed with our current dog Moose – he galloped into the house and my guys fell in love. We tried to adopt him out, but nobody seemed to be the right fit for our gentle giant. Except us of course!
I’m so happy for you and your family!
Julie, I’m glad you found room for Moose in your home for his life. My sister had a lab named Moose and he was a gentle giant as well.
Hi Lena from Della (cocker spaniel rescued at 7 months old in November 2006) & Mocha (cocker spaniel rescued at 6 years old in February 2016) & Suzzie (pug rescued at 7 years old in August 2011 and went to the rainbow bridge in October 2015) & our sister Annie (a full bred pug that travelled from Missouri to Michigan) .
Annie is the only one afraid of thunder and fireworks … but goes bizarre about the sound of Harley. She has a hiding spot under Mom’s bed when those scary, loud noises happen.
Thanks Bonnie! Congrats on all your rescued puppies. I’m sorry for your loss of Suzzie. I’m sure you felt you didn’t have her nearly long enough.
The Thundershirt doesn’t work for every dog but it helps my Havanese, Tucker. Fireworks are the worst; keep her inside as a friend lost her dog who bolted during New Years boomers.
Can’t wait to hear more adventures!!
Cathy, thank you. I hope it helps her. And yes, I’ll definitely keeping a close eye on her during the 4th of July and beyond.
Congratulations on the addition of Lena to your loving family! I have a shelter dog, adopted after being left on a nearby reservations. She’s the best!
Katie, thank you and thank you for rescuing your sweet dog.
She is beautiful and super lucky to now be part of your family. Congrats on the new family member.
Thank you Cindy!
What a sweet story and new member for your family Brittany. I look forward to hearing more about her. XO
Thanks Diane! I’m sure she’ll pop in now and again in my posts. Right now she’s attached to my leg most of the time ;-).
This story makes my heart happy! Nothing like a good shop dog, Lena is a gorgeous girl!!
Thanks Carol! I can’t wait to take on my next DIY project with my furry “supervisor.”
Congratulations to both you and Lena.
We recently adopted a dog who is an animal abuse and neglect survivor. She also has issues with thunder and at times seems anxious. A vet had us try ” Composure” by Vetri Science, we buy it at the vets office, and it does seem to help., it is suppose to be natural and comes as a chewable which Hope loves.
Lena is gorgeous and with time she will settle in with you and your family.
Thanks Wanda. I’ll have to ask my vet about Composure. I hope Lena will take it, she’s very picky about treats.
YAY! Happy story! I’m so happy for you and for Lena! Clearly it was meant to be. Rescue dogs are the best. Elvis and Hank say, “Welcome home, Lena!”
Thanks Karen. I agree, love my rescue dogs. All three of my dogs have been adopted.
I’m so glad you found the perfect dog! When I started looking for a dog after 14 years dogless, I found my Callie, and she has been perfect in every way. She was also a PetFinder find, and has been with me for 6 years.
Thanks Terri and congrats on finding Callie.
Looks like a win-win situation to me. We adopted a 2 year old golden retriever we intended to give to my daughter. 24 hours later there was no way we were letting her go. Love this dog way too much. She is the calmest, most laid back dog I’ve ever known. Good luck with your Lena. She has such a sweet face!
Thanks Kay and congrats on your golden. Guess you knew a good dog when you met her ;-).
Congrats on your new family member. We have a dog that has storm issues. The thunder shirt did absolutely nothing. Hope you have better luck. We use doggie anxiety pills instead.
I have to agree with Tammy. My Australian Shepherd is very fearful in thunderstorms, fireworks and sometimes heavy rain gets her going. The only thing the thunder shirt did for her was confirm that she needed to be freaking out… I get a natural product from the vet that seems to help her. She is 14 and cannot take the medicinal product that some vets give to “mellow” them out. She does well with the natural stuff, but she will sometimes react if the thunder and lightening is really strong. Good luck with your Lena. She has a beautiful face and kind eyes. I hope she feels the love y’all have for her.
Thanks Poohhla, I’ll have to look into some other options if the thunder shirt doesn’t help.
Thanks Tammy. If the shirt doesn’t help, I’ll look into some other methods. I’ve got the rest of the summer to experiment. š
Such a sweet story! It tugged on my heart. There is something to be said for that “feeling” we have when it comes to deciding on our next dog. Sometimes you just know they’re the one. Lena’s such a beauty. I love those eyes! I hope it’s a great fit for both of you. I’ve rescued adult dogs twice before and the were both such terrific additions to our home. We’re currently dogless but plan to look for another pup soon. It will be a bonus if our next dog doesn’t mind the sound of power tools too!
Thank you Carol. Adult rescues really are special dogs. š