But the first story is a good one--Chiquita found her forever home! We're so happy for her, and her new family. From the first time we talked to her new owner, Steven, we knew she was going to a great home. He was immediately smitten with her and kept asking us for more photos. He asked all the right questions and made us feel very comfortable putting her in his care. We were really excited about him as a potential adopter. His application was great. Steven is a police officer, has a regular work schedule so he gets home early and can walk her each day. And he's just such a nice guy.
He had come to the house to meet her, and brought Jodie, his girlfriend, who despite not living with him will absolutely be Chiquita's new mom. They stayed a hour with her and were positively in love.
Knowing this was a great match, we asked another volunteer, Cat, who lived near his home to do the home visit. When she got there, they had bought the exact dog bed we had for her, made her treats and cookies, bought her toys. Clearly, they were prepared. Cat called us from their home and when she told Steven he would get her that day, he picked her up and gave her a big bear hug.
We drove Chiquita to her knew home, and although it was a little sad to know we wouldn't have her anymore, it was exciting to know that we were giving her to a great guy who would give her an amazing life. We stayed about an hour with Steven, Jodie, and Chiquita, making sure everyone felt comfortable. She immediately took to one of the toys they bought her--a pink fluffy stuffed puppy. She dragged it around the house and tossed it in the air, trying to catch it. But mostly, she spent her time licking Steven and Jodie. A lot. She's a licker and boy did she let them have it. It was to the point that she was jumping on them, completely in their laps, licking their faces. Eventually Steven commented that he would work on training the next day, she could lick away as much as she wanted, he was so happy to have her.
When we left, it was a little sad and Chiquita did try to follow us. I told Jodie to get a cookie and she would completely ignore us. (True story--we are not as valuable as the ones with the cookies.) but mostly we were thrilled to have saved and adopted out our first foster dog.
Later in the week, Steven checked in with us and told her she was doing wonderfully. They did rename her--her new name is Fiona and I think it's perfect. She's settled in quite nicely and they even made her a special Thanksgiving dinner of turkey, rice and vegetables, which she loved, of course. they've had a lot of success on walks and everyone stops to say how beautiful she is. Steven's aiming to get her trained so she can pass her Canine Good Citizen test and possible be a therapy dog. I can't think of anything more fitting since having her in my life was such a wonderful experience.
We miss her a little bit, but are looking forward to our next foster dog, Rondo, who I'm sure will have his own personality and unique challenges. Dave is picking him up today, so I guess I'll find out more when I get home.
No comments:
Post a Comment