The Sanctuary Dogs, Part One: Monk & Shiloh
Silverwalk Hounds rescued dogs for 10 years. This past spring, though I planned to rescue for several more years, adoptions to wonderful families happened and I found I didn't have the energy to bring in new dogs. As the adoptable dog population dwindled, Silverwalk Hounds moved from a hound rescue to a foster home for others: rescues/shelters and private families. The transition is bittersweet. It is tough to say "no," but necessary due to my health (always precarious but currently very good) and the welfare of my own dogs, who've paid a price for so much attention, time, and effort being given to the rescue dogs. Rest assured, the adoption contracts are intact - the bottom line in them is if any family cannot keep their Silverwalk Hound dog for any reason (because I know life throws curve balls), the dog comes back to and is welcome at Silverwalk Hounds. The more hounds, the more hound-song!
Having said this, the last Beagle of many lovely Beagles was adopted almost two weeks ago: Obie-Wan. He with the deep brown eyes, thicker than normal soft fur, and a need to be in touch with his people, his cats, and/or his child. He now has all of these in a wonderful home plus a Beagle brother. Ask me how he got his name - it's quite the tale.
Obie-Wan Beagle
Does that mean EVERYONE was adopted? Sadly, no. At least one is not adoptable, the others are poor candidates for various reasons. However, because Silverwalk Hounds is a Sanctuary as well as a former hound rescue, those who remain are welcome here with love, documented care, and training for their natural lives. They are the Sanctuary dogs.
The truly unadoptable Sanctuary dog is Monk. He and his brother Chip came to Silverwalk Hounds as older puppies found in a field after a flooding near New Madrid or thereabouts years ago. Chip found a feral savvy foster home in MN within a year. I tried Monk in Puppies for Parole - disaster: he was terrified. He then went to the most wonderful foster home on earth, only to find/dig a hole and escape. I don't completely understand social media but, when I and his foster mom put out the news re: Monk, friends and their friends exploded with shares, tweets, and whatever other social media there is. We got calls from people I didn't know but they all were looking for Monk - and we found him. He stayed in the same area for three days and nights till he finally jumped in my arms. He was done walking - I had to carry him almost two blocks back to the car. He is here for life without doubt - and he knows it.
Chip, Monk with Shiloh behind_ Monk this past year
Shiloh, above behind Chip and Monk in his younger years, passed his CGC (Canine Good Citizenship), is twice adopted and twice returned, and doesn't mind being on a roof. He is one of the nicest dogs you will ever meet - and you may meet him out wandering around. Do I want him to wander? NO - but he is quiet, moves with lightning stealth should I leave a house gate open, and doesn't wear out his welcome at the neighbors. He says "hi," gets a treat (maybe), and moves on. Shiloh is a complete charmer and makes me crazy. His second home had a 6 FT vinyl privacy fence - he not only got over it but dug under the pavers lining the inside to get out - and come back. Shiloh is Silverwalk Hounds's Mascot; he is adoptable to a home w/o a fence, dedicated to long walks, or to a farm who will let him in the house. However, I fully expect him to live out his years here in Sanctuary. He is a very good mole killer. Sigh. Did I say "charming?" Oh, and Shiloh is United Methodist, having visited Hobbs Chapel on several occasions, once for Sunday School and once for a funeral, that I know of.....A gentleman bicycles by here almost daily. He and Shiloh are good buds, particularly now he brings treats along. Shiloh doesn't follow, he just likes checking in with his friend.
Shiloh, in need of a GPS system
These are two of the four Sanctuary dogs. Next week: Minnie and Archie the Tyrant!
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